Brow Lift vs. Upper Blepharoplasty

Brow Lift and Upper Blepharoplasty are both surgical procedures that address common concerns affecting the upper eye area, including the eyelid and brow bone.

The upper eye and brow bone are often affected by changes to the skin, such as ageing or weight loss, earlier than other areas of the face. This is due to the skin being much thinner and having minimal underlying fat to provide structural support and volume.

Although both Brow Lift and Upper Blepharoplasty address upper eye concerns, they are performed for different reasons and deliver different results. Understanding these differences is crucial when deciding which procedure is most appropriate for addressing your concerns and achieving your desired results.

Cadogan Clinic handpicks their expert Consultant Facial and Oculoplastic Surgeons, who are all experts in their fields. Our industry-leading patient satisfaction data is testament to the high-quality of our surgeons’ work.

What is a Brow Lift?

Brow Lift is a surgical procedure which addresses the dropping of the brow area which occurs naturally as part of the ageing process, as the skin loses tone and elasticity. 

It is an increasingly popular procedure, with the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reporting a 20% increase in Brow Lift procedures performed between 2023 and 2024.

During a Brow Lift, excess skin is removed from the brow bone and surrounding area, before the underlying tissue is tightened and the skin is repositioned, resulting in a lifted and toned brow area.

There are several Brow Lift techniques depending on a patient’s concerns and the results they wish to achieve:

• Endoscopic Brow Lift – This technique involves a miniscule camera being inserted into the skin to allow the surgeon maximum vision and access, with minimal incisions. This results in less scarring, but isn’t suitable for more severe or extensive concerns.
• Coronal Brow Lift – During a Coronal Brow Lift, an incision is made across the top of the head, from ear to ear, behind the hairline to allow the procedure to be carried out. This is a comprehensive approach, resulting in rejuvenation of the entire upper face, and allows any scarring to be concealed within the hair.
• Hairline Brow Lift – This technique involves making small incisions at the top of the forehead, in front of the hairline. This prevents the hairline from being pulled back.
• Temporal Brow Lift – Also known as a Lateral Brow Lift, this technique focuses on the outer brow. A small incision is made in each of the temples within the hairline, resulting in a lift to the outer eyes and brow.
• Direct Brow Lift – A Direct Brow Lift involves removing excess skin from directly above the eyebrow, targeting specifically the position of the brow and leaving the rest of the forehead.

Depending on the type of Brow Lift, the procedure can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic, or sedation, and typically takes 1-2 hours to complete.

What is an Upper Blepharoplasty?

Upper Blepharoplasty, also known as Eyelid Reduction, or shortened to Bleph, addresses the upper eyelid and the skin extending up to the brow bone.

An Upper Blepharoplasty procedure involves removing excess skin from the upper eyelid and repositioning the tissue to smooth the area and give the eyes a more open appearance. This can also improve the field of vision of patients who are concerned about reduced vision due to drooping skin.

Upper Blepharoplasty is typically a straightforward procedure, taking around 60 minutes to complete, either under general anaesthetic or sedation.

Can You Combine Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty?

Brow Lift and Upper Blepharoplasty are often combined to enhance and refine the overall results. 

Although any type of Brow Lift can be combined with Upper Blepharoplasty, Temporal and Direct Brow Lifts are best suited for combined procedures. 

As Brow Lift and Upper Blepharoplasty both address concerns in the upper eye and brow bone area, patients often have concerns that can be treated with both procedures. Therefore, combining the procedures is often a recommendation made by surgeons.
Combined Bleph and Brow Lift, is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes up to two hours to complete.

Brow Lift vs. Upper Blepharoplasty: Differences in Results

Although both Brow Lift and Upper Blepharoplasty rejuvenate the upper eye area, there are differences in the results they can deliver. Understanding these differences in results may influence the procedure you opt for.

Brow Lift Results

As a standalone procedure, Brow Lift addresses the brow area and forehead.

Brow Lift results will include:

• Reduced excess skin, which tones and smooths the brow are
• Lifted eyebrows, giving an open and balanced appearance to the upper face
• Improved comfort due to excess pressure being relieved around the upper eye
• Lines and wrinkles across the forehead are smoothed

Upper Blepharoplasty Results

Upper Blepharoplasty targets the upper eyelid and brow bone.

Results following an Upper Blepharoplasty include:

• Reduced excess skin, addressing drooping or hooded eyelids, resulting in the eyes having a more open appearance, and an improved field of vision
• Toned and lifted skin over the brow bone, preventing the eyes from looking heavy and tired
• Smoothed lines and wrinkles around the upper and outer eyes

Combined Brow Lift and Upper Blepharoplasty Results

Combining Brow Lift and Upper Blepharoplasty addresses the whole upper eye and brow area.

Results from a Combined Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty procedure include:

• A rejuvenated appearance to the upper eyes and forehead
• Reduced excess skin from the upper eyelids and above the eyebrows
• Smoothed and toned skin on the upper portion of the face
• Balanced and harmonious facial features and proportions

Brow Lift vs. Upper Blepharoplasty: Differences in Recovery

Brow Lift and Upper Blepharoplasty are both typically straightforward procedures with comparable recovery times.

Following Upper Blepharoplasty or Brow Lift, you can expect to be able to return to most of your usual daily activities within a couple of weeks.

Cadogan Clinic provides a comprehensive recovery and aftercare package for all surgical procedures:

• Two follow-up appointments with our specialist nurses and your surgeon to monitor your recovery and results
• 24-hour connection with our surgical nursing team, allowing you to ask questions seek assistance quickly and effectively
• Any post-operative medication and garments will be provided ahead of your discharge from the clinic

It is essential to follow your surgeon’s aftercare advice to ensure your recovery is smooth and your results are not affected.

Brow Lift Recovery

• Swelling and bruising – It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising around your forehead and eyes, which will resolve within 10-14 days
• Garments – You may be given a cooling eye mask to wear for a few hours each day to aid healing and reduce swelling
• Medication – Your medical team will provide any post-operative medication you may need
• Exercise – You should avoid any strenuous exercise and activities for at least four weeks after your procedure to protect your incisions
• Full recovery – You can expect to be fully recovered following Brow Lift within 4-6 weeks

Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery

• Swelling and bruising – It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising around your upper eyes, which will resolve within 10-14 days
• Garments – Your surgeon will provide a cooling eye mask to reduce swelling and support the healing process
• Medication – You will be given eye drops and ointment to apply to your eyes daily to prevent infection
• Exercise – Following Upper Blepharoplasty, you should avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least four weeks
• Full recovery – You can expect to be fully recovered following Upper Blepharoplasty within 4-6 weeks

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