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Will my Face Look Odd if I Don't Have a Face Lift when I Have Under Eye Surgery

asked 1 year ago by angiestar in liverpool uk
Latest answer by Sam Naficy, MD
Question viewed 787 times
Tags: age 55-64, female, combination

I am 56 years of age, I have fairly good skin but it is just starting to jowl a bit by my jaws. I am thinking of having upper and lower eye bag surgery as my top lid has some loose skin and the lower eye has bags and hollows. I think this is the main thing that makes me look old. I was concerned that if I have this operation done, would it make the rest of my face look odd? Would I need any other procedures at the same time?

42 answers to Will my Face Look Odd if I Don't Have a Face Lift when I Have Under Eye Surgery

+2

Facelift with eyelid surgery

The decision to have periorbital surgery with a facelift is very individualized. Statistically, patients notice periorbital aging before before they notice facial aging.  However there are patients whose neck and ja You and your plastic surgeon can decide whether to do both procedures or just one.
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

+3

Will my Face Look Odd if I Don't Have a Face Lift when I Have Under Eye Surgery

For many patients the eyelids are the most obvious sign of aging and I suggest that they correct this before pursuing more major procedures like face lift. If you are seeing more age in your eyes than in the rest of your face then that would be a great place to start.
Mark Preston, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift Results

It is important to address those areas which are of concern to you. Always question someone who is trying to talk you into something which does not bother you.
Michael Sullivan, MD

Columbus Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Eyelid surgery should not create obvious dysharmony

If you only have very early jowling and you feel that your eyes are most aging feature you have, then you should not have any problem just getting you eyes done without a facelift. With that said, I am all about facial harmony, and in patients that are considering facial rejuvenation, I usually discuss comprehensive rejuvenation with them. That is correcting ALL areas of the face that show signs of aging, as well as treating the skin with laser resurfacing if needed. This maintains... more
Andrew Campbell, MD

Milwaukee Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.campbellplastics.com

+2

Blepharoplasty Without Facelift

Your face will not look odd if you only have surgery to improve your upper and lower eyelids. It is often said that the eyes are the first part of the face we look at. Having said that, you would probably get a much better result if you had a facelift at the same time, since elevating the midface improves the periorbital (around the eyes) area as well. Of course, this is a choice you should make regarding your objectives and desires. You can always hace a facelift later. From El Paso. more
Frank Agullo, MD

El Paso Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyes only or add face lift

If one part of the face is rejuvenated in excess of the rest it may at times draw attention to the parts that were not rejuvenated. This is why we often perform a comprehensive facial rejuvenation for optimal balance and harmony
Sam Naficy, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelid surgery alone without Facelift can give an excellent result and not make the rest of the face look odd

Eyelid rejuvenation alone with upper and lower Blepharoplasty can create a striking facial rejuvenation without the need for a Facelift. On the other hand, having a Facelift without correcting eyes that show significant aging changes can certainly distract from the benefit of a good Facelift. The eyes are "the window to the soul" the first and most important facial feature that people look at and see. A well done upper and lower Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate the appearance... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+1

Facelift With Eyelift Surgery

Without a picture it is hard to say specifically, however it sounds like you can put off facelift or other face work for a few years. In most individuals the eyes age faster than the face. We perform eye surgery alone on many patients who may eventually get facelift surgery and they look great.
Richard Galitz, MD

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Face Lift, Mini Face Lift, The Palmer Celebrity Face Lift, Beverly Hills Face Lift

No, not at all.  When you improve one area, of the face...in this case your eyes, it will not make the face look worse.  You may, after your eyelid surgery, start to look at your face and decide that you'd like even more improvement and then opt for a Face Lift or you may not.  Only time will tell.
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breaking up Face and Eyes. Two recoveries to be considered.

