Do I Need a Brow Lift or an Eyelid Lift?

Do I Need a Brow Lift or an Eyelid Lift?

To battle sagging, droopy skin around the eyes, many patients consider cosmetic surgery. But which procedure is right for you?

There are two primary options to achieve brighter, more youthful looking eyes: a brow lift or an eyelid lift. Some assume these are the same surgical procedure, but there are inherent differences.

What is an eyelid lift?

Technically called blepharoplasty, an eyelid lift removes excess skin and fat around the eyes. Muscles may also be tightened during the procedure. An eyelid lift can be done for cosmetic or medical reasons, as some people experience impaired vision due to excess skin.

From a cosmetic standpoint, eyelid surgery will open the eyes, make them look bigger, brighter and more youthful. It can be done on one eyelid or both. On the lower lid, eyelid surgery can also reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. An eyelid lift won't address crow's feet on the sides of your eyes. 

What is a brow lift?

Sometimes called a forehead lift, a brow lift addresses multiple imperfections. It tightens the skin on the forehead and in the eyebrow area. The procedure softens and improves the appearance of a furrowed brow that may result in a permanent expression of concern or anger. The skin around your eyes that may cause them to appear "hooded" is also tightened during the procedure.

In most cases, a brow lift can be performed with minimal incisions, meaning there will be very little scarring. Small incisions in the scalp just above the hairline allow a cosmetic surgeon to tighten the skin on the forehead. No hair is removed during the procedure. Cases of very significant sagging and wrinkles may require an open brow lift which results in a longer incision. Those cases are rare, and most brow lifts are achieved with smaller incisions.

Which is right for you?

You'll need to examine which areas of your eyes need to be addressed. For example, if your brows are in a good position, but your upper eyelid sags, making it difficult to see or apply makeup, you may be a candidate for eyelid surgery. If the skin on your forehead and brow are creased, but you have no extra skin around your eyes, a brow lift may be in order.

In some cases, a patient may require both procedures to achieve the look they want. Combining both procedures creates a balanced, rejuvenated appearance that eliminates multiple imperfections at once.