Eyebrow Lift Surgery vs. Blepharoplasty

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Eyebrow Lift Surgery vs. Blepharoplasty:
Deciding which is Best for You

When a person’s eyelids droop or their eyebrow sags, they are often incorrectly assumed to be angry or unapproachable. Such conditions can also make those affected look older than they are, and often leads to them feeling unattractive. But at AMAE Plastic Surgery in the Troy, MI area, anyone tired of their droopy, sagging appearance is offered a variety of solutions. In addition to offering many non-invasive skin tightening procedures, we also provide Troy, MI area patients with procedures such as eyebrow lift surgery and blepharoplasty.

In this article, board certified Troy, MI area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali outlines the differences between blepharoplasty and eyebrow lift surgery, and who is an ideal candidate for each.

How Eyebrow Lift Surgery Differs From Blepharoplasty

Eyebrow lift surgery is performed by tightening the soft tissue of the forehead, improving the shape and reversing the effects of gravity on the forehead, brows, and upper eyelid. Eyebrow lift surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed at AMAE Plastic Surgery, with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali treating many Troy, MI area patients with this popular, highly effective procedure.

Patients who choose eyebrow lift surgery over blepharoplasty do so to reduce forehead wrinkles such as vertical lines between the eyebrows. Like blepharoplasty, eyebrow lift surgery can improve the appearance of drooping eyelids, but can also treat frown lines, leaving patients looking youthful and refreshed.

During eyebrow lift surgery the location of the incision is made behind the hairline. Additional incisions may also be made in the small muscles of the forehead responsible for creating deep furrows. Following this, the tissue will be re-draped and stitched in place in such a way that drooping and wrinkling no longer occur – and incision scars are well hidden in the hairline.

After about two weeks, any remaining stitches will be removed. Incisions from eyebrow lift surgery typically heal exceptionally well.

How Blepharoplasty Surgery Works

Blepharoplasty, on the other hand, is surgery that is conducted on the eyelid itself – not on the forehead. Blepharoplasty is performed to tighten and sculpt the upper (and, sometimes, lower) eyelids. Blepharoplasty can be medically motivated: improving the vision of patients whose upper eyelids sag to the point of impeding their ability to see. But blepharoplasty may also be performed for purely cosmetic reasons, helping Troy, MI area patients look and feel more youthful and attractive.

Upper blepharoplasty incisions are made at the crease of the upper eyelid, and, in some cases, will extend into the crease of the “crow’s feet.” Lower blepharoplasty is performed by creating an incision in the inside of the lower eyelid, through which fat is removed.

Some cases of lower blepharoplasty may call for skin to be removed. In such instances, this is accomplished by making a tiny incision directly below the lower eyelid’s eyelashes.

Who Should Get Eyebrow Lift Surgery Instead of Blepharoplasty

Troy, MI area patients may choose eyebrow lift surgery over blepharoplasty if they are afflicted by frown lines between their brow at the top of their nose. Eyebrow lift surgery is also effective as a means of treating pronounced forehead wrinkles. Additionally, for patients whose drooping eyebrows create the appearance that they are tired or angry, eyebrow lift surgery is more effective than blepharoplasty.

Who Should Get Blepharoplasty Instead Eyebrow Lift Surgery

The ideal Troy, MI area blepharoplasty candidate wishes to remove extra skin and/or fatty tissue that hangs over their eyes, particularly in instances severe enough to impede their vision. Blepharoplasty is the perfect way to get rid of fat bulges in either they upper or lower eyelid, and can significantly alleviate the feeling of heaviness by which they can be accompanied. Blepharoplasty patients report having a much easier time applying makeup to their eyelids than before their surgery, with their eyelids no longer obscured by drooping tissue.

Eyebrow Lift Surgery & Blepharoplasty – Troy, MI

We offer both eyebrow lift surgery and blepharoplasty, as well as many non-surgical procedures at our Troy, MI area plastic surgery practice and medical spa. Dr. Ali will help you decide which eyebrow or eyelid lift treatment is best for you, during your initial consultation. For more information about how we can help meet your aesthetic goals through treatments such as blepharoplasty, and eyebrow lift surgery contact AMAE Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa today.

Troy, MI Area Eyebrow Lift & Blepharoplasty Consultation: 248-335-7200

Asian Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Lift Surgery for Asians

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Asian Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Lifts Surgery for Asians – 

Whether to improve one’s vision or simply for cosmetic reasons, one of the most commonly requested procedure by our Asian patients is an upper eyelid surgery known as Asian Blepharoplasty. Asian Blepharoplasty is performed to enhance the fold of the upper eyelid, thus creating a smooth -but still natural-looking- double eyelid

In this article board certified plastic surgeon discusses blepharoplasty as it applies to the unique eye shape of Asian patients.

Asian Cosmetic Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

There is no single “correct” or “perfect” eyelid appearance or shape. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, and any type of cosmetic surgery is designed to help the patient feel happier with their own appearance.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed for “crease formation”—which is the desire of many Asian patients seeking upper eyelid surgery.

