Cosmetic Surgery of the Eye and Forehead Region:
Blepharoplasty and Browlifts
Blepharoplasty - Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
 Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure performed on men and women of all ages. The result of this procedure is to restore the eyelids to a more youthful, well-rested appearance, removing fat bags and tightening loose skin. While usually performed for cosmetic reasons, it can also treat the impaired vision by droopy upper eyelids.
In upper eyelid surgery, the incision is made along the eyelid crease so that the scar is virtually invisible. The excess fat, muscle, and loose skin is removed, and delicate sutures close the incision. In lower eyelid surgery, one of either two types of incisions can be used. In the majority of individuals who have baggy lower eyelids and only a small amount of excess skin, transconjunctival blepharoplasty can be performed. In this procedure, the incision is made along the inside of the lower eyelid, through which the excess fat is removed. There is no need for an external incision. In the minority of individuals who require removal of both excess fat and skin, the inconspicuous incision is made just below the lashline. While usually performed as a single procedure, blepharoplasty is sometimes performed with laser or chemical peels to treat dark circles or fine wrinkling, or with an endoscopic browlift to restore the eyebrows to a more youthful position.
Blepharoplasty is a 1- to 2-hour procedure performed on an outpatient basis. There is usually only mild swelling and bruising. All sutures are removed within three days, permitting return to regular activity and exercise within one week.
Browlifting
A variety of techniques exist for elevating low brows- these include endoscopic (minimal incision), midforehead, and within the hairline incision. All these techniques address to varying degrees the problem of brows that are too low and / or are associated with prominent forehead lines and vertical wrinkles around the lower aspect of the forehead where it joins the nose (frown lines).
The endoscopic browlift technique uses tiny scopes to maximize visualization while minimizing the size of incisions made in the scalp. Once the desired position of the brows is attained, the brows/forehead can then be kept in its desired position by the insertion into the forehead of absorbable specially designed screws. This is an excellent technique when there is not very much excess forehead skin, and in those patients concerned about even a small fine line incision scar.
The midforehead technique happens to be a particular favorite of Dr. Epstein and Dr. Halaas, designed for men as the incisions can be placed into deeper forehead horizontal wrinkles. The big advantages of this procedure is that it is performed under just local anesthesia with or without a mild oral sedative, and the fine line scars typically heal to near undetectabilty by 4 to 6 weeks.
Before and after midforehead browlift (note absence of any visible scar) and upper and lower blepharoplasty.
Finally, the hairline incision is most commonly used on women in whom the risk of a fine line incision scar becoming exposed is virtually nil, as the incision is designed such that hair actually grows through the scar and it is located high enough, far enough from where it would be expected to ever become visible. In women (and older men) who desire a lower hairline, the browlift can be combined with a hairline advancement procedure.
Recognized for their expertise in this area, both Drs. Epstein and Halaas' work has been profiled in the scientific and popular literature.
When Ladies Home Journal wanted to look at blepharoplasty surgery, they followed one of Dr. Halaas's
patients. Click here to view the article.
Dr. Epstein has authored an article that appeared in Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery on the surgical treatment of dark circles under the eyelids. Click here to view the article.
see Other Procedures
|
Rhinoplasty
