Brow Lift vs. Blepharoplasty: Which is Right for You?
It is bound to happen sometime. One day, you look in the mirror and the face looking back at you appears much older and wearier than you feel. This is the time to take matters into your own hands and explore your options in anti-aging procedures. But how do you know which one to choose? If the primary areas of concern involve your eyes and brow area, you have two good options – a brow lift and blepharoplasty.
What is a Brow Lift?
A brow lift is a surgical procedure to lift the brow area and smooth away wrinkles from the brow and forehead. This procedure requires an incision usually hidden in the hairline, in which Dr. Rappaport can reposition the forehead muscles and remove excess, sagging skin from the upper face. There are a number of different techniques Dr. Rappaport can use for this procedure to ensure he meets the aesthetic goals of each of his patients.
A brow lift can create a refreshed appearance by opening up the eyes and eliminating wrinkles that can make you look perpetually tired or angry. Candidates for a brow lift usually have a brow line that has dropped to or beneath the orbital rim, which is the bony socket where the eyeball rests. They may also notice that their brows have shifted from their youthful, arched position to a more horizontal shape.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a procedure that removes sagging skin and excess tissue from the eyelids to open up the eyes and refresh your appearance. The procedure may be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both lids at the same time, depending on the preference of the patient. Incisions are usually placed inside the eyelids or in the natural creases of the eyes, where visible scarring will be minimal.
This surgery is often recommended for patients that have experienced drooping or sagging eyelids that make them look chronically tired or even impair their line of vision. When performing an upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Rappaport may also use the incision to effectively smooth away vertical lines between the eyebrows, known as frown lines or the “11s.” The procedure may also smooth away some wrinkles below the eye, although additional procedures may be recommended to ensure the best results if this is a goal for the patient.
Making a Choice
Choosing between a brow lift and eyelid surgery can be more difficult that it sounds. Some patients may be unsure which procedure will meet their specific needs and goals best. In general, a brow lift is more effective if the signs of aging appear along the eyebrows and forehead. Examining the position and shape of the brow line is a good test.
If the problem lies more directly with the eyelids themselves, blepharoplasty is likely the better choice. While this won’t raise your brow line, it can significantly open up the eyes for a refreshed look. If your vision is impeded by drooping lids, a blepharoplasty is usually a must and may be covered under your insurance policy.
When Two is Better than One
In some cases, patients may find a combination of a brow lift and eyelid surgery will give them the best results. These two procedures can easily be combined into a single surgery, so you reap the full benefits with just one time under anesthesia and one recovery period. Dr. Rappaport will discuss your concerns and goals before recommending the best approach for you.
If you are ready to refresh your appearance, call Houston Center for Plastic Surgery at (713) 790-4500 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Rappaport and find out if a brow lift or blepharoplasty is right for you.