Choosing Between an Eyelid Lift and a Brow Lift

When your expression starts to feel heavier or more tired than it used to, you might wonder if it’s coming from your eyelids or your brow line. Your upper face ages in different ways, and the changes aren’t always obvious at first. 

Our board-certified plastic surgeons at Elite Plastic Surgery perform eyelid lifts and brow lifts. Your surgeon will clear up the difference between these two procedures during your consultation at our office in Grand Rapids, Michigan. From there, you can determine what will meet your goals. 

Eyelids, Brows, or Both? Here’s How to Tell

Changes in the upper face can overlap, which makes it tricky to tell what’s really causing the heaviness. 

Some signs tend to point more clearly in one direction, like the following:

• If the skin above your eyes feels heavy or rests on your lashes, especially toward the center, it may be the eyelids.
• If the outer part of your eyes looks shadowed or closed off, the brow may be weighing down the area.
• Deep lines across the forehead can also be a sign that your brow has shifted lower and your face is working harder to hold it up.
• If you notice both upper lid skin and a flat or drooping brow, it’s possible that both areas are contributing.

Noticing where the heaviness starts and how your expression changes when you gently lift the brow can really give you some insight.

Your Procedure Options

An eyelid lift removes extra skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids. This can give you a smoother lid shape and make your eyes look more open without that heavy fold getting in the way.

A brow lift works higher up. The surgeon lifts the skin and underlying tissue of the forehead to bring the brows back to a more natural position.

Because these areas are closely connected, some people will get the best results from having both procedures together.

Talk With a Skilled Surgeon in Grand Rapids, MI

You don’t have to guess your way through this decision. Our board-certified surgeons at Elite Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids – Dr. Armstrong, Dr. Martin, Dr. Cullen, and Dr. Fahrenkopf – can take a closer look and talk through what makes the most sense for you. Call 616-459-1907 to schedule a consultation.