Our Summary

This study looks at how surgeries on the upper eyelid can affect the position and shape of the eyebrow. Researchers looked at clinical trials, observational studies, and other relevant information from 1992 to 2022. They found that surgeries on the upper eyelid, like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), double-eyelid surgery, and ptosis correction (droopy eyelid surgery), can cause the eyebrow to drop lower. This was particularly true for studies done by East Asian researchers. However, they found that the overall shape of the eyebrow didn’t significantly change after surgery. Also, they noted that if skin was removed during the surgery, it didn’t affect the height of the eyebrow.

FAQs

  1. What types of surgeries on the upper eyelid were found to affect the position of the eyebrow?
  2. Did the studies show any significant changes to the overall shape of the eyebrow after surgery?
  3. How does the removal of skin during surgery affect the height of the eyebrow?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about blepharoplasty is to discuss the potential effects on the position and shape of the eyebrow. It’s important for patients to be aware that there is a possibility that the eyebrow may drop lower after surgery, especially in certain populations. Patients should have a thorough discussion with their surgeon about their specific goals and concerns regarding the appearance of their eyelids and eyebrows before undergoing blepharoplasty.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended blepharoplasty include those who have:

  1. Excess skin on the upper eyelids that causes drooping or sagging
  2. Puffiness or bags under the eyes
  3. Drooping or sagging eyelids that impair vision
  4. Hooding of the upper eyelids that makes the eyes appear smaller
  5. Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes

It is important for patients considering blepharoplasty to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery and to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Timeline

Before blepharoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations.
  2. Pre-operative evaluation to assess overall health and suitability for surgery.
  3. Discussion of potential risks and complications.
  4. Planning for the surgery, including anesthesia options and post-operative care instructions.

After blepharoplasty:

  1. Immediate post-operative care in the recovery room.
  2. Monitoring for any signs of complications such as excessive bleeding or infection.
  3. Discomfort and swelling in the eyelid area for the first few days.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress.
  5. Gradual reduction of swelling and bruising over the following weeks.
  6. Final results of the surgery becoming more apparent after a few months.
  7. Potential for touch-up procedures or additional treatments to achieve desired results.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with blepharoplasty?

  2. How long is the recovery period after blepharoplasty and what can I expect during this time?

  3. Will blepharoplasty affect my vision in any way?

  4. How long do the results of blepharoplasty typically last?

  5. Are there any non-surgical alternatives that could achieve similar results to blepharoplasty?

  6. Will blepharoplasty address concerns with my lower eyelids as well, or is it solely focused on the upper eyelids?

  7. How many blepharoplasty procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?

  8. Can you show me before and after photos of previous blepharoplasty patients you have treated?

  9. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions after blepharoplasty?

  10. Are there any factors that may make me a less suitable candidate for blepharoplasty?

Reference

Authors: Liu R, Sun Y, Huang J, Long X. Journal: Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2023 Aug;47(4):1394-1409. doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03288-0. Epub 2023 Mar 8. PMID: 36890345