When do you choose which procedure and why?

Which intervention head

When do you choose which procedure and why?

When choosing a cosmetic procedure, many questions often arise. Eyelid surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help refresh the appearance and reduce fatigue around the eyes. Whether there are complaints of drooping upper eyelids, bags under the eyes, or both, there are various surgical options to meet an individual's specific needs and wishes. But how do you know which procedure is the right choice for you? This blog discusses the different types of eyelid surgery and provides advice on when to choose which procedure.

Before deciding to undergo a surgical procedure, it is essential to understand the difference between cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery. The difference between cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery lies primarily in the goal of the procedure. Distinguishing between these two approaches helps to clearly determine what you want to achieve with the procedure and ensures that you choose the right treatment for your specific situation. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is aimed at improving the appearance of the eyelids or the area around the eyes. It is usually performed for aesthetic reasons, such as reducing wrinkles, bags under the eyes, or excess skin that cause a tired or aged appearance. Examples of cosmetic eyelid surgery include:

  • An upper eyelid correction to give a fresher appearance by removing excess skin or fat.
  • A lower eyelid correction to reduce bags, bags or wrinkles under the eyes.
  • A direct brow lift to lift sagging eyebrows and give a fresher look.

Functional eyelid surgery is performed for medical reasons, usually to improve vision or relieve discomfort. It can remove excess skin or fat that obstructs the field of vision. Examples of functional eyelid surgery include:

  • An upper eyelid correction when excess skin of the upper eyelid hangs over the eyelashes and limits the field of vision.
  • A ptosis correction (drooping eyelid) to lift the upper eyelid if the muscle that lifts the eyelid is weakened.
  • A brow lift is performed when drooping eyebrows put pressure on the upper eyelids, limiting the field of vision.

But when do you choose which procedure?

An eyelid lift and a direct brow lift are both cosmetic procedures aimed at improving the appearance around the eyes, but they have different goals and techniques.

Upper eyelid correction

Upper eyelid correction is chosen for cosmetic reasons if someone suffers from excess skin or fat on the upper eyelids, leading to a tired or aged appearance. For functional reasons, a person may opt for upper eyelid correction if the excess skin on the upper eyelid restricts the field of vision or if the eyelid feels heavy and exerts pressure on the eyes. Contributing factors in this regard may include: a restricted field of vision, tired or heavy eyes, irritation and inflammation, difficulty wearing glasses or contact lenses, and reduced eyelid function. When the excess skin on the upper eyelid begins to hang over the eyelashes, this can restrict the field of vision, particularly at the top and sides (peripheral vision). This can cause problems with daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing people and objects at the edges of your field of vision. Additionally, the extra skin can cause a heavy feeling on the eyelids, leading to tired eyes, especially at the end of the day. This can also be accompanied by headaches or tension in the forehead, because the eyebrows are unconsciously lifted to improve the field of vision. Furthermore, excess skin can disrupt the normal function of the eyelid, leading to irritation or inflammation. It can make the eyes more susceptible to infections, dryness, and redness. Sometimes, friction also occurs between the skin folds, which can cause irritation. Another complaint regarding excess skin can be that it gets in the way when wearing glasses, because the skin rests on the glasses or affects the fit. With contact lenses, it can be more difficult to insert or remove the lenses due to the pressure of the excess skin. With an upper eyelid correction, excess skin and sometimes also fat and muscle tissue are removed, restoring the function of the eyelid and reducing or eliminating the symptoms.

Lower eyelid correction

For cosmetic reasons, lower eyelid correction is a suitable choice if someone suffers from bags, pouches, or wrinkles under the eyes and wishes to reduce them for a fresher appearance. Lower eyelid correction for functional reasons is less common, but may be necessary if bags under the eyes cause irritation or discomfort.

Direct brow lift

An immediate brow lift can be considered if the eyebrows have started to droop, giving a tired or somber appearance, and if someone desires a fresher look. If drooping eyebrows press on the upper eyelids and restrict the field of vision, a brow lift serves a functional purpose by which this problem can be remedied. At Looks Clinics, the eye surgeon performs the immediate brow lift under local anesthesia; the incision runs along the upper edge of the eyebrow, where thick eyebrows largely conceal the scar. Read more about the instant brow lift.

How do you make the choice?

Upper eyelid correction is often recommended if the problem lies primarily with excess skin or fat on the upper eyelids. Lower eyelid correction is performed if the focus is on bags, wrinkles, or pouches under the eyes. direct brow lift This is performed when the eyebrows have sagged and you desire a lift specific to this area, without addressing the surrounding parts of the forehead or eyelids. The choice between upper eyelid correction, lower eyelid correction, or eyebrow lift depends on the specific complaints and goals an individual has. If the procedure is necessary for medical reasons, such as a restricted field of vision, it falls under functional surgery. If the goal is primarily aesthetic, it concerns cosmetic surgery. A consultation with an eye surgeon can help make the right choice based on your specific wishes. At Looks Clinics, the introductory consultation is free of charge and without obligation.