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Often the most noticeable signs of aging in the face appear around the eyes. A tired appearance to the eye area, with drooping lids, and darkness combined with a frowning forehead, give you a tired and less energetic look. Luckily, there are surgical procedures available that can dramatically reverse this look.
A brow lift and/or eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, erases many of the effects of periocular aging, leaving you with a smoother, more elevated, and youthful appearance. At our state-of-the-art plastic surgery facility in Bridgeville, PA, Dr. Lori L. Cherup evaluates patients for brow lift and blepharoplasty procedures.
View our browlift gallery to see real patients ’ before and after photos! Or, schedule your brow lift consultation!
Browlift Procedure
A brow lift, or forehead lift, is a procedure that repositions the brow in an arch that is pleasing, and also in a woman, positions it at 1 cm above the brow ridge. It also potentially smoothes out the wrinkles and frown lines of the forehead. Once you have a browlift, it will never need to be redone again in your lifetime.
Most of Dr. Cherup’s browlifts are done using the endoscope to visualize the dissection. Dr. Cherup uses the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques that she can for you. This endoscopic brow lift technique uses three one-inch incisions just inside the frontal hairline. The forehead skin is elevated from underneath and then rotated up and outward, sometimes anchoring it with absorbable screws, so that the brows are elevated and the forehead skin is smooth. The skin is closed with staples or sutures. The surgery is usually performed using local IV sedation anesthesia but can be done under general anesthesia.
After the surgery is finished, fluffy bandages cover the forehead for about two days. Stitches and staples are removed at about two weeks postop. We usually recommend only one week off work and limited physical activity for two weeks.
The risks of brow lift surgery include bleeding under the skin, temporary loss of sensation across the forehead skin and into the scalp, poor scarring along the incision line in the scalp, and temporary hair loss right along the incision. Often when an incision is made in the scalp, the hair bulbs are shocked and will fall out right along the incision about two weeks later. The hair, however, will regrow within four weeks. Dr. Cherup can discuss the risks in detail with you during your consultation.
Eye Lid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
A blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, addresses the area of the face that first shows signs of aging — the skin and fat around the eyes. These are structures most affected by stress, UV damage, lack of sleep, alcohol, and smoking.
If you need a brow lift at the time of the blepharoplasty and do not do it — the blepharoplasty result will only be partially successful in rejuvenating the upper face.
An upper blepharoplasty is done by marking the skin to be removed preoperatively. The surgery is often carried out under IV sedation anesthesia. The skin is excised with the scalpel, scissors, and a laser. Pooching fat in the upper eye hollow is teased out and removed. The least amount is taken. The incision is closed with a subcuticular stitch that is removed at six days.
Dr. Cherup’s lower blepharoplasty is almost always done through the conjunctiva of the lower lid. It is called a transconjunctival lower lid blepharoplasty. By gently retracting forward the lower eyelid, an incision is made inside the lid with the laser. The laser opens up the space where the extra fat lies, pooching forward in “the bag.” The fat is carefully teased out so that a flat gentle curve from the lid to the cheek remains. The incision heals without sutures. Dr. Cherup almost always resurfaces the outer eyelid skin with the UltraPulse laser, which smoothes the wrinkles and improves the color.
Recovery from upper eyelid surgery lasts for about six days. White, stretchy tape called Flexzan is used on the lower lids for about one week to heal the lasered skin. Upper lid sutures are removed at one week. The laser-resurfaced skin will appear pink after the Flexzan is removed, but fades over about a month’s period. It can be covered with makeup for one to two weeks.
The risks of eyelid surgery include a hematoma in the eyelid, imperfect incisional scarring, and prolonged swelling of the eyelid conjunctiva, which is quite rare. Dr. Cherup can discuss the risks in detail during your consultation.
Post Operative Care
Post Operative CareYou may shampoo your hair as soon as 48 hours after surgery. Because of the decreased sensation that often occurs in this eye area, use warm water rather than hot, and gently use your fingertips. You must at all times keep the Flexzan dressing dry. Keeping the head elevated on two to three pillows or lying against the back of the couch helps to reduce swelling and discomfort. Ice is applied directly to the eyelids for two days after surgery to decrease swelling and bruising. No heavy lifting, straining, or aerobic exercise is permitted for two weeks. You may continue to do your normal activities of daily living as long as you do not exert yourself, which raises your blood pressure.
Candidates for a Brow Lift or Blepharoplasty
A brow lift or blepharoplasty may be appropriate if age, genetics, or skin changes have created a tired, heavy, or aged appearance around the forehead and eyes. Good candidates are generally healthy, have realistic expectations, and may be concerned about:
- Low or drooping eyebrows
- Hooded or heavy upper eyelids
- Excess upper eyelid skin
- Under-eye bags or puffiness
- Forehead creases and frown lines
- A tired or stern appearance
Dr. Cherup evaluates your brow position, eyelids, facial anatomy, and goals to determine the best procedure or combination of procedures.
Brow Lift vs. Blepharoplasty: Which Do I Need?
