The eyes, brows, and forehead are usually the first areas in the face to show signs of aging with the appearance of forehead wrinkles and sagging skin around the eyelids. The eyes and forehead are also very important tools when it comes to non-verbal communication. These natural signs of aging can easily make your face have a constant look of fatigue, sadness, or anger even when you aren’t trying to convey these emotions at all. If you’re looking for long-term solutions to aging around the eyes or forehead, you might want to look into blepharoplasty or a forehead lift. These procedures are also a perfect starting point if you decide it’s time to begin a facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Karan Chopra is an expert in facial procedures. He will consider your specific skin issues and aging concerns before recommending the best surgical procedure for you.
What are the Differences between Blepharoplasty and Forehead Lift?
Although these two procedures are extremely helpful in reducing the signs of aging around the upper part of the face, each has a specialized improvement area and delivers not-so-similar results. Blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin and sometimes fat from the eyelids to get rid of droopy eyelids, large eye bags, and the peripheral vision problems that this excess skin and fat may cause. A forehead lift, on the other hand, centers on raising the eyebrows to eliminate or reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles and frown lines. The forehead lift involves tightening the forehead muscles and removing excess fat and skin from the forehead area.
While blepharoplasty and a forehead lift may look similar in terms of their benefits and general goals, they address different facial concerns and features. If you’re having a hard time deciding which one will benefit you in the long run, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chopra.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a type of surgical procedure performed on the eyelids to remove excess skin and sometimes, fat from the eyelids. Blepharoplasty, which is mostly done for cosmetic purposes, will help improve the appearance of your eyelids by eliminating excess sagging skin above or below the eyes. This procedure will not get rid of dark circles under the eyes or any other facial wrinkles. Blepharoplasty can also help to improve vision problems in older individuals caused by extremely sagging eyelids.
Blepharoplasty is usually considered by individuals who wish to:
- Lift and correct sagging upper eyelid skin;
- Eliminate excess skin around the eyelids causing eye wrinkles, and droopiness;
- Reduce and improve the appearance of eye bags and dark circles under the eyes.
The preparation for blepharoplasty is usually an extensive one because this procedure deals especially with the eyes and their surrounding structures. Before scheduling blepharoplasty, you will have to discuss your desired results with your plastic surgeon.
What are the Risks and Possible Complications of Blepharoplasty?
Although complications and unfavorable results from blepharoplasty are rare, there are some risks of this procedure that you should have in mind before you proceed with the surgery.
- Dry eyes and abnormal discoloration of the eyelids;
Sensitivity to bright light; - Difficulty in closing the eyes completely;
- Bleeding from the incision site;
- Infection in the incision site;
- Swelling and bruising around the eyes;
- Need for revision surgery;
- Consistent pain around the eyes even after complete healing of the incision site;
- Unfavorable scarring;
Ectropion, a condition that causes the lower eyelids to turn outwards and droop down.
What is a Forehead Lift?
A forehead lift usually referred to as a brow lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that repositions the forehead to eliminate forehead wrinkles and frown lines. A forehead lift involves the careful removal of excess skin and fat from the forehead and the tightening of the forehead muscles to eliminate wrinkle lines and generally improve the appearance of the face.
As you age, your skin will begin to lose elasticity and this loss of elasticity due to natural aging, together with gravity can weaken the skin to cause deep forehead wrinkles and lines. You may also develop a constant sad or tired-looking face due to drooping or sagging eyebrows. A forehead lift is usually considered by individuals who wish to:
- Reduce the deep horizontal creases that run across the forehead;
- Improve the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines that occur on the bridge of the nose or develop between the eyes and eyebrows;
- Reduce their sagging eyelids that are caused by low or sagging brows;
- Improve the general appearance of their forehead and boost their self-confidence.
A brow will only affect the appearance of your forehead and eyebrows and will not make any difference to the shape of your eyes or improve baggy eyelids. Depending on your medical needs and aesthetic expectations, a forehead lift can be carried out with other similar procedures. These procedures may include:
- Skin resurfacing techniques;
- Upper or lower eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty);
- Facelift or mini facelift.
What are the Different Methods for Forehead Lift?
There are different techniques your plastic surgeon can employ to achieve your desired brow lift result. Your plastic surgeon will decide on the best technique for you after careful analysis of your face and skin concerns. The brow lift method decided on will determine the location of your surgical incisions and the resulting scar.
