Do I Need A Browlift For My Tired Looking Eyes?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I think I am interested in a browlift. Recently I have seen major changes to my face. I have been very lucky to always have been told I look younger and more youthful than I am but time has finally caught up with me. As you can see my eyes look tired and I look puffy. I also have always had a duck lip! I tried fillers but as you can see it made it worst. I am looking forward to looking refreshed and as young as I feel. I have started a six month lifestyle change, going to the gym three to four times a week, cutting out sugar and smoking over the next couple of months and studying natural/ holistic food. I feel beautiful until I look in the mirror and I know the potential I could be with a few minor adjustments. I am interested in seeing if you can see this too! I never expect to be a model but would like that twinkle in my eye again. I am looking forward to reviving my youthful look. Looking forward to hearing your suggestions.

A: As all of us age the first changes that are seen are around the eyes. Excess skin develops on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids become puffy and, for some, the eyebrows drop. Rejuvenation of the aging periorbital region could include upper and/or lower blepharoplasties and browlifts, depending upon which areas are of the greatest concern.

Based upon the one picture that you have sent, it is hard to say what the ideal procedure (s) is for around your eyes since it is only a side view. The upper eyelids shows a little bit of excessive skin, the lower eyelids may actually have some tear troughs and the brows may or may not be low since I have no idea what you looked like years ago. My suspicion is that maybe a browlift and little skin removed from the upper eyelid and fact redistribution on the lower eyelids may suffice…but a few more pictures would be helpful.

For the upper lip protrusion, I would have expected injectable fillers to have made it worse. You would be better served with an upper lip lift which would reduce the protrusion somewhat but also give the upper lip a little more fullness. But again a front view picture would also be helpful in deciding if a lip lift will really be beneficial or not.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana