09 May Hooded Eyes: Will A Brow Lift Help Or Should You Consider Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Why Do You Have Hooded Eyes?
Hooded eyes are used to describe eyelids that have a droopy or sagging aesthetic. The hooded appearance is caused by excess skin that extends from the brow bone to the lash line. The medical term for hooded eyes is dermatochalasis. Ptosis is another term for sagging eyelids. Hooded eyelids may cause medical concerns because the excess skin can obstruct a person’s line of vision. Some people are born with hooded eyes, while others develop the condition at an older age. For older patients, hooded eyelids emerge when the muscles in the eyes start to lose elasticity and begin sagging.
Treatment options for hooded eyes
The best treatment option for this condition is plastic surgery. Surgery will not only improve the appearance of hooded eyes but also offer medical benefits like improved vision and less discomfort. Patients have a few options for surgery. The first option is a blepharoplasty, which is an eyelid surgery that can be done on the upper and lower eyelids. Another option is a brow lift. A brow lift is a surgery that targets the forehead by lifting the underlying skin and tendons, which raises the position of the brows. Patients can talk to a plastic surgeon to decide which surgical option will provide the best outcome.
The basics of a blepharoplasty
A blepharoplasty is a surgery that involves the removal of unwanted fat, skin, and muscle from the eye area which is the reason why hooded eye patients are good candidates for the procedure. An upper blepharoplasty requires a surgical incision along the eye’s natural crease line. This laceration allows the surgeon to focus on the eyelid skin, orbital septum, and medial fat pad around the upper eye area. Surgeons may also remove part of the orbicularis muscle. For lower blepharoplasty, a dissection is made at the lower lash line or eyelid. Surgeons will remove and reposition extraneous skin and fat which improves the appearance of undereye bags.
What happens during a browlift?
A brow lift is a cosmetic procedure that improves droopy eyebrows, forehead creases, vertical frown lines, and wrinkles. The three most common techniques used during a brow lift are a classic open brow lift, an endoscopic lift, and a limited incision lift. All of these techniques require dissections at the hairline. Once the incision is made, doctors readjust the underlying tissues and muscles to lift the forehead region. A raised forehead will naturally alter the position of the eyebrows, therefore reducing sagging and droopy skin. Another technique called a direct brow lift, focuses on eliminating the excess skin around the eyebrows.
Combining surgical procedures
Each of these surgical procedures can be combined for maximum effectiveness. An upper blepharoplasty can be combined with a lower blepharoplasty, or any blepharoplasty can be combined with a brow lift. These procedures can also be done at the same time to reduce the need for multiple surgeries. Patients interested in more than one procedure should consult a skilled plastic surgeon.
Speaking to a professional
Before undergoing surgery, patients will need to consult a plastic surgeon. A surgeon will examine the patient and conduct tests like visual field testing to gauge a patient’s peripheral vision. Doctors may also take photos of the eyelid and measure the eyes to help with surgical planning.