In years gone by, the older surgeons always did face and eyes separately.  Not any more.  With lower impact techniques and accelerated recovery, more and more people are opting to do the facelift WITH the eyes.  But you don't have to.  Do what you are comfortable with.  Just keep in mind:  Two surgeries equals two recoveries.
Ritu Chopra, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelid Surgery is Frequently a Good Starting Point

The easiest way to soften a tired or angry look with surgery is by addressing the upper third of the face, which includes the eyelids and brow.  In my practice, many patients use this as a first step in facial rejuvenation.  Some patients are fearful of doing "too much" initially and prefer to take a staged approach, others do so for financial reasons. 
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

+1

How does eyelid lift effect overall facial balance

I don't see an aesthetic problem with having eyelid surgery done first - especially, if this is what is bothering you most at the moment. Because aging happens differently in different people, I would not anticipate an problem with your appearance after successful blepharoplasty.
Frank P. Fechner, MD

Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drfechner.com

+1

Facial cosmetic surgery: getting your feet wet...step by step

Sometimes it is best to proceed in a stepwise fashion to test your appetite for cosmetic surgery if this is the first plastic surgery procedure that you have ever entertained.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelid surgery and face?

You have to do what is comfortable for you,b ut I do have to say that it may be out of balance with the rest of your face if the lower face needs "work."
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Stand-Alone Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty

Not at all. I always advise patients to address those areas of cosmetic concern, and if down the road the jowls and/or neck area fall into that concerned area, then at that time you can undergo some type of facial rejuvenation surgery.
Jeffrey Epstein MD, FACS

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelid Rejuvenation and Facelift surgery

It is very common for plastic surgeons to treat the eyes and face/neck all in one setting.  although it is not wrong to simply proceed with the eyes first, it can create a disconnected look - where you look more refreshed inthe periorbital region but still have obvious signs of aging in the jaws and neck.  
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Performing Cosmetic Surgery on one Area of the Face Only

Without an examination, it is difficult to answer your question. If your eyes are the only areas which make you look old, then cosmetic surgery of those areas alone makes sense. However, every one is different, and your plastic surgeon should have the aesthetic eye to see into the future. Does operating on your eyes exaggerate the aging of the rest of your face or not? Having said the above, you should not feel forced into doing more surgery. You ALWAYS have the option of staging... more
Michael A. Jazayeri, MD

Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon
+1

Aging Begins in the Eyelids -Keeping your Priorities Straight

It is common to ask what should I do first when considering facial rejuvenation surgery.  Here are some thoughts to consider which I discuss with my patients that ask a similar question- 1. What bothers you the most and if it is the eyelids, then do them first especially if you are in your forty's 2. If you also have sagging eyebrows , it may be good to do a miminally invasive endobrow with your eyelids as well as this brings your upper face in harmony. 3. When... more
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelid Surgery without Facelift

Drooping eyelids and baags under the eyes are the first  visible signs of the aging process. This is why blepharoplasty surgery (eyelid surgery) is the second most requested facial plastic procedure (rhinoplasty is first).`Many patients choose to do the eyes first and wait until aging of the lower face has progressed.  Great eyes will never make your face look "odd". If finances are not a problem and you want the ultimate result, do the facelift at the same time. more
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Start with what bothers you the most

When I have patients concerned about several areas of their face but are not quite ready to commit to the "whole meal deal", I have them choose the area that bothers them the very most.   If, in my opinion, this will result in a really unbalanced appearance, I will explain that to them and have them reconsider.  In most cases, however, patients are good at identifying their most aging area and treating it in isolation usually does not result in odd or unbalanced... more
Lisa L. Sowder, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Blepharoplasty with or without facelift

The first key is to focus on the areas that bother you the most.  If that is your eyelids and if you have financial concerns, then proceed with that first.  It won't make your face look funny, but you won't be getting the best possible result.  Overall, it is better to do the facelift at the same time, so you establish facial harmony.
Kenneth L. Stein, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Keep your focus on your objections

Angiestar, (Ms Scouse) you have identified the aging changes in your upper and lower eyelids as being most problematic for you.  By your own account, your facial skin is "good" with slight mandibular jowls.  Discuss your concerns earnestly with your Consultant. (S)/he should give you an honest appraisal of whether rejuvenation of your eyelids will produce a result which is out of harmony with the remainder of your face. A cosmetic surgery  patient who is... more
Lavinia Chong, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

