For both men and women, eyelid surgery and face lift in Dallas are a favorite plastic surgery “pair” because they both address some of the most obvious and troublesome signs of aging – sagging skin and noticeable wrinkles. But many patients hesitant to have two cosmetic surgery procedures at once are not sure how to choose between these options that seem equally beneficial. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
Eyelid Surgery Alone
Plastic surgery in Dallas can correct loose, puffy-looking tissues above or below the eyes by refining or removing the fatty patches and loose skin that creates a sagging, tired look. Eyelid surgery is relatively quick, and from a qualified plastic surgeon can significantly improve the appearance of the whole upper face.
Benefits: Even small adjustments to minimize the appearance of sagging, wrinkled areas around the eye area can dramatically enhance how youthful and energetic a person appears.
Limitations: Eyelid surgery can create the illusion of improving the rest of the face, but it only directly addresses the eyelids and sometimes the “tear troughs” and upper cheeks. Eyelid surgery will not help my Dallas patients correct naso-labial folds, low brows, or forehead wrinkles, and it is typically not enough to address fully any “crow’s feet” at the corners of the eyes (although it can help).
May be best for you if:
- Sagging eyelid tissues obscure your vision or give you a noticeably “tired” or “sad” expression
- Your facial tissue ptosis (sagging) is limited mainly to the eye area and you are not seeing noticeably loose skin on your lower cheeks or around your chin
Face Lift Surgery Alone
Face lift surgery is the gold standard to reverse obvious signs of aging like naso-labial folds, fine facial wrinkles, and even loose skin near the lower cheeks. When I perform a face lift in Dallas, I re-drape the facial muscles in a more youthful position and tighten up loose skin and soft tissue.
Benefits: A face lift helps Dallas patients correct the mid-face area and reverse some of the characteristics (like facial folds and, in some cases, neck “wattle”) that most contribute to an “old” appearance.
Limitations: Face lift surgery will not directly address the upper face, although it can help to de-emphasize milder upper-face wrinkles by giving the face a smoother appearance and improving definition at the jaw line and neck.
May be best for you if:
- Naso-labial folds and loose or “lumpy” looking facial tissues are your most problematic facial characteristics
- Your eyelids are relatively smooth and your upper-eyelid fold has not descended to merge with your lid line
For patients of advancing age and those experiencing negative physical effects of significant weight loss, a combined procedure may be more appropriate, so be sure to select a plastic surgeon who has experience in a wide range of facial procedures and can help you decide which approach offers the best results for you.
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