Naples, FL Plastic Surgeons Explain Differences Between Blepharoplasty and Brow Lift

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul… but they’re also a central focus of your face, which usually makes them the first thing other people notice when looking at you! The area around the eyes is also one of the first parts of the face to display visible signs of aging. Gravity, genetics, too much sun, and other environmental stressors can all influence how this area of your face looks as you age and contribute to droopy eyelids, puffiness, crow’s feet, frown lines, thickened eyebrows, furrows, and a general look of tiredness.

Patients consulting with Naples Plastic Surgery are often surprised to learn that there are two procedures which can address aging skin concerns around the eyes: blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and the brow lift (forehead lift), each of which addresses different underlying skin and fat conditions affecting the eye area. With extensive training and experience performing both procedures, our surgeons are adept at explaining the differences between the two and in detailing how each works to dramatically rejuvenate the eye area to make you look more youthful and refreshed.

Blepharoplasty One of the Top Performed Plastic Surgeries

While both procedures are effective at correcting age-related skin conditions around the eyes, plastic surgeons on the whole perform far more blepharoplasties than brow lifts. In fact, blepharoplasty is the third most performed cosmetic surgical procedure overall after breast augmentation and liposuction, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Blepharoplasty is most effective at addressing eyelid drooping caused by sagging skin and/or excess fat tissue that develops above the upper part of the eyes and starts hanging over the eyelid. These skin conditions, which can also impact the lower eyelid area, disrupt the natural contours of the eye area and eyelids, and can lead to impaired vision in severe cases.

Performed on an outpatient basis, eyelid surgery involves making small incisions along the crease of the upper eyelid and/or along the eyelash line of the lower lid if needed. Excess fat and skin is then removed. This helps eliminate any puffiness around the eyes and leaves patients with smoother skin and a rejuvenated appearance.

Brow Lift Raises Eyebrows, Drooping Eyelids, and Smooths Furrows

As you age, gravity inevitably causes skin, fat, and muscle tissue in your brow to descend and push into the eyebrow and upper eye area. Along with creating furrows in the forehead, this can make your eyebrows look heavy and droopy, and can form frown lines between the eyes that create the appearance of a permanent scowl.

Brow lift surgery is also performed on an outpatient basis and relies on inconspicuous incisions made behind the hairline or within the scalp, after which the forehead skin is pulled back and realigned higher. Depending upon your condition, your surgeon may need to also remove any muscle tissue that may be contributing to the downward pull of other forehead tissue.

Some Patients Opt for Both Procedures

Deciding which surgery will help you meet your aesthetic needs is best determined by a one-on-one consultation with one of our surgeons. In some cases, the underlying causes of aging eye skin symptoms are related to both excess upper eyelid tissue and a drooping brow. Thus, your surgeon may recommend combining both procedures to achieve the most stellar results.

Learn More Through a Consultation at Naples Plastic Surgery

If you would like to learn more about how these cosmetic surgeries can help correct the symptoms of aging around your eyes and make you appear years younger, one of our highly skilled plastic surgeons would be happy to speak to you in a one-on-one consultation. Call Naples Plastic Surgery today at 239.566.2611 to schedule your initial consultation.