During one’s Asian Blepharoplasty consultation, Troy, MI board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will take into account any pre-existing fold or crease of the eyelid, as the upper eyelid’s total amount of skin, where the eyebrows are positioned on the face, and most of all, the patient’s own aesthetic goals and desired outcomes of their Asian Blepharoplasty procedure.

The goal is typically NOT at all to “Westernize” the appearance of the Asian eyes. Rather, Asian blepharoplasty is generally performed to obtain a more open and attractive eyelid appearance – while still maintaining the ethnic integrity of the patient’s appearance.

Asian Cosmetic Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Since the bone structure of the typical Asian face has a flatter eye area, Asian individuals, in many cases, may experience very prominent under eye bags as part of the aging process.

Consequently, many cases of Asian Blepharoplasty are also performed on the lower eyelid are done so in order to smooth out such bags.

It is possible to perform Asian Blepharoplasty on the lower eyelid without creating a visible incision. The end result is an under eye area free from bags or unwanted puffiness.

Asian Medical Blepharoplasty for Vision

Asian Blepharoplasty may also be performed to remove redundant skin that obstructs the patient’s line of vision. Many people of all ethnicities experience drooping of the eyelids with age, which can obstruct the vision.

Because of their ethnic eyelid structure, mature Asian patients may be particularly prone to this frustrating issue. However, blepharoplasty performed by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon like Troy, MI area Dr. Ali can lift the sagging eyelids to improve vision – with the added benefit of a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

With documentation from an ophthalmologist diagnosing obstruction to the patient’s field of vision, Asian Blepharoplasty patients may also be entitled to have their procedure covered by insurance. Check with your insurer, as coverage will fluctuate from patient to patient.

The staff at our Troy, MI area medical spa are happy to discuss any concerns regarding insurance with all of our Asian Blepharoplasty patients. In some cases, patients may pay for the procedure prior to the surgery and then may be reimbursed by their insurance carrier at a later date. And for patients undergoing Asian Blepharoplasty for purely cosmetic purposes, financing options are available.

Asian Blepharoplasty – Troy, MI Area

Available both to improve vision or for purely cosmetic reasons, Troy, MI board certified plastic surgeon is committed to meeting the goals of all his Asian Blepharoplasty patients in a way that respects their ethnic heritage. If you are in the Troy, MI area and are interested in Asian Blepharoplasty, contact us today for a consultation.

Asian Blepharoplasty Consultation – Troy, MI area: 248-335-7200

Blepharoplasty FAQs (Part 2)

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Blepharoplasty FAQs (Part 2) – 

Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery that involves tightening and sculpting the upper and sometimes lower eyelids in order. It can be purely cosmetic, to restore a youthful appearance to the eyes. Or it can be medically motivated to improve vision, when sagging upper eyelids obstruct the ability to see.

In this two part article board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali answers patients most frequently asked questions about blepharoplasty eyelid surgery.

Does blepharoplasty get rid of lines around the eyes?

While browlifts are usually implemented to address hooding of the skin to the sides of the eye, upper blepharoplasty is not performed to treat lines and wrinkles. That being said, when performed in conjunction with other effective treatments such as Botox, upper blepharoplasty patients can achieve such results.

Are blepharoplasty results permanent?

Blepharoplasty patients are able to enjoy permanent results, with most patients never requiring another surgery. In some cases, patients returning to our practice for another procedure may also choose to have their blepharoplasty touched up, but this generally occurs as long as 15 to 20 years after the initial procedure.

The worst mistake an unskilled blepharoplasty surgeon will make is removing too much skin, which can result in chronic dryness of the patient’s eyes. Patients who undergo blepharoplasty and then later ask to remove more skin generally require a brow lift, rather than more skin removal.

But in the hands of a board-certified blepharoplasty expert like Dr. Ali, blepharoplasty patients can rest assured that more than enough skin will be left behind for normal, comfortable closure of the eyes.

Successful blepharoplasty makes the patient’s eyes look more open, but does nothing to change the shape or structure of the eyelid. At Oakland County, MI’s AMAE Med Spa, we pride ourselves on having our patients leave all of our blepharoplasty procedures simply looking like younger, fresher versions of themselves.

What anesthesia is used for blepharoplasty?

It is possible to perform upper blepharoplasty with either IV sedation, local anesthesia, or a light general anesthetic. The form of anesthesia chosen depends on whether the patient is undergoing other procedures with their upper blepharoplasty, such as brow lifts or rhinoplasty. Board-certified blepharoplasty expert Dr. Ali helps all of his patients chose the method of anesthesia that is right for them.

Can I wear my glasses or contacts after blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty patients are free to pop their glasses back on immediately after their procedure. When exiting the procedure, many blepharoplasty patients chose to mask the swelling around their eyes with sunglasses.

That said, blepharoplasty patients should wait at least a week before wearing contact lenses.

Does insurance cover an upper blepharoplasty?

