Browpexy surgery along with blepharoplasty
In this surgical technique, excess skin on the upper eyelid is removed, along with any protruding fat, to reshape the upper eyelid. Simultaneously, eyebrow lift surgery can be performed in the same session.
Who should consider eyebrow lift and upper eyelid aesthetic surgery together?
In this surgical technique, the degree and level of eyebrow lift are limited. This means that we cannot lift our eyebrows as much as we want. The primary reason for choosing this surgical technique is when there is both upper eyelid laxity and eyebrow drooping, or even if there is no eyebrow drooping but there is eyebrow laxity. If upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed without addressing the eyebrows in these cases, the distance between the eyebrows and eyelids can narrow further, leading to unsatisfactory results. Patients with the following characteristics benefit the most from this surgical technique:
- Patients with excess skin on the upper eyelid along with eyebrow drooping.
- Patients with eyebrow laxity, even without eyebrow drooping.
- Patients with thin and soft skin.
- Patients whose eyebrows have drooped due to trauma, subcutaneous infections, or other reasons.
- Female patients with both eyebrow drooping and upper eyelid laxity, especially.
Wouldn’t upper eyelid blepharoplasty alone be sufficient in these patients?
Unfortunately, for patients with the characteristics mentioned above, performing only upper eyelid blepharoplasty is not sufficient. This is because in these patients, when excess skin and fat are removed from the upper eyelid through blepharoplasty, the eyebrows can droop even further if there is eyebrow laxity, or they may droop despite the absence of eyebrow drooping. Therefore, in these patient groups, it is essential to include eyebrow fixation with browpexy surgery.
How is browpexy surgery performed along with blepharoplasty?
First, we remove sagging excess skin, as we do in upper eyelid aesthetics. If there is forward protrusion (prolapse) of fat tissue, we remove a portion of the fat and reshape the eyelid. Then, we proceed from the upper eyelid to below the eyebrow and the forehead. We secure the eyebrow in the desired position and place a hidden suture underneath the skin to fix the eyebrow. All these procedures can be performed under local anesthesia, but we prefer general anesthesia for patients who are stressed or anxious.
What is the recovery process like after the surgery?
We expect some degree of swelling, puffiness, and bruising after the surgery. Since we are performing two surgeries at once in this procedure, the recovery from swelling, bruising, and puffiness may take a bit longer compared to upper eyelid aesthetics alone. Swelling of the eyelids typically subsides within a week, but swelling in the forehead area may last up to a month.
How long does it take for the eyebrow and eyelid to regain their full shape?
After the surgery, there may be some wrinkling and indentation on the forehead. These wrinkles and indentations in the forehead area typically disappear in approximately 3-4 weeks. It takes about a month for the eyebrow and eyelid to regain their full shape.
Can the entire eyebrow be lifted with the surgery, or only the outer part?
The extent to which the eyebrow is lifted depends on the degree of eyebrow laxity and the patient’s preferences. It can involve lifting the entire eyebrow or just the outer part.
How long does the effect of the surgery last?
This procedure is permanent. The hidden suture we place under the eyebrow during surgery takes approximately 2 months to dissolve. During this time, the eyebrow securely adheres to its new position. However, in some cases, the hidden suture can detach prematurely in the early stages, causing the eyebrow to droop. If this occurs, the eyebrow needs to be repositioned.