Simply Hancock! A Quarterly Blog by Dr. Ellen Hancock

Simply Dr. Hancock 

A Quarterly Blog by Dr. Ellen Hancock, board certified plastic surgeon | @ellenhancockmd 

Ringing in the New Year: What’s New in Aesthetics 

As we move into a new year (and a new cycle of Zoom calls, gatherings, and high-definition selfies), subtle upper-face procedures are taking the spotlight. Natural-looking, low-downtime tweaks that make you look more awake, less stressed, and just a little bit more you. 

I have noticed that upper blepharoplasty and endoscopic brow lifts have been quietly gaining popularity. If you’ve noticed friends, coworkers, or influencers suddenly looking well-rested… these may be why. 

Upper Blepharoplasty: The “More Awake” Makeover 

Upper blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid surgery, has become a go-to for people looking to brighten up the eyes without dramatically changing their appearance. I think it’s one of the biggest “bang for your buck” easy procedures to do. Your eyes are refreshed by removing extra skin and creating a cleaner, more open eyelid. 

Why people love it:       

• Eyes look more lifted and defined      
• Makeup applies more smoothly and actually stays visible (no more smudging!)      
• The procedure is subtle—most people won’t pinpoint what changed      
• Quick recovery – 1 week with sutures in, 2 weeks and you’re back to full activity      
• Results tend to last for years (average is 10-15 years before your next one!) 

This key to this surgery is to preserve what makes you, you: your ethnicity, your masculinity or femininity, and your unique features. I love a good blepharoplasty that is tailored to the patient. 

Endoscopic Brow Lifts: The Hidden-Lift 

Brow lifts have evolved, and the endoscopic approach is my favorite approach. Instead of longer incisions hidden in the hairline, this technique uses 1 cm incisions hidden in the hair to gently elevate the brows and smooth the upper forehead. I use an endoscope, or camera, to elevate the brow, down to the bone, and resuspend the brow. Heavy 11’s can also be addressed in the endoscopic brow lift. 

The goal isn’t “surprised” brows like the browlifts of the past—it’s lightly refreshed, relaxed ones. 

What people appreciate:       

• A subtle lift that opens the eyes      
• Softer lines across the forehead      
• Tiny, well-hidden incisions      
• Quick recovery- 2 weeks with sutures in and back to full activity 

Think of it as resetting the upper face to where it was five or ten years ago, not reinventing it. Again, the most elegant facial surgery is natural, subtle changes. 

Together, They’re a Power Pair 

While each procedure works beautifully on its own, combining them can be a showstopper in the right patient. The brow lift opens and elevates, while the blepharoplasty refines and brightens. Together, if done aesthetically, they create the kind of quiet refresh that doesn’t look “done”—just well-rested and naturally lifted. 

The Bottom Line 

Concluding 2025 and looking forward to 2026, the aesthetic trend is all about subtlety. Upper blepharoplasty and endoscopic brow lifts aren’t designed to change the way you look—they’re meant to bring back clarity, openness, and a lighter expression. For many, they’re the difference between “tired” and “bright,” or “stressed” and “refreshed.” 

In an age where cameras pick up everything, fine tuning your upper face can offer a little boost with results that last—and without stepping too far outside your comfort zone. 

Stay tuned for Spring 2026 trends and techniques. The world of aesthetics can be confusing with all the influencing noise online. What is real? What is fake? Want a simple answer? Come back to this simple blog for an American board of plastic surgery, board certified plastic surgeon’s recommendations.  

Have a burning question that you want me to talk about? Write into our email at [email protected] or DM @ellenhancockmd.