Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lifts)

Surgical removal of excess eyelid skin and protruding orbital fat that give eyelids "baggy" appearance. Can be done as independent operation or in combination with other lifts.

Advantages
Generally very good and consistent results with a high level of patient satisfaction. Generally done in office with light anesthesia. Relatively short recovery time with very little visible scarring.

Disadvantages
Less than satisfactory for the "crow's feet" lateral to the eye. Laser, however, can be done at the same time and is very effective. If sunken eyebrows are present, additional brow lift procedure may be needed for maximum cosmetic benefit. Also, it is a surgical operation with the ensuing risks.

Eyebrow Lifts

The aged look of the eyes is often due wholly or in part to sunken low-lying eyebrows. Neither facelifts nor eyelid surgery do anything to alleviate this problem. Occasionally, it may be in fact all that is need to greatly improve the overall appearance, as high, arched eyebrows alone can create a more youthful look. The oldest and simplest operation involves cutting out a crescent of excess skin just above the eyebrow. The scar is somewhat unpredictable and it can occasionally be a nuisance. Another variation called the "temporal brow lift" involves an incision intot he hairline of both temples, and much as with the facelift, the skin is stretched and the corners of the eyebrows lifted up. Technical difficulties also limit the use and desirability of this procedure.

A newer approach has revolutionized forehead and brow lifts. The incision is made behind the hairline. The principle is similar to a facelift and both forehead wrinkles and frown lines are eliminated in addition to lifting and repositioning the eyebrow.

Advantages

The newer operation offers better, more consistent, more complete and longer lasting results than the older approaches, yet can still be done in the office with local anesthesia.

Disadvantages
The risks and complications of any surgical procedure.

Neck Sculpturing

The double chin and sagging neck are common cosmetic deformities. Heredity, bone structure, endocrine factors and obesity have all been described as factors. Defatting of the neck and area under the chin is now done through fat suction surgery.

Advantages
The surgery is done through a 1/2 inch incision under the chin.

Disadvantages
If there is significant excess skin, such as in many older patients, neck liposuction alone will not yield satisfactory results and some type of neck lift may be necessary. In some borderline cases, laser resurfacing may be an alternative.