Our eyes are typically the most captivating feature of our face and are often referred to as the “windows to our soul.” Unfortunately, even the most stunning set of eyes are vulnerable to the effects of gravity over time and can lose their radiant appearance.
Dr. Matt Goldschmidt provides upper and lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) and brow lift surgery (forehead lift) in the Cleveland area to help correct the sagging skin, fat pockets, and laxity that develop around the eyes as we age. He also corrects hooded eyes in younger patients.
Are You a Candidate for Eyelid Lift and Brow Lift Surgery?
During your consultation with Dr. Goldschmidt, he will carefully review your eye health and any previous eye conditions to ensure it is safe for you to undergo surgery. Potential candidates should have realistic cosmetic goals and clear expectations of the procedure.
Eyelid and brow lift surgery can benefit individuals who have:
- Upper eyelids that hang over the eyes (hooded eyes)
- Dark circles, bags, or puffiness under the eyes
- Excess crepey skin around the eyes
- Wrinkles across the forehead and between the brows
- Drooping brows that make you look angry or tired
- Disrupted or blocked vision created by drooping skin over the eyes
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are unhappy with the appearance of your eyes, a lid or brow lift may be right for you. In moderate to severe cases, these surgeries may be combined for the best results.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty and Eyebrow Lifts
When eyelids have excess skin, are heavy, or droop, it can make you look tired, sad, or angry. Eyelid and brow lifts can correct this sagging and heaviness to help you look more alert and youthful, giving your eyes a larger, brighter appearance.
Combining your eye lift with brow lift surgery can fight the aging around your eyes and brows, smoothing and lifting your forehead skin. The eyelid and brow lift procedure can significantly reduce noticeable signs of aging in the upper face.
How Is Eyelid and Brow Lift Surgery Performed?
For your comfort, anesthesia is administered; this may include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Local numbing agents may also be applied.
Eyelid Lift Procedure
Eyelid lift surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
For upper blepharoplasty, an incision is made along the natural crease of the eye (so the incision will be hidden while your eyes are open). Fat pockets are repositioned or removed, and excess skin is trimmed.
For lower blepharoplasty, an incision is made just beneath the lower lash line. This allows Dr. Goldschmidt to reposition or remove fat deposits contributing to the puffy appearance beneath the eyes.
Brow Lift Procedure
Brow lifts require only small incisions across the hairline to readjust tissue and muscle beneath the skin. This procedure reduces wrinkles across the forehead, smooths vertical furrows between the brows, and lifts the eyebrows.
The incisions for both surgeries are closed with sutures or specialized glue, and the stitches are easily removed within one week.
What Does Recovery From Eyelid and Brow Lift Surgery Look Like?
Eyelid and forehead surgery lift surgery can provide a significant improvement in appearance. Successful results depend on choosing an experienced surgeon and the care you take of yourself after your procedure.
After your eyelid or brow lift surgery is complete, you will receive instructions from Dr. Goldschmidt regarding the use of topical or oral medications, gauze, cold compresses, and ointments to reduce swelling.
Because the recovery period for eyelid and brow lift surgery is so short, you will likely go home on the day of the procedure. Once home, be sure to rest for several days so your body can best recover from the slight swelling and discomfort.
Follow these postoperative tips for the best outcome.
- Have an adult stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Keep your head well-elevated when resting for the first two days after surgery.
- Take your prescribed pain medicine to prevent unnecessary discomfort.
- Take it easy and limit your activities for a few days after surgery. It may be seven to ten days to feel completely normal and be ready to resume performing more strenuous tasks.
- Gently use ice packs to reduce swelling.
- If sitting or standing causes you to feel dizzy, lie back down immediately to prevent fainting or falling. When you feel ready, get up slowly to prevent a dip in your blood pressure.
When Will I See My Eyelid and Brow Lift Results?
You can expect a smoother, younger-looking appearance in just two weeks; however, the complete healing process may take a few months. Gradually, your eyelids, brows, and forehead will heal, and you can enjoy your tighter skin, lifted brows, and rejuvenated alert appearance.
Your eyelids, eyebrows, and forehead will still age naturally, maintaining the fundamental aesthetics of your face.
Eyelid and Brow Lift Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
How much does eyelid and brow lift surgery cost?
The cost of blepharoplasty and eyebrow lifts vary depending on the extent of the surgery and whether you will need a combination of procedures. Our practice works hard to make services and fees manageable. At your consultation with Dr. Goldschmidt, he will examine you, listen carefully to your goals, and recommend the appropriate treatment plan. At this point, you will be provided with an accurate cost estimate.
Does insurance cover blepharoplasty?
As a purely cosmetic procedure, eyelid surgery is not generally covered by insurance. However, if heavy lids impair your vision, insurance may pay a portion of the surgery. You will need to reach out to your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.
Should I combine my eyelid and brow lift with another facial surgery?
Eyelid lift and brow lift surgery are sometimes combined with facelift surgery or injectable dermal fillers if lower facial aging needs to be addressed for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Your cosmetic surgeon will carefully assess your condition and goals to make tailored recommendations to help meet your cosmetic needs.
Will eyelid lift and brow lift surgery address sagging in my lower face?
Eyelid and brow lift surgery address visible aging in the upper regions of the face only; it does not address aging in the middle or lower regions of the face. For patients with significant laxity, sagging in the cheeks, around the mouth, and along the jawline, a facelift procedure may be recommended to address these signs of aging and maintain a balance between your facial features.
What are the risks associated with eyelid and brow lift surgery?
At The Cosmetic Surgery Center, we ensure the most exceptional care for all our patients undergoing surgery. There are risks with any surgical procedure, even with a leading expert in cosmetic surgery like Dr. Goldschmidt. He will address any questions and concerns you have regarding the potential risks of your operation and explain how they are best avoided during your consultation.
Following your surgery, aftercare instructions will also be provided to avoid postoperative complications.
Some risks of brow/forehead lift and eyelid lift surgery may include:
- Negative reactions to anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Extended healing period
- Scarring
- Facial asymmetry
Are there nonsurgical alternatives to eyelid lift and brow lift surgery?
Microneedling treatment is designed to improve skin texture and tone. This nonsurgical treatment stimulates new collagen and elastin to reduce wrinkles but cannot significantly tighten loose forehead skin or lift the brows, and can’t be used on the eyelids. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections can smooth wrinkles on the forehead and between the brows, but the results are temporary. Eyelid lift surgery and brow lift surgery are needed to correct drooping, puffy eyelids, and sagging eyebrows.
Interested in eyelid lift and brow lift surgery in Cleveland, Ohio?
If you are interested in learning about eyelid and brow lift surgery in the Cleveland area or would like to receive a cost estimate for eyelid lift and brow lift, please contact Dr. Goldschmidt at the Cosmetic Surgery Center by calling (216) 350-3175. Dr. Goldschmidt often sees patients from Independence and nearby cities such as Lakewood and Parma.
For more information about Eyelid Lift and Brow Lift in Cleveland, OH or to schedule your Eyelid Lift and Brow Lift in Cleveland, OH consultation with Dr. Matt Goldschmidt, please call (216) 264-8100.