Gravity often takes its toll on the upper portion of the face, leading to drooping and sagging that makes you look perpetually tired. There are surgical solutions to reverse these aging symptoms, but how do you know which one is right for you? At Cole Aesthetic Center, we offer both eyelid surgery and brow lift procedures to raise the forehead and refresh your appearance. Check out these basic facts about both procedures to determine which one will meet your needs best.

Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is specifically designed to address changes to the upper and lower lids that can make you look older or wearier than you feel. The procedure can focus on the upper lids, lower lids or both lids at the same time. Specific issues addressed through this procedure include:

• Upper lids that droop over the eyes, sometimes interfering with your line of sight
• Deep creases in the upper eyelid that make it difficult to apply makeup
• Lower eyelids that sag, revealing the white of the eye beneath the iris
• Puffy lower eyelids that look chronically tired

Eyelid surgery refreshes the appearance of the eyes, which rejuvenates your appearance overall. Dr. Cole can help you determine whether this procedure will provide you with the results you are seeking.

Brow Lift

A brow lift is also a rejuvenating surgery that focuses on the forehead and brow line. The treatment is a good option for patients that have seen extensive skin laxity in the upper portion of the face that has resulted in a lower brow line and the formation of deep creases across the forehead. By removing loose skin and repositioning the underlying muscles and tissue, Dr. Cole can create a smoother, more youthful forehead contour. At the same time, the brow line is lifted, which refreshes the look of the eyes as well.

Making the Choice

You may be surprised if you make an appointment to discuss eyelid surgery, and Dr. Cole brings up a brow lift instead. Sometimes it is hard to know which of these procedures will produce the best results. In many cases, the decision begins with the position of the brow line. If it has fallen over time, a brow lift may be the right choice in restoring your youthful appearance. If the brow line has remained consistent, it likely means the hooding over the eye is due to eyelid droop rather than a sagging brow.

Loose skin can also be a clue when you are choosing between eyelid surgery and a brow lift. If you see extensive skin laxity across the forehead, a brow lift may be necessary to remove that loose skin and produce a firmer, smoother appearance. If the loose skin is restricted to the eyelids themselves, blepharoplasty will likely do the trick.

When Two are Better than One

If the aging process has affected both the forehead and the eyes, a combination of eyelid surgery and a brow lift might be the right choice. These procedures can usually be performed simultaneously using local numbing, allowing you to achieve your full results with just one recovery process. If the lower lids are also treated, conscious sedation may be used as well. Both surgeries produce long-lasting improvement so, you can enjoy your refreshed appearance for many years afterward.

When you are trying to choose the right procedure to meet your aesthetic goals, an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Cole is an invaluable resource. Schedule your personal consultation today by phoning Cole Aesthetic Center at 360.613.2600.