Botox before Blepharoplasty for accurate measurement? Thank you for your advice.

Question

My potential surgeon said my forehead/eyebrows will likely relax post surgery. Throughout my life, I've unconsciously lifted my eyebrows to compensate for my hooded eyes & naturally low brow. He said my brow is in good position. He recommends botox 2 wks pre-op to relax my forehead so that he can measure for skin removal in the true post-op position. Is this common practice? I worry I'll continue to raise my eyebrows as I'm 60 with an ingrained habit, & then too much skin may have been removed.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing that interesting question. You should have the blepharoplasty performed without Botox injections. Should the eyebrow fall, then you can have a touch up. As you have suggested, if the eyebrows do not fall, then too much skin will be removed if treated with Botox first. This is much harder to fix than taking a bit more skin. I hope this helps.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Most plastic surgeons can do blepharoplasty without this adjunctive technique but if it is standard for the particular plastic surgeon, you should follow his/her regimen of care.BestDr H Karamanoukian#RealSelf100 Member

Benjamin C. Paul, MD · Answer

This is an interesting question. Each surgeon has his/her own preferences. Personally, pre-op botox for eyelid surgery is not my preference, but I cannot say it wrong to do this.  If you have seen great results from this surgeon then you should be fine. If you are not sure if the results are great, then do some investigation.  Best of luck getting the rested, natural, beautiful eyelids that you desire.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I usually like patients to all their botox to wear off if possible before undergoing an eyelid or brow procedure.  It allows me to see their face in its natural state. Best of luck.

Jose Rodríguez-Feliz, MD · Answer

This is a very good question. The first thing is to understand and differentiate between the possibility of having brow ptosis vs. excess eyelid skin vs. eyelid ptosis. The best way to prevent taking too much skin is to perform the markings based on how much skin you are planning on leaving. In females, as a general rule, the lower incision on your upper eyelid is at 10mm from mid-pupil and approx. 15mm of skin is left between the lower border of the brow at the level of the lateral canthus. Hope this was helpful. Good luck!

Botox before Blepharoplasty for accurate measurement? Thank you for your advice.

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Botox before Blepharoplasty for accurate measurement? Thank you for your advice.

Answers (5)

Answer: Botox before surgery?

Answer: Botox before surgery?

Answer: Botox before Blepharoplasty

Answer: Botox before Blepharoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.