One of the first areas of the body to exhibit signs of aging is the area around the eyes. Under eye bags and sagging upper eyelids that come with age can be corrected through cosmetic eyelid surgery. This relatively minor cosmetic correction can refresh the appearance of the face and leave it looking years younger. Cosmetic eyelid surgery dramatically improves the appearance of tired, droopy eyes. This is accomplished by removing excess skin and pockets of fat from the upper and lower eyelids. Many patients combine eyelid surgery with other treatments, such as brow lifting to eliminate drooping eyebrows and various cosmetic dermal fillers or other agents to reduce facial wrinkling.

Who is a candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is best suited to patients in good physical health who have realistic expectations about the outcome. While most are more than 35 years old, some younger patients who have inherited droopy eyelids elect to undergo eyelid surgery at an earlier age. You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

Upper Eyelids

• excess skin that hides the natural fold of the upper eyelids
• loose skin that hangs down from the upper eyelids
• puffiness in the upper eyelids that creates a tired look

Lower Eyelids

• excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
• puffy “bags” and, in some cases, dark circles

Those who may not be well suited for eyelid surgery include patients who suffer from insufficient tear production or patients with severe dry eye syndrome.

The Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Cosmetic eyelid surgery can be performed on either the upper, lower or both lids. The goal for the upper lids is usually to lift it by removing excess skin. For the lower lids, a combination of excess skin and fatty deposits are removed to eliminate the bag under the eyes. The result of either or both is a smoother, more youthful and well-rested appearance. Patients can expect the results to last for many years. Over time a small amount of excess skin or fat may be noticed. If this does occur, the skin or fat can easily and safely be removed.

The brow lift is a rejuvenating surgical procedure aimed at restoring a more youthful appearance to the brow, forehead and indirectly, the upper eyelids. Patients seeking brow lifts usually have sagging brows and forehead skin. Typically this causes the patient’s eyes to look tired and upper lids to look heavy. They also notice deeper horizontal wrinkles in the forehead.

The brow lift is primarily designed to restore a more youthful position of the brow giving it a beautiful arched look. The operation involves the tightening or lifting of the select facial muscles responsible for the drop in brow position. At the same time, it smoothes the forehead, reduces wrinkles between the eyes and can, to a lesser degree, reduce the appearance of skin excess in the upper lids.

Who is a candidate for Brow Lift Surgery?

A brow lift is most commonly performed in the 40 – 60 age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.

The Brow Lift Surgery Procedure

When performing a brow lift procedure, muscles and tissue areas that droop or cause creases are lifted or corrected to smooth the skin on the forehead to reduce frown lines and raise the eyebrows. There are several surgical brow lifting procedures, and during your initial consultation, the procedure that works best for you will be recommended.

Brow lift surgery results in a more rested and revitalized appearance of the upper portion of the face. This surgery reduces the angry, unhappy, sad, or tired appearance. The improvement often lasts many years.