We do more than just see with our eyes – we express ourselves through them. It can sometimes be frustrating when signs of aging catch up to us and we realize our eyes are droopier and more tired-looking than usual. The good news is there are lots of options to get your eyes to be just as expressive and refreshed as they always were.
A blepharoplasty, or upper and lower eyelid lift, removes excess skin and fat both above and below the eyes to make the eyes appear more youthful. This eliminates any “hooded” or tired, droopy effect that often happens over time as we age. It also gets rid of fatty pockets and dark circles under the eyes to make you look more bright and awake.
Blepharoplasty is typically done with light anesthesia in our office or ambulatory outpatient facility. A small incision is made in the natural crease of your upper eyelid and excess skin and fat is removed. The incisions are closed and heal in the natural crease of the eyes. Lower eyelid surgery is often done with incisions hidden on the inside of the eyelid so there is no visible scar. An advanced Fraxel laser is used to tighten and refresh the skin under the eyes.
Most patients return home just a few hours after the surgery is complete. After returning home, recovery takes about one to two weeks. After this time, you can return to your normal non-strenuous activities like work. Most patients feel confident going in public and being social about seven to 10 days after their surgery. You may experience mild swelling and bruising, but that typically resolves on its own.
Brow lift surgery deals with droopy brows and sagging forehead skin. With this procedure, the eyebrows are gently lifted to restore their natural arch and restore a youthful appearance. To enhance results, Botox can be used to further diminish lines on the forehead, minimize crow’s feet wrinkles around the eyes, and lessen frown lines between the eyebrows.
Most brow lifts are minimally invasive procedures that use small incisions that are hidden in the hairline. The muscle underneath the skin is gently lifted and reset to get rid of heavy, tired brows.
This procedure is also typically done in an outpatient setting under anesthesia, with patients able to return home a few hours after the procedure is done. Recovery from the procedure can last up to one week, after which you can return to work and most non-strenuous activities. Detailed post-operative care will be given by your doctor after your procedure, including our specially created Rapid Recovery Protocol to help you heal quickly.
An eyebrow lift is typically performed in addition to blepharoplasty to enhance the results of brighter, more youthful eyes. Candidates who benefit from one of the procedures will often benefit from the other. Having two procedures done at once that complement each other is actually called Combination Therapy, and is encouraged by our doctors to achieve your desired results.
If you are interested in learning more about blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation today.
