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Solutions for Saggy Eyelids – Do I need an Eyelid Lift Surgery or a Forehead Lift?
The skin gradually loses collagen, leading to a loss of elasticity as part of the natural ageing process. People may begin to notice sagging and loose skin around the upper part of the face, including the eyes, eyebrows, and forehead. This can make people look significantly older and cause them to have a naturally tired-looking facial appearance. Blepharoplasty and brow lift are two types of facial cosmetic surgery commonly performed in the UK that are designed to improve the youthfulness of the upper part of the face. An eyebrow lift can be used to address sagging or droopy eyebrows. Eyelid lift surgery can help to correct puffy or droopy eyelids. Both procedures can even be combined in the same operation to rejuvenate the upper one-third of the face.
Centre for Surgery is a specialist plastic surgery clinic in London, and our cosmetic surgeons have extensive experience in all types of facial rejuvenation surgery, including blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery. Once you have had a consultation, you will be given customised recommendations on the ideal treatment or combination of treatments to achieve a refreshed and rejuvenated brow and eyelids.
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What is Blepharoplasty?
The procedure can be performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons. For some people, sagging or drooping eyelids can interfere with their vision and cause discomfort. For others, the appearance of the eyelids may make them appear tired or older than they actually are, which can lead to a lack of confidence or self-esteem.
During a blepharoplasty procedure, the surgeon will make incisions along the natural lines and creases of the eyelids to minimise scarring. The excess skin and fat are then removed or repositioned, and the underlying muscles may also be tightened. The incisions are then closed with sutures or tissue glue.
Blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anaesthesia with sedation at our Baker Street clinic. General anaesthesia may be used for more extensive procedures, especially when combined with a facelift. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery, but most patients can expect to return to work and normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with blepharoplasty, including bleeding, infection, dry eyes, and vision changes.
What is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift, also known as an eyebrow lift or forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to lift and tighten the skin and soft tissue of the forehead and eyebrows. This procedure can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, creases, and drooping skin in the forehead area, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance. There are several causes of droopy eyebrows, including prolonged sun, exposure, genetics, stress and age. People may begin to notice eyebrow sagging and the formation of deeper lines and wrinkles on the forehead.
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During a brow lift procedure, the surgeon will make incisions in the scalp and lift the skin and underlying tissue to reposition the eyebrows and smooth out wrinkles and lines.
There are three main types of brow lift surgery:
- Traditional open (coronal) brow lift – this is the most invasive type of brow lift and involves making a long incision extending from one year to another across the hairline.
- Endoscopic brow lift – this is the least invasive type of brow lift and involves making for small incisions located within the hairline and using a specialised endoscope and camera system to release the eyebrow soft tissues before raising the sagging brow to a more lifted position
- Temporal brow lift (mini brow lift) – this procedure involves making two shorter incisions just above the lateral part of each eyebrow.
Brow lift surgery typically takes 1-2 hours to complete and is performed under general anaesthesia. Recovery time varies depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery, but most patients can expect to return to work and normal activities within 7-10 days. A lateral brow lift can be performed under local anaesthetic in selected cases, depending on the extent of surgical correction required.
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What’s the Difference between a Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty?
While a brow lift and blepharoplasty are both cosmetic procedures, they target different areas of the face. A brow lift is best suited for people who have sagging brows or deep forehead wrinkles, while blepharoplasty is ideal for those who have puffy bags under their eyes, droopy eyelids, or excess skin around the eyes. In some cases, a combination of the two procedures may be recommended to achieve the desired results.
How to Determine if Blepharoplasty is Right for You
Considering blepharoplasty can be a significant decision, particularly if you are troubled by the appearance or function of your eyelids. Here are some key indicators that this surgical procedure might be beneficial for you:
If your upper eyelids sag or droop, it could be more than a cosmetic concern. Such issues often make you look more tired or older than you actually are. In some cases, this sagging skin can even obstruct your vision, especially when it hangs over your eyelashes. Correcting this can not only enhance your appearance but also improve your sight.
The condition of your lower eyelids can also be a factor. If you have excess fat or skin in this area, it might give your eyes a puffy or baggy look. This often results in a perpetually tired appearance and may contribute to under-eye bags or dark circles. Blepharoplasty can address these issues, making your eyes look more youthful and refreshed.
Vision impairment due to drooping upper eyelids is another critical reason to consider blepharoplasty. When excess skin obstructs your vision, removing it and tightening the muscles underneath can significantly widen your field of vision. This not only makes daily activities easier but also enhances your overall quality of life.
Beyond the physical aspects, psychological distress linked to your eyelids’ appearance can be profound. If you find yourself feeling self-conscious or embarrassed about how your eyelids look, it can take a toll on your mental well-being and confidence. Undergoing blepharoplasty can help you feel better about your appearance, boosting your self-esteem and improving your overall quality of life.
How Do I Know If I Need a Brow Lift?
If you are experiencing sagging brows, deep forehead wrinkles, or hooding of the upper eyelids, a brow lift may be a good option for you. Other signs that you may benefit from a brow lift include a tired or angry appearance, difficulty applying makeup to the forehead area, or an asymmetrical brow line.
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During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss your goals and concerns. They may also use computer imaging to give you an idea of what your results may look like. If you decide to proceed with the procedure, your surgeon will develop a customised treatment plan based on your unique needs and anatomy.
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Which Is Better – Blepharoplasty Or Brow Lift?
