Frequently Asked Questions about Eye and Brow Lift
Endoscopic Brow Lift
Q: Is this a new procedure? I have never heard of it.
A: We have been doing endoscopic brow lifts since 1995 and have now done over 500 such procedures.
Q: I don't want to look permanently 'surprised'. Is that what this is about?
A: Endoscopic brow lift is an operation that is an alternative to the old traditional brow lift that involved a scar across the top of the head, from the top of one ear to the top of the other ear. Part of the development of the endoscopic procedure was to avoid the permanently surprised, overdone look that so frequently accompanied the older brow lift operations. Rarely is this a problem and indeed one of the major goals in any brow lift is to avoid such a surprised look.
Q: How long are the scars?
A: Usually it involves three small incisions back behind the hairline each of which is less than two inches long. These are normally hidden in the hair and do not constitute a problem.
Q: Can't I have Botox and achieve almost the same thing?
A: Certainly Botox can wipe out forehead lines and between-the-eye lines in much the same way as a brow lift. However, you will not get the true lifting of the brow that can be achieved with surgery. Repetition of Botox, while it can lead to less muscle mass, does involve expense and repeat trips to the doctor.
Q: Will I lose a lot of hair?
A: No. We do not shave the head for this procedure, of course, and very little hair is removed due to the small nature of the incisions.
Q: Can I have a brow lift at the same time as other cosmetic procedures?
A: Brow lifts are frequently done in combination with face lifts, eyelid operations or sometimes other operations not on the face. A fair answer to this question will require further discussion with the doctor.
Q: Someone said that when this operation is done they had screws in their head afterwards. Is that true?
A: Occasionally screws are used for anchoring points for sutures usually on a temporary basis. We normally use these only when we are trying to actually lower the hairline, which are fewer than 5% of the cases in our clinic.
Blepharoplasty
Q: What is blepharoplasty?
A: Blepharoplasty refers to eyelid surgery and is designed to remove the excess fat, along with skin and muscle, from the upper and lower eyelids. It is among the most common aesthetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons.
Q: What are the goals of blepharoplasty?
A: A properly performed blepharoplasty procedure will brighten the face and restore a more youthful, vibrant, and well-rested appearance. In some patients the procedure will improve the vision by removing the excessive skin of the upper eyelids that can hang down and interfere with peripheral vision.
Q: How is the procedure performed
A: Eyelid surgery is usually performed using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. It is commonly done in our outpatient surgical center. The procedure is most often performed on an outpatient basis or in conjunction with other facial procedures.
Q: Are there scars from the blepharoplasty procedure?
A: Scars are a result of any surgical procedure. The incisions made to accomplish the goals of the procedure are barely visible after a few weeks as they are placed within the normal creases and folds of the upper and lower eyelids. In patients who only need removal of fat from the lower eyelids, the incision can be made on the inside of the eyelid, and will therefore result in an invisible scar.
Q: Will the fine wrinkles around my eyes go away after blepharoplasty? What about my sagging eyebrows and dark circles under my eyes?
A: The blepharoplasty procedure will not eradicate the wrinkles around the eyes (crow's feet) nor will it elevate droopy eyebrows. There are other procedures designed for these purposes. Dark circles under the eyes should improve if this is related to large bags, but the dark appearance of the lower eyelid skin remains if it is a skin color issue rather than a shadow effect.
Q: Can anyone have a blepharoplasty?
A: The best patients are those who are healthy, psychologically stable and well motivated. Some medical conditions may increase the risk of blepharoplasty surgery such as thyroid disease, high blood pressure, and patients who do not make sufficient tears to keep their eyes well lubricated.
Q: What are the risks involved with this procedure?
A: Fortunately, when performed by a competent plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and minor. All patients will experience some bruising and swelling for a few days after the surgery. In addition, a temporary problem with closure of the eyelids is occasionally seen. Some may have temporary blurring of their vision, usually due to the ointments applied to the incisions postoperatively. In rare instances, the lower eyelid may be pulled down causing an ectropion. This usually resolves with taping and massage, but further surgery may be necessary. The theoretical complications of any surgical procedure, such as bleeding, infection, wound disruption and heavy scarring or worse are also possible, but very, very rare.
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