Make sure you review the position of the brow through the years

Paul L. Leong, MD answers: Browlift vs Blepharoplasty - which is best for sagging eyelids?

Is a brow lift (forehead lift) better to raise sagging eyelids than a blepharoplasty?


Paul L. Leong, MD
5 months ago

I agree with many of the comments made by the other surgeons.  Deciding whether to have a browlift, blepharoplasty, or a combination of both is a very individual decision that involves your particular anatomy, your aesthetic sense, and the aesthetic sense of your surgeon.

I believe that a browlift can be an excellent procedure when done for the right indications.  However, I feel that that are a good number of browlifts that are either overdone, or should not be performed at all.

I'd like to comment on a point that has not be raised in detail.  A critical part of the the consultation involves you and your surgeon familiarizing yourselves with how your brow has moved over the years.  This is done by reviewing pictures from decades ago.  In some people the brow has slowly descended over time.  These patients are more likely to benefit from a browlift.  Other patients always had a lower brow.  As some other surgeons have commented, fashion magazines are full of beautiful people with relatively low brows.  If your brow was always low, a browlift is more likely to give you an outcome that appears unnatural to you. 

Reviewing old pictures is important for many facial plastic surgeon procedures, but especially so for the browlift.

Hope that helps.

4 of 4 found this helpful
Helpful?

Request info from Dr. Leong

50 words maximum (0 words entered)
Your info is protected by our privacy policy

A: Browlift vs. Blepharoplasty: not always "versus"

Robert J. Chiu, MD
7 months ago

Browlift and blepharoplasty (upper) are not mutually exclusive procedures--they can be done in conjunction. In some cases, neither procedure will address your particular problem. It all depends on proper evaluation of the eyelid/brow complex, as well as a detailed discussion of your concerns and your surgeon's aesthetic sense. 

In my experience, I think browlifts tend to be overutilized, and can give a surprised/startled look. On the other hand, upper blepharoplasty when performed too aggressively can make you look skeletonized, "operated", and/or unnatural (eg, kenny rogers!). 

Make sure you seek a surgeon (facial plastic, plastic, oculoplastic) who is not just experienced doing eyelid/brow procedures, but also has aesthetic ideals that matches yours.

Hope this helps!

4 of 4 found this helpful
Helpful?
Post your question

Eyelid Surgery: 195 reviews

64% said it was worth it

Eyelid Surgery before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.