Key Takeaways
- Aging slows collagen and elastin production, causing the eyelid and brow skin to sag, wrinkle, and develop puffiness that makes the eyes look tired.
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids to restore an open, refreshed, and youthful eye area.
- A brow lift elevates a heavy, drooping brow that causes the upper eyelids to appear hooded and can complement eyelid surgery for more complete rejuvenation.
- Non-surgical options like BOTOX can soften crow's feet and provide a subtle brow lift without requiring incisions or recovery time.
- Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon helps patients determine the right combination of procedures to achieve their specific eye rejuvenation goals.
3 Minute Read:
Our eyes are important to the entire aesthetic quality of our faces and are even said to be windows to our souls.
For many men and women, their eyes are their best and most stunning facial feature. However, age and life events can cause the skin around the eyes (especially the eyelids and eyebrows) to suffer from cosmetic concerns, including sagging skin, puffiness, and wrinkles.
These skin issues can rob you of your youthful appearance and make you feel self-conscious about the way you look. However, an eyelid lift and brow lift can help revitalize your eyes to get you back to looking and feeling your very best.
What Are These Procedures?
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin in our skin slows down. These natural proteins are responsible for the overall health, strength, and elasticity of the skin, which means the less collagen and elastin in the skin, the more cosmetic issues we experience.
This process can cause the appearance of bags under the eyes, sagging skin around the eyebrows, wrinkles across the forehead, and drooping eyelids (which can be unsightly, making you look older and more worn down than you want). Sagging eyelids can even obstruct your vision).
Eyelid Lift
With an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), aesthetic concerns on the eyelids are addressed. And what makes eyelid surgery such a good option for many men and women is that it is customizable to your specific needs.
You can choose to have upper blepharoplasty (which addresses issues on the upper eyelid), lower blepharoplasty (which helps correct concerns in the lower eyelids, including bags under the eyes), or a combination of both.
An incision will be made in the natural creases of your eyelid for upper eyelid surgery or below the eyelashes or within the eyelid for lower eyelid surgery. Muscle tissue and fat will then be removed and/or repositioned, and excess skin will be surgically excised before the incision is closed.
Brow Lift
Also known as a forehead lift, brow lift surgery helps to reduce the presence and appearance of wrinkles on the forehead along with any sagging skin in the eyebrows that can cause you to look older and angrier than you actually are.
There are two techniques to this procedure: a coronal brow lift or an endoscopic brow lift. For a coronal lift, an incision will be made in the hairline that stretches from one ear to the other. A portion of the skin will be surgically removed, and any problematic tissue will be removed or repositioned before the incision is closed.
For an endoscopic procedure, several small incisions will be made. An endoscope (a thin instrument with a camera at the end of it) will be inserted through one of the incisions, and with it, muscle and tissue in the area will be tightened and anchored in place. The type of brow lift procedure you have performed is dependent on the correction needed, which will be determined at your consultation.
What Are the Benefits of These Cosmetic Procedures?
Whether you have an eyelid lift, brow lift, or a combination of both surgeries, you can look forward to a more revitalized appearance to your eyes. You can smile with confidence, knowing that you look as great as you feel.
Additionally, some men and women choose to combine their eye procedure with facelift surgery to better achieve a more complete facial rejuvenation. At your consultation, your plastic surgeon will help you decide which procedure(s) is best for you.
Eyelid Surgery in Virginia
If you are interested in rejuvenating the appearance of your eyes, or you want to learn more about any of the other procedures and treatments we offer, contact NOVA Plastic Surgery and Dermatology at (703) 215-9152 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation. Also, follow us on Instagram @novaplasticsurgery.com to see before and after transformations and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the eyes to look aged and tired over time?
As we age, collagen and elastin production slows, causing the skin around the eyes to lose its strength and elasticity. This leads to sagging upper eyelids, puffiness, under-eye bags, wrinkles, and a heavy brow, all of which create a tired or older-looking appearance.
What is blepharoplasty and what does it treat?
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, removes excess skin, fat, and tissue from the upper and lower eyelids. It addresses sagging upper eyelid skin that may impair vision, under-eye puffiness, and loose lower eyelid skin, restoring a more open, alert, and refreshed appearance to the entire eye area.
Can a brow lift be combined with eyelid surgery?
Yes. A brow lift and blepharoplasty are commonly performed together because they address different but related concerns. The brow lift elevates drooping brow tissue that pushes down on the upper eyelids, while blepharoplasty directly removes excess eyelid skin, giving the eyes a more complete and comprehensive rejuvenation.
Are there non-surgical options for eye rejuvenation?
Yes. BOTOX is an effective non-surgical option for softening crow's feet around the eyes and creating a subtle brow lift. Dermal fillers can also address under-eye hollowing. These non-surgical treatments are a good starting point for younger patients or those who prefer to avoid surgery.
How do I know if I need eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both?
The right approach depends on where the concern originates. If the upper eyelids look heavy mainly because of a drooping brow, a brow lift may be the better solution. If excess skin on the eyelids themselves is the main issue, blepharoplasty is appropriate. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will determine the best plan for your individual anatomy.