Beauty is in the "Eyes" of the Beholder

September 20, 2010

Improved technology and advancements in understanding surgical anatomy have resulted in an evolution of various techniques in eyebrow and eyelid rejuvenation.

How many of us have looked at ourselves in the mirror and said, "That doesn’t look like me," "I look tired," "Angry," "Stern" or "Sad"? We all have. This is caused by age-related changes, such as progressive descent of the eyebrows, deepening of the lines of the forehead, hooding of the upper eyelid skin, deformities of the lower lid, fat bags in the lower lids and loose skin.

Improved technology and advancements in understanding surgical anatomy have resulted in an evolution of various techniques in eyebrow and eyelid rejuvenation. Brow lifting and eyelid surgery are among the most commonly requested procedures in facial cosmetic surgery.

Achieving good aesthetic results begins with a careful preoperative assessment of the patient’s surface anatomy and detailed assessment of the patient’s desires. A youthful eye appearance has variation based on gender and ethnicity but most commonly includes a well-defined upper lid crease with partially visible distance between the crease and the eyelashes.

A hollow upper lid and hooding of excess skin are both associated with an aged appearance. In the lower eyelid, a youthful appearance can be defined as a gradual blending of the lower lid and the cheek junction in the absence of fat herniation or bags, dark circles or excess skin.

Telltale signs of an eyebrow that is too low or upper eyelid skin that is too lax are deep lines of the forehead and deep lines in the area of the crow’s feet of the eye. It is also important to differentiate weakness of the upper eyelid muscle versus excess skin because malfunctioning upper eyelid muscles can mimic excess eyelid skin.

Involuntary or learned motions of the eyebrows can cause asymmetric visual changes within the forehead and the eyes so it is important to differentiate whether a person has hyperactivity of one brow versus the other and how that affects the overall visual appearance of the patient’s face. Botox or Dysport injections can be a very helpful tool in customizing a visual appearance around the eyes for movements that cannot be corrected by surgery alone.

Not sure of what you need to do to create a more rested, youthful, happy appearance around the eyes? Call The Plastic Surgery Group. We have the experience of over 20,000 cosmetic operations between the five Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons. We will be glad to help you make the proper decision in your quest for facial improvement.  

Dr. Michael Leadbetter

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