How to Achieve a Refreshed Look with Los Angeles Brow Surgery
Cosmetic eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty are done to restore a patient’s upper face to its fresh, youthful appearance without changing the shape or expression of the eyes. Read on to learn more about Los Angeles brow surgery and blepharoplasty.
How Are Patients’ Eyes Rejuvenated
Eye revitalization is done with one or more of these procedures: removal of upper eyelid fat and skin, removal of fat from the lower eyelid, and removal of extra skin from the lower eyelids. Chemical peels, lower eyelid tightening, eyebrow lifts, and removal of the muscles between the eyebrows are sometimes done along with these procedures.
Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Most people begin to see age-related changes around their eyes when they’re in their 30s. Women typically become eyelid surgery candidates in their early 40s; men hit that point about a decade later. While women complain about wrinkles on their upper eyelids that make them look old, both men and women worry about under-eye circles and bags. No matter the nature of the issue, it can likely be addressed with surgery.
Is It Necessary to Have Both Eyelids Done?
If problems are addressed early enough, a candidate may not need his or her upper and lower lids done simultaneously. A young person without age-related upper eyelid changes, but who has circles or bags around the lower lids, may benefit most from a lower eyelid procedure. However, an older patient who’s seeing changes in both sets of eyelids will see greater benefit from combined procedures.
Brow Lift
Some patients have hooded upper eyelids because of sagging brows, and the condition is effectively treated with a combination brow lift and upper eyelid surgery. Although the brow lift is a more complex procedure, it produces a more natural-looking result. It’s done with a half-inch incision right above the hairline on either side, and in many cases, incisions are made to remove excess upper eyelid skin as well. The skin of the forehead is loosened, then lifted and fixed into place with small, slow-dissolving anchors set into the underlying bone. Scalp numbness and hair loss are the most common side effects, but they’re quite rare.
How Long Do Results Last?
Eyelid surgery’s beneficial effects may last for decades in some patients, and brow lifts seldom need revision. While some patients may develop a small amount of excess skin on the upper eyelids, it’s usually not severe enough to warrant another procedure.
How Long Do Procedures Take?
Brow lifts and eyelid surgeries are done in-office as outpatient procedures. The time required depends on the extent of the work to be done, as well as the severity of the patient’s age-related changes. An upper eyelid surgery requires approximately 30 minutes; with a brow lift, it’s about an hour. Lower eyelid surgeries take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
Risks of Brow Lift and Eyelid Surgery
Brow and eyelid surgery are rarely associated with serious complications, and they’re some of the safest cosmetic procedures. Approximately one percent of patients experience hematomas, which don’t affect short-term recoveries or long-term results. Other issues such as eye irritation and infection, excessive scarring, and delayed healing may also occur. Fortunately, most patients experience no complications from forehead, eyelid, or brow surgery.
Recovery
After a procedure, a patient will leave the office wearing no bandages. However, they’ll need to place cool compresses over the affected area for at least 24 hours. Though most will experience slightly blurry vision because of swelling and the use of eye ointment, it usually resolves quickly. Eyelid sutures are removed by the sixth day after surgery, and much of the discoloration and swelling are gone by the 14th day. Driving isn’t suggested for the first two weeks, and mild exercise can be resumed at that time.
Limitations of Brow, Forehead, and Eyelid Surgery
Some conditions may negatively affect a patient’s results. These include severe sun damage, prominent eyes, previous surgeries, and lower eyelid wrinkles. A high hairline and thinning hair may limit a patient’s brow lift choices.
First Steps
At a preliminary consultation with a facial plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, the patient’s forehead and eyelids will be assessed and a surgical plan will be created. Once the patient’s candidacy has been determined, a procedure date will be scheduled. Preoperative lab studies and photographs will follow. If a patient has severe medical issues, they will need clearance from their primary physician before eyelid surgery. For additional information on the types of treatments we offer and how it may benefit you, refer to our articles below.
Brow Lift Surgery Vs. Botox
Patients may opt for cosmetic procedures like a brow lift to improve forehead appearance or for a more youthful appearance. Both surgical and non-surgical treatments can achieve the look you seek. There are three main types of brow lifts that are performed by surgeons. These include the endoscopic brow lift, the limited incision lateral brow lift, and the open brow lift.
Non-invasive brow lifts involve Botox, which reduces signs of aging in the intended region. Instead of operating beneath the skin, the treatment is injected to relax surrounding facial muscles. Though it is a temporary procedure that requires patients to return every three to six months, you can expect:
When you get an eyebrow lift done with Botox, you can expect the following:
- Quick recovery time
- Cheaper price than surgery
- Fast procedure time
- Non-invasive treatment
Types of Eyelid Surgery
There are two types of eyelid surgery: functional and cosmetic. Functional blepharoplasty is performed for medical reasons, like obstructions of vision. Whereas cosmetic blepharoplasty is done to either upper or lower eyelid to solely improve appearance. Excess skin may be removed. Additionally, fat transfers freshen the entire eye area and give you a youthful glow. Whether modifications are done to enhance appearance or improve health, a surgeon will go in to tighten eyelid muscles, to achieve the look you request.
Eyelid Surgery Vs. Forehead Lift
Sagging eyelids can be corrected one of two ways: through an eyelid surgical procedure or forehead lift.
In a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), the surgeon will cut along the natural fold of the eyelid to remove excess skin, muscle, and fat, and close the cut. There is minimal scarring. While brow or forehead lifts can correct signs of aging to give the face a more youthful appearance. It is a multi-purpose solution that can also improve forehead appearance, frown lines, and hooded brows. A brow lift will lift the sagging upper eyelid by readjusting its position higher on the face. But it may not solve all problems pertaining to your eyes.
Eyebrow lifts are more common, as they work for a wider range of clients. Depending on the look patients want to achieve, direct modifications to the eyelid offer more precise results. Your surgeon will determine if either procedure is right for you after a consultation to review medical history, and expectations.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Recovery, Outcome, and Cost
It will not be long before you are able to reveal your enhanced appearance. Many patients have had a short recovery time after an eyelid lift. Immediately following the procedure, you can expect minimal bruising and swelling. Normally, in less than two weeks, you will be able to start enjoying the results. Like any surgical procedure, possible risks include:
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Lost ability to close your eyes
- A dry eye
- Abnormality in the eyelid position
- Loss of your vision in some extreme cases
- Double vision
- Watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Pain and substantial discomfort
- Blurred vision caused by the lubrication ointment that will be put into your eyes
- Numb and puffy eyelids
To avoid associated risks, we detail a few preventative measures patients can take in this article. At Westside Face, we ensure our patients undergo safe invasive and non-invasive treatments. The cost of the procedure itself depends on your insurance coverage. The average price range is between $2,000 to $5,000.
What Are Triple Eyelids, and How Can They Be Treated
Triple eyelids occur when the upper eyelid has developed an extra fold, as opposed to just one. Causation varies from biological traits to changes in physical appearance. Muscle weakness, loss and elasticity and fat loss contribute to the medical concern. While facial muscle exercises, eyelid creams, and dietary fat supplements can serve to benefit the consumer in the long term, the effects of these treatments are slow and cannot always reverse the issue. Surgery is the most effective way to remove excess skin around the eyelid.