Both blepharoplasty and brow lift are cosmetic surgical procedures that can improve the appearance of the eyes and surrounding areas. However, the best option for you depends on the specific concerns you have and the results you want to achieve. There are several factors which should be taken into account when choosing between a brow, lift surgery or blepharoplasty, including:
- The degree of facial ageing you have
- What aspects of facial ageing would you like to have corrected
- Your expectations for treatment and whether these are considered realistic
Having an in-person consultation at the Centre for Surgery will help you to make an informed decision on the best treatment to rejuvenate your upper face.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It can help address issues such as hooded eyelids, sagging skin, bags under the eyes, and drooping eyelids that could be obstructing vision. Blepharoplasty is a good option if your main concern is the appearance of your eyelids.
A brow lift, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the skin and soft tissue of the forehead and eyebrows. It can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, creases, and drooping skin in the forehead area, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Brow lift surgery is a good option if your main concern is droopy eyebrows, forehead lines and wrinkles and impaired vision due to sagging eyebrows.
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Can You Combine a Blepharoplasty With a Brow Lift in the Same Procedure?
Yes, combining a brow lift with blepharoplasty in the same procedure is possible. In fact, combining the two procedures can often provide more comprehensive results and can help to create a more harmonious and balanced appearance.
By combining a brow lift with blepharoplasty, the surgeon can address both the forehead and eyelids, improving the appearance of the eyes and surrounding area more comprehensively. This can be especially beneficial for patients who have significant signs of ageing in both areas.
Combining the two procedures can also help to minimise the overall recovery time and cost, as both surgeries can be performed at the same time.
Blepharoplasty vs Brow Lift FAQs
Is an eyelid lift the same as blepharoplasty?
Yes, an eyelid lift is the same as blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is commonly known as an eyelid lift. It is designed to improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. The goal of the procedure is to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance of the eyes and surrounding area.
Can a blepharoplasty get rid of wrinkles around the eyes?
Blepharoplasty can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes, but it is not specifically designed to target wrinkles. It is designed to remove excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
While blepharoplasty is not intended to target wrinkles, the removal of excess skin and fat from the eyelids can help to smooth out some wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. In addition, by addressing issues such as sagging skin and bags under the eyes, blepharoplasty can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Blepharoplasty is not a substitute for other cosmetic treatments that specifically target wrinkles, such as wrinkle-relaxing injections or dermal fillers. If your primary concern is wrinkles around the eyes, it may be more appropriate to consider these types of treatments, or a combination of treatments, to achieve the best possible results.
Can a brow lift fix hooded eyes?
Yes, a brow lift can sometimes help to fix hooded eyes. Hooded eyes occur when excess skin on the brow or forehead causes the upper eyelid to droop or sag. This can create a tired, aged appearance and may even impair vision in some cases.
During a brow lift, the surgeon will reposition the muscles and tissue in the forehead and brow area to lift the eyebrows and smooth the forehead skin. This can raise the position of the upper eyelids and reduce the appearance of hooding.
Brow lift surgery may not be the best option for everyone with hooded eyes. In some cases, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may be a better option. This is because hooded eyes can be caused by excess skin or fat on the upper eyelids, rather than on the forehead or brow area.
Will a brow lift change my eye shape?
Yes, a brow lift can change the shape of your eyes to some extent. A brow lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the skin and soft tissue of the forehead and eyebrows. Lifting the eyebrows can help open up the eyes and create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
The degree to which a brow lift changes the shape of the eyes depends on a variety of factors, including the patient’s individual anatomy and the technique used by the surgeon. In some cases, a brow lift can make the eyes look more open and alert, with a more pronounced eyelid crease. In other cases, a brow lift can help to correct a “hooded” or heavy appearance of the upper eyelids, creating a more defined and attractive eye shape.
What Can You Expect After a Blepharoplasty or Forehead Lift?
Post-surgery, your eyes may exhibit swelling and bruising, which are common signs of recovery. This discomfort typically subsides within a week. To manage any pain, you might be prescribed pain relief medication. Bandages or special tapes are often used to aid in healing and protect the incision areas. Following your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions is crucial for optimal healing. These instructions will include guidance on bandage removal and the schedule for follow-up consultations. Over time, the initial swelling and bruising will diminish, revealing the full benefits of the surgery.
Will You Be Awake During a Blepharoplasty or Forehead Lift?
These procedures usually involve either local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. With local anaesthesia and sedation, the area around your eyes is numbed, and you remain awake but relaxed. General anaesthesia, on the other hand, ensures you’re asleep throughout the procedure. The choice of anaesthesia depends on various factors, including the procedure’s complexity, your medical history, and personal preferences. Your surgeon will discuss these options with you to determine the most suitable one. Regardless of the choice, your safety and comfort are prioritised, with continuous monitoring during the surgery and careful observation in the recovery area afterwards.
Is Recovery from Blepharoplasty Painful?
Patients often experience mild to moderate discomfort post-surgery, which can be managed with either over-the-counter or prescription pain medication, as advised by your surgeon. Adhering to the surgeon’s postoperative instructions, including medication schedules, attending follow-up appointments, and refraining from strenuous activities, is essential for a smooth recovery. Although there may be some discomfort, many patients find the results, a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance, to be worth it.
Does a Forehead Lift Qualify as Major Surgery?
While a forehead lift is not considered ‘major surgery’ in the traditional sense — it doesn’t involve large incisions or extended hospital stays — it is still a significant surgical procedure. It requires careful planning and meticulous attention to detail to ensure a successful outcome.
Schedule a consultation at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery in London is considered the leading plastic surgery clinic in the UK. We are home to specialist facial plastic surgeons with considerable expertise in upper facial rejuvenation surgery, including both brow lifts and blepharoplasty. Book a consultation today at our Baker Street clinic by calling us on 020 7993 4849 or completing the contact form below.
