When it comes to facial surgery, there are a few options that people tend to consider. Two of these options include eyelid lifts and brow lifts. While these procedures may sound like the same procedure, they are actually two distinct procedures. But what is the difference between these procedures? And which one is right for you? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at two popular facial surgeries: eyelid lifts and brow lifts. We will define each procedure, list who would be an ideal candidate, and explain how it is performed. Then we will point out the specific differences between these two procedures.
What is an eyelid lift?
An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. This procedure can correct:
- drooping lower eyelids
- puffy bags under the eyes
- excess skin on the lower eyelid
- fine wrinkles on the lower eyelid
- loose or sagging skin that form folds in the upper eyelids
Ideal candidates for eyelid lift surgery are individuals who are in good overall health and who don’t smoke. However, people who have certain eye conditions, such as eyelid ptosis, may not be ideal candidates for an eyelid lift. For this reason, it is important to be examined by an experienced plastic surgeon to determine if you are an ideal candidate.
Eyelid surgery is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure begins with your surgeon making incisions in the natural creases of the upper and/or lower eyelids. Excess skin and fat are then removed and the muscles are tightened. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures or skin glue. Your eyes may also be loosely covered with gauze.
When recovering from eyelid surgery, you can expect to experience some swelling and bruising. It is also somewhat common to experience eye irritation, dry eyes, and general discomfort. Most people recover from eyelid surgery within two weeks. However, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Although your results will immediately be visible after surgery, you will need to wait for the swelling to subside before you can appreciate the full effect of the surgery. These results are permanent, however the surgery does not prevent future aging. Because of this, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle and practice sun protection to maintain your results.
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the forehead and eyebrows. This procedure can correct:
- hooded upper eyelids
- deep creases in the forehead
- horizontal wrinkles across the forehead
- sagging or low position of the eyebrows
- wrinkles across the bridge of the nose in between the eyes
Ideal candidates for brow lift surgery are individuals who are in good overall health and who don’t smoke. However, people who have certain conditions may not be ideal candidates for a brow lift. For this reason, it is important to be examined by an experienced plastic surgeon to determine if you are an ideal candidate.
Brow lift surgery is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure begins with your surgeon making incisions in the hairline. Then a small tube with a camera (endoscope) will be inserted into the incisions along with special tools. These tools are used to tighten the muscles and make other tissue adjustments as needed. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures. The forehead may also be taped or wrapped to minimize swelling and bruising.
When recovering from a brow lift, one can expect bruising and swelling around the forehead and eyes. This usually lasts for two weeks. There may also be a thin tube present to drain excess blood and fluid from under the skin. One should also expect to have some numbness in the area, which usually goes away after a few weeks. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for care during your recovery period. Most people can return to work and their normal routine within two weeks after surgery.
Although your results will immediately be visible after surgery, you will need to wait for the swelling to subside before you can appreciate the full effect of the surgery. These results are permanent, however the surgery does not prevent future aging. Because of this, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle and practice sun protection to maintain your results.
What’s the Difference?
So, what is the difference between these two procedures? The biggest difference is that an eyelid lift is performed on the upper eyelids, while a brow lift is performed on the forehead and brow area. This means that an eyelid lift is ideal for people who have drooping eyelids or puffy bags under their eyes, while a brow lift is ideal for people who have drooping eyebrows, furrows in their forehead, or crow’s feet.
However, you don’t necessarily need to choose between one or the other. In some cases, eyelid lift surgery can be performed in coordination with brow lift surgery. Of course, this approach offers the best of both treatments and yields more dramatic results than either procedure alone. One of the main benefits to this approach is that you only need to undergo a single surgery and a single recovery. However, the surgery is slightly more involved as is the recovery process.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we have covered the basics of two popular facial rejuvenation procedures: eyelid lift surgery and brow lift surgery. Eyelid surgery is ideal for people who have drooping eyelids or puffy bags under their eyes, while a brow lift is ideal for people who have drooping eyebrows, furrows in their forehead, or crow’s feet. While you can choose to undergo one procedure or the other, in many cases it may make more sense to opt for both surgeries at the same time. This can save you time and money in the long run while still providing you with dramatic results.
If you are considering either of these procedures, be sure to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss your options and find out what is best for you.