+1

Blepharoplasty without facelift

If you do have signs of facial aging in not only your eyes but different parts of your face and neck, I recommend that it be corrected at the same time. If you don't then the other uncorrected parts become more noticeable. Also, we do discount the other procedures and it is one recovery rather than more. Watch my videos.
Edward J. Domanskis, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

There is no right or wrong answer

Whenever I am asked that question by one of my patients, I explain to them that my goal is to make them look rejuvenated, but not operated. Along that line, one feature that can attract attention is an imbalance in the appearance of your facial features. If you have aging around the eyes, as well as aging in the jowls and neck, by only treating the face, more attention may be brought to the non-operated eyes. I had several patients who started with a face-neck lift who returned later for... more
Gregory J. Vipond, MD

Pasadena Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelid Surgery combined with Facelift

Most often eyelid surgery is combined with facelift surgery in my practice.  Both of these surgeries are related to your aging process and often give clients a more rested look when done together.   However many clients decide to have the extra skin above their lids in their 30's and 40's and enjoy the benefits of this surgery for 20 or more years.   If you have sagging skin or jowls forming around you mouth area and loose skin with your neck then the combination of... more
John Ward, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelid surgery without facelift

Good question. You are undergoing eyelid surgery because of your concerns about aging. The simple answer is yes. Your face may look out of balance and you may regret not having the facelift done as it will not add a lot to your recovery. Also, remember that your costs for OR fees and anesthesia will be higher if you do your facelift at a later time than if you had combined these at the same time. In the end, there's no right answer but what's right for you.
Richard Chaffoo, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelift in combination with facelift

It seems that your primary area of concern is your upper eyelid skin excess and your lower eyelid bags.   The primary determining factor of the best procedure for you are your areas of concern.   Based on what concerns you, an assessment of your pictures or an in office consultation will allow your plastic surgeon to determine the best surgical procedure to primarily meet your goals and provide a natural harmonious result.   A few points that I would consider for you to... more
Paul S. Gill, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Blepharoplasty is natural first part of total facial rejuvenation

I have  a number of patients that start with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).  I think this is a natural starting point, to focus around the eyes. I divide the face into thirds: upper (forehead), midface, and lower face/neck.  The eyelid procedures in conjunction with forehead rejuvenation such as botox or brow lift will rejuvenate the upper third.  The face and neck lift will do the rest, but that may come later.  I number of my patients do exactly what you're... more
James F. Boynton, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Harmony of the entire face is key for great cosmetic surgery results

The answer to your question truly depends on your individual facial structure and aging related changes. The key is that the appearance of your rejuvenated eyes be in harmony (similar appearance and amount of aging changes) as the rest of your face. An imbalance does catch the eye and can be a post-surgical sign. With that said if the rest of your face has minimal aging related changes, just having your eyes done might balance quite well. Stephen Weber, M.D., Ph.D. Portland Facial... more
Stephen Weber, MD

Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.lonetreefacial.com

+1

Blepharoplasty without facelift

The face ages as a whole, but different areas age at different rates. From your description of only “starting to jowl a bit,” you may be an excellent candidate for eyelid surgery only, if your eyelids have aged more than the rest of your face. This may buy you a number of years before the rest of your face becomes bad enough to want to do the facelift. To see somewhat how you will look, use your finger to correct the eye and see if it looks strange with the rest of your face... more
Robert T. Buchanan, MD

Highlands Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelid surgery is the biggest bang for your buck!