1. Endoscopic Brow Lift
There are different techniques your plastic surgeon can employ to achieve your desired brow lift result. Your plastic surgeon will decide on the best technique for you after careful analysis of your face and skin concerns. The brow lift method decided on will determine the location of your surgical incisions and the resulting scar.
2. Classic or Coronal Brow Lift
This procedure involves the application of one continuous incision behind the hairline that runs from ear to ear across the top of the head. Your surgeon will then lift the skin of your forehead carefully to remove any excess fat and tissue before lifting the skin upwards into its new position. The overlapping skin will be removed and the remaining skin will then be stitched neatly.
The classic brow lift should not be considered by individuals with hair loss, high hairlines, and thin hair. You should also note that the classic or coronal brow lift will leave a long, horizontal scar that should easily be covered with a bit of hair.
3. Hairline Brow Lift
The hairline brow lift is usually adopted to correct a high hairline and can be used for individuals with high or receding hairlines. During this procedure, an incision will be made between the top of your forehead and the beginning of your hairline. The skin of your forehead will be raised and a small amount of skin and tissue will be removed from the top of your forehead.
Depending on the exact location of the incision and scar healing, the hairline brow lift might leave a visible scar along your hairline after healing.
4. Temporal Brow Lift
The temporal brow lift is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of small incisions made just behind the hairline. This procedure is a mini version of the endoscopic brow lift and it helps to reduce wrinkles at the corners of the eyes.
5. Direct Brow Lift
The direct brow lift involves the use of incisions to remove a part of the skin above the eyebrows. This procedure is usually adopted for patients with bushy eyebrows to reduce scar visibility.
What are the Risks and Possible Complications of Forehead Lift?
Just like every other surgical procedure, minimally invasive or not, there are some risks and possible complications associated with a forehead lift, such as:
- Presence of visible scarring;
- Temporary or permanent numbness in the forehead or eyebrow area;
- Elevated hairline or loss of hair follicles at the incision site;
Restricted movement of your eyebrows; - Asymmetry of one or both eyebrows that may or may not even out after some time;
- Bleeding and infection at the incision site;
Reaction to anesthesia.
Blepharoplasty or Forehead Lift, Which Procedure is Right for Me?
Before you decide on the best surgical procedure for you, it is important to know the exact area of your face you wish to work on. You should note your specific skin concerns and your expectations before making any decision. Blepharoplasty is recommended specifically for individuals with sagging eyelids caused by excess fat or skin in that area. These individuals may also have under-eye bags or drooping upper eyelids that block their line of vision.
A forehead lift is best for individuals with prominent forehead wrinkles and sagging brows. This procedure will eliminate forehead wrinkles and improve upper eyelid hooding caused by drooping eyebrows.
Regardless of the procedure you think you need, it is best to consult your plastic surgeon before making your final decision. Dr. Karan Chopra will assess your individual needs and facial structure to let you know the best surgery that will meet your expectations.
FAQs on Blepharoplasty or Forehead Lift
Can I combine blepharoplasty and brow lift?
Depending on your specific facial needs and expectations, you can indeed combine the two procedures to achieve a comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Combining blepharoplasty and a forehead lift will offer several benefits including reduced surgery cost and recovery time.
When is the best time to have a forehead lift or blepharoplasty?
You can have a forehead lift or blepharoplasty at any time. Sagging brows, drooping eyelids, and forehead wrinkles usually occur during aging and so it might be preferable to do a forehead lift or blepharoplasty after age 40. A forehead lift or blepharoplasty might be beneficial around your 20s or 30s if you have hooded eyelids or brows that affect your sight.
How long is the general recovery time for blepharoplasty or a forehead lift?
It usually takes around 2-3 weeks for your eye area to look better after any of these procedures. You can expect the bruising and swelling around the incision area to stay around for about 3 weeks. The appearance of your face will however continue to improve over 2-3 months. You should note that the recovery time for any of these procedures will depend on how well the surgery was carried out and the aftercare.
Will my scars be visible after blepharoplasty or a forehead lift?
The scars that remain at the incision site are usually well hidden in the upper eyelid crease or the temple beneath your hair.
How painful is a forehead lift or Blepharoplasty?
Both procedures are usually carried out with general anesthesia so you should feel very little to no pain during the surgery. You will however experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort during recovery. Depending on your levels of pain, your plastic surgeon may prescribe medications to relieve pain.
