Eye and Endoscopic Brow Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

The eye and brow area of your face is frequently the first to show early aging signs. Often, a tired look in this area becomes a concern even after a good night's sleep or a relaxing vacation. The goal of the plastic surgeon is to restore a rested appearance with the most natural results. Patients often ask about the best time to consider eyelid surgery. Dr Applebaum believes that if the procedure is done in the early stages of aging, the change will be less radically noticeable and a naturally rested appearance can be enjoyed for many years to come. For those patients who decide to undergo a rejuvenation surgery later in life, additional procedures such a brow lifting may be needed to give a more youthful result.

Newer techniques in eyelid and brow surgery can create longer-lasting, more natural results with less invasive procedures. In some cases, laser resurfacing is combined with eye and brow procedures to obtain an optimal outcome and improve the surface appearance of facial skin. In addition, laser can be used as a method to tighten and restore skin to a more youthful appearance.

Lower Eyelid Procedure

Lower eyelid "bags" are one of the most common complaints patients present to Dr. Applebaum. There is a simple approach to alleviating this problem that is safe and effective, with no incision made on the eyelid skin. The procedure, called the trans conjunctival blepharoplasty, has tremendous results with a short recovery time. It involves the careful removal of excess fat which has come forward to create fullness in three compartments under the eye. The lower eyelid skin can then be smoothed and tightened with the use of a laser. Often times patients will elect to perform laser resurfacing over the entire face in combination with the eyelid surgery to refresh the facial skin and remove sun damage and aging changes.

Upper Eyelid Procedure

Upper eyelid rejuvenation corrects the heavy appearance that many eyelids develop over time. In some cases, when a visual field is diminished because of the heaviness of the eyelid, insurance will cover this upper eyelid procedure. A well-hidden incision is placed in the crease of the eyelid, and excess skin is removed with the lift. The upper eyelid procedure is typically very well tolerated with minimal swelling and a quick recovery time.

Endoscopic Brow Procedure

Patients in all age groups are requesting the Endoscopic Brow Procedure to create a natural brow rejuvenation that opens up their eyes and gives a beautiful arch to the brows. In some cases, a heavy and tired appearance is caused by the drooping of the outer portion of the eyebrow, which tends to weigh down the eyelid. Dr. Applebaum believes that a corner or outer brow lift ( "temporal brow lift"), in combination with an upper eyelift procedure, can create a longer lasting natural result. The use of endoscopic surgery techniques for facial rejuvenation procedures allows the surgeon to perform a wider array of procedures with fewer incisions and better visualization. Dr Applebaum has been using facial endoscopic surgery techniques for many years, and has developed a personal technique for brow surgery in particular, which creates a long lasting, natural appearance of the outer eyelid and brow.

Endoscopic Frown Line Removal

There are many factors that come into play with respect to our facial aging which include genetics, sun exposure and other environmental factors. In certain individuals, the frown lines between the eyes become the focal point of a tired, anxious appearance. These frown lines are caused by the small paired muscles of animation that make squinting and forehead movement possible. With aging and time, these muscles exert a constant tension, leading to the development of a deep furrow. Botox injections, performed every 3-5 months, are a wonderful treatment that can greatly improve the appearance of these lines. There is a more permanent option for greatly reducing the appearance of these frown line that utilizes endoscopic manipulation of the frown muscles. This procedure is frequently done in combination with lifting the outside of the brows and eyelid surgery.

Commonly Asked Questions about Eyelid and Brow Rejuvenation Surgery

Q: How can I ensure that my eyelid surgery result will look natural and not overdone?

A: Dr. Applebaum combines his artistic judgment with surgical expertise to create a result that balances naturally with the rest of your face. There is a tendency for patients to want all excess skin removed from an eyelid, which can create an over-operated look. In many cases Dr. Applebaum will recommend a temporal brow lift in combination with the upper eyelift, which will result in the most natural rejuvenated appearance.

Q: How long is the recovery time for upper and lower eyelid surgery?

A: Upper eyelid surgery alone requires less than one week recovery time before it is feasible to return to work. If upper and lower eyelid procedures are performed together, at least one full week is necessary. Minor, hardly noticeable swelling continues for 3 to 4 months, after which time you'll see the final result.

Q: Can liposuction be used to remove lower eyelid fat bags?

A: Lower eyelid fat removal is a delicate and precise procedure that requires direct fat removal. Liposuction cannot be used to remove these pockets of fat.

Q: Where are the incisions placed in endoscopic brow surgery, and will I be able to wear my hair back with no visible scars?

A: The incisions for endoscopic brow surgery are 1-2 inches behind the hairline, above the ear in the temporal region. These incisions are placed at an angle, and usually heal well with a small scar. For frown line treatment between the eyes, additional incisions are placed in the scalp behind the hairline. Both of these scars are inconspicuous and neither should alter the way you wear your hair.

What our patients say

"I was tired of going into work after a good night's sleep and having people comment that I looked tired. Dr. Applebaum's performed the lower eyelid fat removal with laser to tighten the skin and I can tell you that I'm a new man—and a very rested looking guy when I come to work."
- J.D., a 28-year-old stockbroker who had classic lower eyelid fat, removed without any skin incisions.

"Dr. Applebaum took away the deep furrow between my eyebrows that over time made me look older and always worried. The brow surgery took away the deep furrow and my eyelids look younger and more rested. I couldn’t be more thrilled with my results."
- N.C., a 58-year-old travel agent who had deep animation furrows between her brows that responded beautifully to a muscle weakening brow procedure along with an upper eyelift.

"I could tell it was time to deal with my upper eyelids when my mascara was getting harder and harder to apply. Now I have to thank Dr. Applebaum for my new upper lids. (On one hand it's great, but I can't stop buying all this new eye makeup because my eyes look so fabulous!)"
- F.M., a 46-year-old personnel director who had always disliked her heavy looking eyelids, which aged her as she entered her mid forties. She underwent a simple upper eyelid lift that opened up the eyelid fold and gave her the refreshed look she had always desired.