Combination eye and brow lifts: How this pairing can help combat filler and toxin fatigue

For those patients who are experiencing fatigue or burnout with the constant need to return to their aesthetic injector or plastic surgeon for neurotoxins, better known as Botox, or fillers, a surgical intervention may be a more logical choice.

While pricier than a simple injectable with a longer downtime, certain surgical procedures can create beautiful, long-lasting results that rival and even outmatch what can be achieved with injectables alone. One such procedure is the combination of an eye and brow lift.

To gather more insight into this popular combination procedure, we reached out to ASPS Member Surgeons Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FACS, FRCSC, and Olivia Hutchinson, MD.

The basics of eye and brow lifts

Focusing on treating two parts of the face to create a more lifted, sculpted and youthful appearance, this procedure effectively combines two in one.

Eye lifts, also known as blepharoplasty, shape the appearance of the eye through surgical intervention. This procedure is often utilized to combat age-related changes in the eye, such as laxity of the upper eyelid. Blepharoplasty can address a variety of concerns with the eyelids, from droopy upper eyelids to bags under the eyes.

Brow lifts are a similar procedure that raises the appearance of the brows. Also known as a forehead lift, this procedure not only lifts sagging eyebrows, but also improves frown lines and wrinkles on the forehead. The end result is a more lifted and youthful brow.

These procedures are often preferred by more mature patients and are popular among women and men alike.

"Middle-aged patients often are the ones who notice age-related changes in their eyes and brows," said Dr. Horton. "They notice sagging of their upper lids, a more tired look and often comment that they are turning into their aging parents!"

The old saying goes that the eyes are the window to the soul, so it's no surprise they get so much attention from patients.

"Patients are often first concerned by signs of aging in the area around their eyes," said Dr. Hutchinson. "They may notice hooding of the upper eyelids, loose or wrinkled skin in the upper or lower eyelids, looking tired or unhappy or droopiness of their eyebrows."

Important considerations for an eye and brow lift

There are a few vital steps that you can take to set yourself up for success and achieve your aesthetic goals for any plastic surgery procedure.

It's important patients considering plastic surgery, including a combination eye and brow lift, spend some serious time researching before taking the plunge.

"Most importantly, finding a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the eyelids and brows is essential to ensuring a good outcome from eyelid and brow lift surgery," said Dr. Hutchinson.

When thinking about your procedure, you may be tempted to focus on what's needed following surgery for proper recovery. However, how you prepare for the surgery itself can play a crucial role in your outcome.

"Patients who are considering eyelid and brow lift combination surgery should be made aware of the preoperative and postoperative considerations that will ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results," said Dr. Hutchinson. "As with any surgery, there are specific requirements of patients in preparation for their operation that will enhance their experience and minimize complications. These include maximizing their overall health status, avoiding certain medications prior to surgery and refraining from strenuous activities after their procedure."

After a combination surgery, it's important to take the time to actually rest and recover in order to allow your body the space to heal. Jumping right back into your day-to-day activities can be strenuous for your body and slow down your recovery timeline. In addition, the healing process for this type of procedure isn't as easy to hide.

"Plan for at least one month of 'social downtime,'" said Dr. Horton. "Realize that it's your face, and unlike breast and body procedures, it's something that is less easily hidden."

Finally, we may find ourselves tempted to jump on the latest facial aesthetic trend we spotted on social media. However, it's important to keep in mind that these trends will come and go, and a surgical procedure can't always be reversed or corrected easily.

"Plastic surgery has become much more openly discussed, and social media has exacerbated the dissemination of information – both true and false," said Dr. Hutchinson. "On occasion, extreme types of surgery surface on these platforms, and potential plastic surgery patients may be duped into following the lead of 'influencers.' It behooves anyone who is considering cosmetic surgery, especially eyelid and brow lift, to avoid trends that may be short-lived."

Winding back the clock with an eye and brow lift combo

For those patients experiencing neurotoxin and filler fatigue, the answer to their aesthetic worries might just be surgical intervention. The combination brow and eye lift procedure has seen a boom in popularity in recent years as a solution to this fatigue, offering spectacular, long-lasting results and a tauter, more youthful complexion.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.