Although both procedures can rejuvenate the upper face, they address different areas and causes of aging.
- Brow lift: Raises a low or drooping brow and can soften forehead lines for a more refreshed appearance.
- Upper blepharoplasty: Removes excess skin and, when appropriate, fat from the upper eyelids to reduce heaviness or hooding.
- Lower blepharoplasty: Addresses concerns such as under-eye bags and excess tissue beneath the eyes.
- Combined treatment: A brow lift and blepharoplasty may be recommended together when both brow descent and eyelid aging contribute to your concerns.
During your consultation, Dr. Cherup can determine whether your concerns originate primarily from the brows, the eyelids, or both.
Concerns a Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty Can Improve
Brow lift and blepharoplasty procedures can address several common signs of aging around the forehead, brows, and eyes, including:
- Drooping or uneven brows
- Deep forehead creases
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Hooded upper eyelids
- Loose or excess eyelid skin
- Under-eye bags and puffiness
- A heavy or fatigued appearance around the eyes
By treating the areas contributing to these concerns, surgery can create a smoother, more rested, and naturally rejuvenated appearance while maintaining your individual facial characteristics.
Why Choose Radiance Plastic Surgery for Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty
When rejuvenating the area around your eyes and forehead, experience and attention to detail are essential. Dr. Lori Cherup is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 35 years of surgical experience, combining technical skill with an artistic understanding of facial balance. She carefully evaluates the brows, eyelids, and surrounding facial features to determine whether a brow lift, blepharoplasty, or a combination of procedures can best create a naturally refreshed appearance.
At Radiance Plastic Surgery in Bridgeville, PA, your care is personalized from consultation through recovery. Dr. Cherup uses modern surgical techniques to address concerns such as heavy brows, drooping eyelids, and a tired appearance while preserving the features that make you look like yourself. Procedures are performed at Radiance’s private outpatient surgical center, allowing patients to receive focused, comprehensive care in one setting.
Price for Brow Lift & Blepharoplasty in Bridgeville
| Surgery | Surgeons Fee Range | Operating Room Fee Range $ | Anesthesia Fee Range | Appx Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blepharoplasty 2 Lid * | 3000.00 – 4000.00 | 900.00 – 1000.00 | 575.00 – 800.00 | 4475.00 – 5800.00 |
| Blepharoplasty 4 Lid | 4000.00 – 5000.00 | 1100.00 – 1800.00 | 575.00 – 950.00 | 5675.00 – 7750.00 |
| Browlift Open | 3000.00 – 4000.00 | 1250.00 – 1350.00 | 950.00 – 1050.00 | 5200.00 – 6400.00 |
| Browlift Endoscopic | 3000.00 – 4000.00 | 1250.00 – 2000.00 | 950.00 – 1050.00 | 5200.00 – 7050.00 |
* = Insurance may cover a portion of the costs
Featured Browlift & Eye Lid Surgery
Browlift & Eye Lid Surgery Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no “perfect” age for brow lift or blepharoplasty. Most patients consider these procedures in their 40s to 60s, when drooping brows, excess upper eyelid skin, or under-eye bags become more noticeable. However, some younger patients in their 30s may benefit, especially if they have hereditary hooded eyelids or naturally heavy brows.
The best time to consider surgery is when you are bothered by your appearance or when you experience functional concerns, such as impaired peripheral vision from excess skin.
All surgeries involve incisions, but scars are typically minimal and well-concealed.
- Brow lift scars are usually hidden within the hairline or placed in natural forehead creases, depending on the technique used.
- Upper blepharoplasty scars are placed within the natural eyelid crease.
- Lower blepharoplasty scars are either just below the lash line or hidden inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach), leaving no visible external scar.
With proper healing and surgical technique, scars typically fade and become difficult to notice.
A brow lift can last 10 years or longer. While the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy long-term improvement in brow position and forehead smoothness. Maintaining healthy skin habits, such as sun protection and skincare, can help prolong your results.
Upper blepharoplasty results often last 10-15 years or more. In many cases, excess skin removed during surgery does not return.
Lower blepharoplasty results can be long-lasting or even permanent, particularly when fat repositioning techniques are used. Although aging continues, most patients do not require repeat surgery.
When performed by an experienced surgeon, brow lift and blepharoplasty results should look natural and refreshed, not tight or overdone. The goal is to restore a more youthful, rested appearance while maintaining your natural facial expressions and unique features.
A personalized surgical plan and conservative technique help prevent an over-elevated brow or hollowed eyelid appearance.
You will notice improvement once the initial swelling and bruising subside, typically within one to two weeks. However, mild swelling can persist for several weeks.
Most patients see more refined results by four to six weeks, with final results continuing to improve over two to three months as tissues fully settle.
Preparation typically includes:
- Stopping smoking several weeks before and after surgery
- Avoiding certain medications and supplements that increase bleeding (as directed by your surgeon)
- Completing any required medical evaluations
- Arranging for someone to drive you home and assist you initially
- Preparing your recovery area with cold compresses, prescribed medications, and head elevation support
Carefully following your surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions helps promote a smooth recovery.
