The eyes are one of the first places that age shows up most dramatically. This facial feature is also the one that conveys the most about our thoughts, feelings and personalities. So the thought of losing the natural, youthful look of the eyes—our “windows to the soul”—can be disheartening.
Not surprisingly, middle-age people and seniors are especially concerned about preserving this prominent, meaningful physical asset. We know those stubborn wrinkles or creases at the corner of the eyes as “crow’s feet.” But the skin at the brow line can also furrow with age. And eyelids can begin to droop low enough to impair vision, in addition to changing the appearance of the eyes.
Many facial features work to frame our eyes. And when one area is especially saggy, it can cause our expression to look angry or sad when we’re neither of these things. It can be frustrating to portray a feeling outwardly that you don’t want to.
For example, the brows, which set well above the eye, can appear heavy. Or the eyelids, which directly inform the look and function of the eye, can start to cover the natural color or that special “sparkle” in our eyes.
People often call or come in to Smith Cosmetic Surgery wondering what they can do about the look of their eyes. Many complain of wrinkles around the eye, puffiness under the eye, dark circles, “hooding” of the eye and loose skin.
While they’re uncomfortable about the way their eyes look in the mirror or how they appear to others, most prospective patients don’t fully grasp whether they need work on the eyelids, brow line or both.
Luckily, Dr. Brent J. Smith has nearly 30 years of experience performing plastic surgery on all the facial features that play into the form and function of the eyes. He is an expert at determining the greatest area of need and helping patients decide what needs to be fixed first or in combination.
At Smith Cosmetic Surgery, our first role is to consult with each patient to customize a solution for each individual face. We look in the mirror together; review the options for addressing the brow, lid, cheek and neck; review before-and-after photos of previous patients; and work up a personalized computer model of what a brow lift or eyelid procedure at Smith Cosmetic Surgery can achieve.
Understanding Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)The most common eye-related facial procedure that Dr. Smith performs is eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty. The name comes from the combination of the Greek word for eyelid, blepharon, and plassein, which means “to form.”
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects defects, deformities and disfigurations, both age and non-age related, in the upper and lower portions of the eyelid.
Eyelid surgery patients most commonly struggle with weakening support structures around the eye. At the lower lid, a natural fat pad protects the eyeball. When this membrane deteriorates over time, it spreads out, allowing fat to protrude and creating unsightly bags under the eyes. At the upper lid, skin can loosen with the natural aging process and start to droop or sag over the eyeball. Blepharoplasty can address both parts of the eyelid.
The results of eyelid surgery can be quite dramatic. For example, as the eyelid is safely drawn up and away from the pupil there is a new space between the brow and the lash line. This can make the eye look more awake, expressive and intense. In fact, blepharoplasty patients look almost instantly happier. For this reason, we find that eyelid surgery patients are some of the most excited devotees of Dr. Smith’s work.
Sometimes Dr. Smith will determine that instead of or in addition to blepharoplasty, the brow needs to be addressed during the facial plastic surgery. In the case of a deeply outset, furrowed, sagging or funneled brow line, a slightly different procedure is required—the brow lift.
During a brow lift, Dr. Smith carefully places a few tiny incisions. Through these access points he can gently manipulate the tissues and muscles underneath.
The surgery can be customized for each individual brow. For example, if a patient’s brows are literally touching the eyelashes, Dr. Smith’s manipulations can lift the brow to maximize or expose the natural upper lid. If the brow already sets above or below the brow bone, Dr. Smith can correct that alignment to ensure the brow can sit where it should naturally.
During decades of performing facial plastic surgery, Dr. Smith has crafted his own special way of enhancing the brow. This modern surgical procedure uses a more conservative approach than brow surgeries of the past, yet yields outstanding results.
Rather than a taut, pulled-up brow that creates a “startled” look, a refreshed brow from Smith Cosmetic Surgery looks healthy and at rest.
The beauty of working with Smith Cosmetic Surgery is you don’t have to know which procedure is right for you. Dr. Smith will help you pinpoint the perfect procedure or custom mix of techniques to address your individual eye issues. In some cases, he will combine an eyelid or brow lift with a cheek and neck lift.
Every brow or eyelid surgery candidate is invited to come in for a one-on-one meeting. Looking at the face as a complete, complex structure, Dr. Smith will show you exactly which enhancements will make the most impact. And thanks to state-of-the-art computer imaging, you will even get to see a preview of what your eyelids or brow line will look like after surgery.
Remember, you don’t have to sign up for anything until you are completely satisfied with the results you can expect. We’re here to discuss and show you everything you need to feel comfortable with your cosmetic eye surgery at Smith Cosmetic Surgery.
Have more questions about eyelid or brow lifts? Smith Cosmetic Surgery has the answers.
Call us today at 888-218-7109 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation consultation.