When obstructions in a patient’s field of vision are documented by an ophthalmologist, they are typically entitled to insurance coverage for their blepharoplasty surgery. That being said, it is important to know the full criteria upon which your insurance company bases their coverage, as insurance companies are famously inconsistent in this regard.

Blepharoplasty patients are encouraged to discuss any concerns regarding insurance with our Oakland County, surgical staff, who will gladly help clarify any such issues. We also offer convenient financing options for patients who are seeking blepharoplasty for strictly cosmetic purposes.

Best Blepharoplasty – Oakland County

If you’re in the Oakland County area and are considering blepharoplasty, contact Dr. Ali today for a consultation. Oakland County board-certified plastic surgeon and blepharoplasty expert Dr. Ali will gladly answer any questions you have about how your vision or cosmetic goals can be met through blepharoplasty.

Blepharoplasty Consultation – Oakland County: 248-335-7200

Recovery after Blepharoplasty Surgery

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Recovery after Blepharoplasty Surgery – 

During blepharoplasty, the upper (and occasionally, lower) eyelid is sculpted and tightened through surgery. Blepharoplasty may be performed for entirely cosmetic purposes, such as to create a more youthful appearance for one’s eyes. Blepharoplasty may also be performed for medical reasons, such as to improve vision in patients who have experienced sagging in their upper eyelids severe enough to obstruct their vision.

In this article board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali answers explains what patients can expect during the recovery period after blepharoplasty eyelid surgery.

Going Home after Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty patients are not required to stay overnight at the hospital unless the surgery is being performed in conjunction with an additional procedure, such as a facelift. Blepharoplasty patients must, however, be driven home from their surgery by someone else and should have someone stay with them for the night.

Pain after Blepharoplasty

Any discomfort is typically well managed with over the counter medications such as Tylenol.

Patients who experience intense pain may be prescribed pain medication by Dr. Ali, but such instances are uncommon, with blepharoplasty not being a particularly painful procedure. Any discomfort is typically well managed with over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol.

For the first several days of blepharoplasty recovery, patients should apply cold compresses to the treatment area, which will both reduce swelling and bruising and relieve the patient from pain and discomfort. While cold compresses work wonders to aid in the healing process, blepharoplasty patients should not apply ice directly to the eyelids.

Glasses and Contacts after Blepharoplasty

Not only is it possible for eyeglasses to be worm immediately after the procedure, when patients return the day after their surgery for their follow-up, the frequently arrive wearing sunglasses to mask the swelling caused by the procedure.

While blepharoplasty patients are in the clear to wear glasses almost immediately after treatment, patients should refrain from wearing contact lenses for at least a week after their surgery.

Returning to Work after Blepharoplasty

For blepharoplasty patients who work from home whose daily routine involves non-strenuous tasks such as working on the computer or over the phone, it is possible to return to work the day after their surgery.

But blepharoplasty patients will have stitches in the treatment area for a week after their procedure, and will often experience swelling and bruising around their eyes. For patients who do not mind being seen in public in such a state, it is possible to return to work once three days have passed. For everyone else, it is advised to plan on taking off about a week from work.

Driving after Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty patients may resume driving as soon as they are completely off any kind of narcotic pain medication and no longer feels at all restricted by their discomfort in a way that would impede their ability to do so.

Exercise after Blepharoplasty

Most patients report feeling ready to resume their exercise routine about a week after their blepharoplasty surgery. However, in some extremely rare cases, exercise has occasionally resulted in bleeding in some patients up to two weeks after their surgery. For this reason, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali recommends that all of his patients wait at least three weeks following their blepharoplasty procedure before diving back into their workout routine.

Showers after Blepharoplasty

Unless Dr. Ali has instructed the patient to refrain from doing so in their aftercare instructions, blepharoplasty patients are able to take a shower the night of their upper blepharoplasty surgery.

Postoperative Care after Blepharoplasty

Generally, the incision made during blepharoplasty does not require special care. For the post part, it is alright to get the eyelid wet immediately following surgery, such as by cleaning it with a soft washcloth. Once the sutures have been removed, blepharoplasty patients do not need to apply any kind of special scar ointment to the treatment area, as the healing properties of the eyelid rank among the best in the human body.

4-6 days after blepharoplasty, the sutures will be removed.

While it is exceedingly rare, it is possible for patients to experience bleeding that may apply pressure to the eye. If left untreated, this incredibly uncommon occurrence could theoretically result in blindness. Patients should immediately call their doctor if their eye become swollen after their blepharoplasty surgery, or if they experience severe pain or loss of vision. If they do not immediately receive a response, the individual should go to the emergency room.  But, once again, this is exceeding rare and due to his skill and experience it has not happened to any of Dr. Ali’s patients.

Blepharoplasty –   West Bloomfield, MI

Whether performed for cosmetic or medical reasons, West Bloomfield, MI area board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali is committed to providing all of his patients with beautiful results, and both a safe and comfortable surgical experience and period of recovery. Individuals in the West Bloomfield, MI area curious about blepharoplasty are encouraged to contact us today for a consultation.

Blepharoplasty Consultation – Troy, MI area: 248-335-7200