The eyebrows rest along the bony socket above the eyes, where the orbital rim lies. With age, the position of the brow can fall lower than the bony ridge, making the eyes appear smaller, tired, and angry. The change in brow position may occur due to the natural loss of elasticity in the skin and may be exacerbated by the downward pull of muscles around the eyes. Thanks to the development of cosmetic injectables, some people may be able to address a drooping brow with Botox. However, this solution is not right for everyone. There are several factors to take into consideration. In some cases, the question is not "surgery or no surgery?" but "brow lift or eyelid surgery?"
What is a Brow Lift?
The brow lift is a precise procedure that lifts tissue from brow to hairline. The technique not only opens up the eyes and repositions the brow across the orbital rim, but also lifts the forehead. There are several surgical techniques which may be employed to complete the brow lift, each intended for a specific result. For instance, a lateral brow lift will focus on the outer corners of the brow, rather than the center.
What is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is performed with the intent of removing excess skin on the upper or lower eyelid area. With age, the fibrous bands of collagen and elastin that keep skin taut begin to fray. In a weakened state, they can no longer support elasticity, and the skin begins to sag. The weaker the matrix of collagen, the looser skin becomes. Some patients who seek blepharoplasty do so for cosmetic reasons, while others require functional blepharoplasty to improve vision. Yes, skin can become so saggy that it hangs down in front of the eye!
Which Procedure do You Need?
There is a simple way to assess whether you may need a brow lift or eyelid surgery. If you stand in front of a mirror with your facial muscles relaxed and use your fingers to lift up the forehead and brows, you will see what a brow lift can do for you. If the skin on the eyes does not lift when you do this, eyelid surgery may be the best choice. However, keep in mind that these two procedures are often performed together to achieve the most complementary outcome. The best way to see what cosmetic eye surgery can do for you is to consult with an experienced physician. Stop imagining and start planning.
Schedule your consultation at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery.
