Upper eyelid lift or brow lift: What is causing a tired appearance?

Eyelid skin and brows work together

A fold of skin above the upper eyelid can make it difficult to see. At the same time, the brow influences how the skin is distributed over the eye. If the brow lowers, the impression of excess skin can increase.

It does not follow that every upper eyelid lift needs a brow lift. Likewise, every low-set brow cannot be corrected by removing eyelid skin. The consultation should consider both structures together before making a recommendation.

What an upper eyelid lift can change

An upper eyelid lift can reduce the skin fold if the findings are suitable. The scope is planned so that function and eyelid closure are taken into account. The procedure does not automatically change the entire eye region or the position of a low-set eyebrow.

Describe what bothers you: the visible skin fold, a hidden eyelid furrow or rather the heaviness on the side? Complaints with dry eyes or previous eyelid operations are also important. An aesthetic desire should not replace the assessment of eye function.

When the brow belongs in the planning

If the brow position contributes significantly to the findings, a brow lift alone or in combination may be discussed. Procedures differ in access, scars and achievable change. The name of a technique does not determine whether it is suitable for you.

Ask for an explanation of how your expression might change and what the boundaries are. A higher brow level is not the desired goal for everyone. It's about your individual findings and your ideas, not about a uniform ideal form.

A low eyelid margin is a separate question

Ptosis refers to a drooping upper eyelid margin. It can be distinguished from an overlying skin fold. This may require a separate examination or other treatment.

If eyelid drooping occurs suddenly, it needs to be clarified medically. If there are additional acute symptoms, such as double vision or neurological abnormalities, immediate assessment is necessary. This is not a situation for purely cosmetic planning.

What will be assessed at the appointment

The examination includes brow position, skin, eyelid position and eyelid closure. Eye diseases, contact lenses, medications and previous operations are also discussed. Depending on the findings, an ophthalmological examination may make sense.

Older photos can show which features are familiar to you. Also write down what you don't want changed. This helps to formulate a common goal. A selfie with raised eyebrows does not replace the examination.

Risks and the possibility of waiting

Bleeding, infection, dryness, eyelid closure problems, and asymmetry are some of the things that can occur during eyelid surgery. A brow lift comes with its own risks such as scars, changes in sensation and possibly changes in hair growth in the access area. Rare serious complications are discussed personally.

A combined intervention is not automatically better. Each step should have a clear purpose. If the expected benefits do not sufficiently meet your needs, waiting may be the right decision.

Questions for your consultation

• Which part of my findings concerns the eyelid skin and which part concerns the brow?
• Is there also a change in the eyelid margin?
• What cannot the proposed intervention correct?
• What significance do dry eyes have for my planning?
• Which features of my expression should be preserved?

Frequently asked questions

Can I see from a photo which procedure is necessary?

Photos can provide clues. They alone are not sufficient for an individual recommendation.

Do I have to choose between the two procedures?

Not always. A single procedure, a combination or not having surgery can be an option.

Is a brow lift fundamentally the bigger solution?

The scope depends on the procedure and findings. Suitability cannot be derived from such a classification alone.

Personal assessment in Zurich

Contact Us. The consultation at NP Aesthetics Zurich takes place in Klinik Selnau and costs CHF 250.

Read more: Lower eyelid lift or fat transfer and our doctors.

General orientation; no substitute for an examination and individual medical advice.