As we age, the skin on our eyelids often starts to sag and lose its elasticity, creating the illusion of tiredness and making us seem older than we are. Others are born with heavy upper eyelids, which can interfere with daily life.
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is designed to reduce the amount of skin on the eyelids, to give a younger appearance.
It is often performed in conjunction with brow lift surgery, which seeks to lift and rejuvenate facial features by pulling back loose, sagging skin. In some cases, patients are better suited to brow lift surgery than blepharoplasty, depending on the indications presented.
At ASET Hospital, our team of highly-accredited surgeons are all members of BAAPS, BAPRAS and ISAPS, and routinely carry out blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery.
Eyelid surgery is designed to rejuvenate the eye area by taking away sagging, excess skin. It is usually carried out under general anaesthetic.
Brow lifts are surgical procedures whereby a hairline incision is made to lift and pull back the skin. Excess skin is trimmed away and then the repositioned skin is stitched back in place.
While there are many non-surgical solutions to improve the signs of ageing around the eyes and brow, surgery tends to be longer-lasting and more effective.
This procedure is an option for those who are unhappy about the appearance of their eyelids and wish to achieve a more youthful look.
ASET Hospital will only consider performing surgery on those aged 18 years or older.
There are two main methods used during brow lift procedures; open eye surgery or endoscopic surgery.
You can learn more about each technique below.
Open eye surgery
This technique involves a small incision made in or just behind the hairline. The surgeon will then carefully separate the skin from the underlying tissue on the upper half of the face (above the brow), before working to reduce or tighten the muscle.
The skin is then either stretched and stitched into a new position, or clipped in place with the excess skin being trimmed.
Endoscopic surgery
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fibre-optic camera is inserted via the hairline incision, enabling the surgeon to work on the underlying muscle and tissue behind the hairline.
The brow line is then lifted into place and stitched behind the hairline. Incisions may be clipped or stitched closed.
Blepharoplasty
For blepharoplasty, the incision is made along the eyelid crease, with the excess skin being trimmed and the eyelid being stitched into its new position.
For brow lift surgery, the incision is made along or just behind the hairline, while blepharoplasty involves a cut along the eyelid crease.
It is recommended that you avoid applying makeup or washing the area for at least 4 days after surgery, and strenuous activity is avoided for at least 3-4 weeks. You should also prop your head up with a pillow for a couple of days when resting, to ease the swelling, and you may also use an ice pack wrapped in a towel.
The wound is then checked and the sutures are removed around 5-10 days later.
After 6 weeks, the surgeon who carried out your procedure will then see you for a check-up, to ensure the wound is healing.
Every patient is provided with a bespoke treatment plan and post-operative instructions, as well as 24-hour access to our team, should you have any concerns or questions.
You will have scars post-surgery, but they should mature after 6-12 months.
The reason the incision is made in the hairline for brow lift surgery is to make the scarring as discreet as possible.
Those having eyelid surgery will have more visible scars after surgery.
Common side effects to eyelid surgery and brow lift surgery include swelling and puffiness, bruising, irritated or sensitive eyes, and scarring.
It is highly unlikely, but in some cases you may experience injury to the eye muscle, excessive bleeding, infection or a reaction to the anaesthetic.
Disclaimer: This information sheet is designed to offer impartial advice and provide you with information to help you make an informed decision. It does not replace the need for a thorough consultation and all prospective patients should seek the advice of a suitably qualified medical practitioner.
At ASET Hospital, we want to make sure you receive the best possible treatment and we achieve the best possible results.
In order to determine which treatment will achieve the desired goals, we must first carry out a thorough consultation. In your consultation, we go through your physical and psychological health, and outline all the possible outcomes and risks associated with surgery, to better equip you when making this decision.
Book now - Ready to learn more about browlift surgery? To request your consultation, fill out the form on the side of this page or call our practice at 0151 426 4777. Aset Hospital is based in Liverpool, Merseyside UK and serves national and international clients.