You work hard, taking care of others, including children, parents, or both. It’s not every day you splurge on yourself with a plastics procedure, so it’s crucial to get the one that complements your lifestyle, desires, and personal needs. Would that be a brow lift or an eye lift? What’s the difference? Understanding brow lift vs. eye lift will help you get the procedure that’s perfect for you. Here’s the real difference you need to know.
What is an eye lift?
An eye lift, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that doctors perform on the skin above and below the eye. It reduces sagginess, under-eye bags, and in some cases, may improve the range of vision by removing and tightening excess skin covering the line of sight.
Depending on the severity of the skin sagging, a blepharoplasty may be a plastics or a medically-indicated procedure. In the latter case, where the skin is blocking the vision, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or private insurance may cover the process.
What are the benefits of an eye lift?
As we age, gravity and loss of collagen cause skin to thin and stretch. With time, this leads to bulges under the eyes and folds over the eyes. These folds may hang over the eyelashes causing discomfort and difficulty seeing.
While extreme cases are most commonly seen in those 65 and older, some people are genetically predisposed to this condition and may need an eye lift as young as 35. Therefore, an eyelid lift:
- Enhances your appearance
- Can make you appear younger
- May improve the range of vision
An upper eyelid lift may last for as many as seven years, while a lower lift rarely needs revision. However, if your eye lift isn’t lasting as long as it should or giving you the results you’re looking for, a brow lift may be the solution.
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift and forehead lift are two names for the same procedure. This procedure is designed to remove deep horizontal creases on the forehead as well as frown lines on the top of the nose. Additionally, it realigns sagging eyebrows and droopy skin. Your plastic surgeon may recommend having both an eye lift and brow lift together to maximize your results.
There are two basic types of brow lifts, both completed under general anesthesia:
- Coronal brow lift: The most common type of brow lift, this involves an incision that starts at one ear, goes up onto the scalp (behind the hairline), and then down to the other ear. Using this incision, your surgeon can remove excess skin to tighten the forehead/brow. Once the incision heals, it’s virtually invisible under your hair.
- Endoscopic brow lift: The newer and less invasive approach to the brow lift involves making several small incisions along the scalp through which a tube with a tiny camera can travel. Then using surgical tools, your surgeon can target problem areas more precisely, lifting them and anchoring them higher on your forehead for an overall more youthful appearance.
What are the benefits of a brow lift?
The forehead sags and wrinkles from age, genetics, and facial expression. This makes you seem older and more tired than you are and may impact how people perceive you at home, in the workplace, or out on the town. A brow lift can make you appear more youthful, energetic, and alert. While physical appearance certainly isn’t everything, no one wants to look older and more exhausted than they have to and a brow lift can work wonders like:
- Rejuvenating the face
- Enhancing the results of your eye lift
- Giving you more confidence to face your day
Am I a good candidate for a brow lift or eye lift?
You probably are. A good candidate for either procedure is in overall good health, so they’re not likely to have complications. Additionally, you should either be a non-smoker or be willing to quit for six weeks before and after since smoking and the nicotine itself disrupt blood flow in the skin. That would impact how fast you heal and how great your results look after the procedure.
It’s vital that anyone considering any plastics procedure do it for themselves and not because a spouse, boss, or someone on social media made a negative comment. This is the time to take care of yourself, not worry about other people.
Brow lift vs. eye lift: Which is right for you?
As you can see, the brow lift and eye lift are two distinct procedures that may be done independently or together to help you achieve the youthful look you want to attain. If you’re ready to do this for you, it’s time to speak with us about one or both of these procedures. Call us at (703) 574-2588 to ask questions or schedule a consultation.