Eyelid surgery can improve appearance dramatcally. I have found it more likely that people are less happy with the facelift alone than with eyelids alone. Usually I recomend face and eyes for that reason. Eyelid surgery is quicker to recover from and that may fir some schedules better.
Thomas R. Walek, MD

Providence Plastic Surgeon
+1

Zonal versus Comprehensive Therapy

The concern that you raise about just doing your eyelids and not the facelift is a valid one. When patients have surgery on a single area of the face, there are 2 situations in which it is appropriate: There are relatively advanced aging changes in that area and the surgery will result in a restoration of balance to the overall look. The area in question has a heightened concern for the patient and addressing that problem in isolation will help to alleviate distress caused... more
Richard W. Westreich, MD

Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelid surgery

I actually prefer surgery of the eyelids above a facelift should there be a choice. I think eyes show age more so than cheeks, necks, and jowls. You can always come back and do more. That is the fortunate thing about Plastic Surgery.
Timothy Fee, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelid surgery will not necessarily make the rest of the face look "odd"

Upper and lower eyelid surgery without facelift is commonly performed in patients.  At age 56, it is quite reasonable to only have your eyelids rejuvenated. Without a photograph, it is hard to be 100% sure, but from the way you describe your facial aging, it seems perfectly reasonable to undergo eyelid surgery without facelift.
Theda C. Kontis, MD

Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eyelid surgery with facelift

Eyelid surgery at the same time as a facelift is a frequently combined procedure but does not have to be done at the same time. I always ask the patient to tell me what it is that bothers them. If your lower face is not bothering you, then you don't need to address it. A properly performed blephroplasty should make you look better.
Jack Peterson, MD

Topeka Plastic Surgeon
+1

When considering cosmetic surgery of the face it is always good to evaluate all possible options before you make a decision

Often cosmetic surgery of the upper and or the lower eye lids gives a very pleasing result which gives the patient the results that they are looking for. However, I believe that it is important to have a frank discussion with your plastic surgeon about what other procedures that might give an improvement to the facial rejuvenation at the same time. You may find that your eye lid surgery would be markedly improved with a brow lift, a face lift or even fat grafting to the face. It is important... more
Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD

Daytona Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lid rejuventation or facelift too

As a rule it is nice to focus efforts on where the true concerns are, and if you don't like the noticeable aging and bagginess in the lower lids, a lid rejuvenation is in order. Eyelid surgery is often a 'stand alone' procedure, and you will not look unbalanced without facelift. Of course facelift can be a very attractive combination, cost can be lower with a single recovery. The best advice however is to stick with what concerns you. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd more
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift and Eyelids

Hi, I dont think it would look odd at all if you do your eyes only. It may look odd if you did a facelift and left your eyes undone but not the other way around. You should correct the aging features that your concerned with now and leave the rest for later. That said, you can just do both the facelift and eyelids and be done with all it now. Best, Dr.S.
Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.facechange.org

+1

Aesthetic Harmony in Facial Surgery

While it is of concern to maintain a sense of balance and harmony in facial surgery, it does not seem from your description, that you have significant signs of facial aging in the lower face.  If most of your concern involves excess upper eyelid skin and lower eyelid bagginess, with minimal jowling in the lower face, eyelid surgery alone may seem reasonable.  Your best bet would be to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in facial rejuvenation surgery.   more
Stephen Delia, M.D.

Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Having Eyelid Surgery without Facelift

This is an excellent question.  You are right to be concerned about disharmony between the operated and unoperated facial areas. This can be a significant problem if your surgery is done by the wrong person.  One of the tasks a plastic surgeon has is to blend the aesthetics of the surgical versus the non-surgical areas.  It is not unusual that I have to tell a patient that we will have to compromise surgically to prevent disharmony.  A person that has this mismatch does... more
Joseph Campanelli, MD

Minneapolis Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Will my Face Look Odd if I Don't Have a Face Lift when I Have Under Eye Surgery?

Regarding: "Will my Face Look Odd if I Don't Have a Face Lift when I Have Under Eye Surgery I am 56 years of age, I have fairly good skin but it is just starting to jowl a bit by my jaws. I am thinking of having upper and lower eye bag surgery as my top lid has some loose skin and the lower eye has bags and hollows. I think this is the main thing that makes me look old. I was concerned that if I have this operation done, would it make the rest of my face look odd? Would I need any... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Balance in facial surgery

You don't need to do the facelift right now if the changes in the jawline and neck are much less noticeable right now that those around the eyelids.  Do the eyes now and the face later if that is what you want to do.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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