Brow Lift vs. Blepharoplasty – Which One is Right for You?

You’ve recently noticed your eyes and forehead beginning to bear the hallmarks of aging – sagging skin, puffiness, fat accumulation, creases, and wrinkles – but you can’t decide between brow lift vs. blepharoplasty. Thankfully, Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons are specialists in each of these anti-aging procedures. They are here to provide you with the pertinent information you need in order to make your decision. 

Although they both offer the benefits of a rejuvenated appearance, understanding the differences between a brow lift and blepharoplasty is critical in deciding which procedure is right for you. A brow lift is a surgical procedure that smoothes the lines of the forehead by removing excess fat and skin. Conversely, blepharoplasty (also known as eyelid surgery) is a procedure used to improve the appearance of the eye by treating the upper lids, lower lids, or both. Both approaches offer long-lasting results and will bring about a more youthful countenance.  

Having defined each procedure, let’s now take an in-depth look at what each method entails and explore common questions posed by those considering brow lift vs. blepharoplasty. 

Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty: What Each Process Involves 

Examining the Different Types of Brow Lift in Detail

The purpose of the brow lift is to address loose, sagging skin on the forehead and “lift” it to provide a more youthful look. There are several types of procedures that fall under the brow lift umbrella: 

1. Classic or coronal lift

This type of lift involves a surgeon performing a very fine incision from ear to ear and running behind your hairline. It is important to note that Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons are experts at effectively hiding this incision to avoid visible scarring on your face. Next, Dr. Qazi will delicately lift the skin of the forehead, permitting access to the tissue, fat, and muscles underneath. Excess skin and fat will be removed, and the muscles may be realigned to aid in an appropriate outcome. 

2. Endoscopic lift

Introduced in the 1990s, the endoscopic lift is less invasive than its classic counterpart. While the procedure still dictates that incisions be made, these are only a few in number and are quite small. Again, these incisions are concealed behind the hairline. Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons then insert specialized instruments into the incisions in order to release and elevate the brow tissue. 

3. Temporal lift

Also known as a lateral lift, the temporal brow lift is an option for those looking for a minimally invasive procedure. In this type of lift, a singular incision is made under the hairline and the outer third of the forehead is lifted using telescopes. The temporal lift specifically addresses the outer brow and does not alter the central or inner portions of the brow. 

4. Direct lift

As its name implies, the direct lift is accomplished by performing one incision directly above the hairline of the eyebrow. This grants direct access to the muscles of the brow itself, allowing Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons to manipulate the positioning of the brow.

Depending on which option you choose, all of the above types of brow lifts are performed using either local or general anesthesia.

Also, it is very important to note a critical benefit of a brow lift: the results will last for up to ten years! No medical procedure can fully arrest the passage of time, but an expertly executed brow lift, such as those performed by Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons, will provide long-lasting results. To ensure that the results of your brow lift last as long as possible, it is paramount that you follow the post-care routine prescribed by your surgeon. In that vein, take some time and dive into Dr. Qazi’s piece on the longevity of brow lifts.  

Having touched on the different types of brow lifts, let us now cast our focus on the realm of blepharoplasty in order to continue our examination of brow lift vs. blepharoplasty. 

The 3 Different Types of Blepharoplasty

There are three viable methods by which Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons can address aesthetic deficiencies in the eye area: 

1. Upper blepharoplasty

This procedure targets the upper eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty is an ideal consideration for patients who have puffiness, sagging skin, or an accumulation of fat on the upper eyelids. A surgeon will make an incision on the crease of the upper lid and then remove excess fat, maneuver muscle, and redistribute skin. Read more about how Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons can fix your droopy eyelids.

2. Lower blepharoplasty

Perfect for patients who suffer from bags or excess skin under their eyes. A tiny incision is made below the lower lash line, allowing Dr. Qazi to proceed with an identical process as described above. If you have bags under your eyes, Qazi Cosmetic Clinic offers lower blepharoplasty surgery and can effectively remedy the issue. 

3. Double blepharoplasty

As the name suggests, a double blepharoplasty concerns both the upper and lower areas of the eye. This procedure represents the most well-rounded option for patients seeking a complete form of eye rejuvenation. 

Regardless of which kind of blepharoplasty is right for you, Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons will use either local or general anesthesia depending on the extent of the surgery. 

Furthermore, similarly to a brow lift, the results of blepharoplasty last a considerable amount of time. With regards to upper blepharoplasty, the effects remain for 5-10 years; lower blepharoplasty, however, can last much longer and may even remain permanent. As mentioned, adhere to all post-procedure guidelines dictated by Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons.  

At this point, you now possess knowledge regarding the differences between brow lift and blepharoplasty. Accordingly, it is appropriate to cover all relevant questions regarding aspects of the procedures, including preparation, ideal candidacy, post-procedure care, and other criteria. 

Brow Lift vs. Blepharoplasty: Which is Better?

When considering this critical question, the answer lies in what you as an individual uniquely require. Each procedure yields wonderful results of a refreshed, youthful appearance.

If your concerns lie in the wrinkles or loose and sagging skin on your forehead, then a brow lift may be the correct course of action. 

On the other hand, should you find dissatisfaction with the presence of bags, loose skin, puffiness, or fat around your eyes, blepharoplasty could very well be your best option. 

With that said, you should also consider the possibility of electing for both procedures. Doing so provides you with the maximum degree of facial rejuvenation and represents a holistic approach. If you are not sure which treatment is right for you, schedule a consultion with Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons and let them help you decide. 

Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty?

According to Dr. Qazi, an ideal candidate for a brow lift is, “Anyone who is overall healthy but who has sagging brown, deep horizontal forehead wrinkles, furrows at the top of the nose, or excess skin hanging over the eyes. Men or women who only have minor forehead wrinkles can consider Botox instead, rather than a surgical brow lift.”

When considering blepharoplasty, Dr. Qazi states that the procedure is appropriate for, “anyone who has sagging skin, puffy fat deposits, or drooping eyelids. This procedure can be performed for both aesthetic reasons and functional reasons. If sagging skin obscures part of your vision, then eyelid surgery is recommended to correct the problem and restore your vision.”

In order to verify your candidacy for either a brow lift or blepharoplasty, be sure to schedule a consultation with Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons. They will evaluate your individual needs and guide you toward the correct decision. 

What is the Best Way to Prepare for a Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty? 

Prior to addressing the specific preparation for each procedure, please know that Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons will provide you with a detailed outline of what you need to do prior to surgery. 

With that said, let’s discuss preparation for a brow lift first. Before your scheduled procedure, it may be necessary for you to provide lab tests and/or a medical evaluation to ensure that you are ready to proceed. Furthermore, you should avoid taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs, cease smoking, and consume no alcohol for two days prior. 

As for blepharoplasty, patients should stop smoking and consuming alcohol in the weeks leading up to the surgery. 

What Should You do Post-Surgery?

Following the post-surgery guidelines provided to you by Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons is essential in ensuring your recovery goes smoothly and the effects of your procedure last as long as possible. 

After a brow lift, you should avoid blood thinners and take all prescribed medications for 7 days. Additionally, it is recommended you avoid driving for 3-4 days. Some swelling and bruising near the hairline are entirely normal; as such, you should take care to not sleep on your back, avoid touching the treated area, and refrain from harsh skin care products until the skin heals completely. Finally, take a look at Dr. Qazi’s complete guide on post-surgery care for brow lifts. 

Following blepharoplasty, your eyelids will be swollen, sore, and discolored. It may take up to one week for the swelling to dissipate entirely, so be sure to consider your social engagements following your procedure. Although swelling may remain present for up to six months, you are safe to resume physical activity in four weeks and go out in the sun in six weeks. 

Are Brow Lifts and Blepharoplasty Suitable for Men?

In both instances, the answer is a resounding yes! Men electing to undergo cosmetic surgery is becoming an increasingly more common reality, and addressing signs of aging in and around the eyes and forehead is an entirely viable consideration for the male population. 

If you are a man and considering brow lift vs. blepharoplasty, please know you are not alone. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020 over 45,000 men underwent blepharoplasty, and over 7,000 had a brow lift. Everyone deserves to feel and look their best and by no means are either of these procedures relegated to the female population! 

Are Brow Lifts and Blepharoplasty Safe for All Ages? 

First, let us dispel the idea that cosmetic surgery is only for the elderly. This notion is simply not true! As evidence, consider that those aged between 35-50 accounted for the largest percentage of cosmetic surgery patients nationwide in 2019, representing 38.6% of all cosmetic surgeries. 

As for brow lifts and blepharoplasty, both procedures are safe for nearly all ages. With that said, most individuals most likely will not need either surgery until they reach 45-55 years of age; this is the result of the fact that both brow lifts and blepharoplasty address areas of concern that result as people age.  

Browlift vs. Blepharoplasty: The Choice is Yours

If the face staring back at you in the mirror appears older, more tired, and less invigorated than you would like, it is time to consider a brow lift, blepharoplasty, or even both. Getting older is inevitable, but thanks to the unparalleled talents of Dr. Qazi and his team of surgeons, it is indeed entirely possible to push back against the passage of time. Do yourself a favor and contact the Qazi Cosmetic Clinic and take the first step toward a revitalized, youthful appearance.