Tired of looking tired – even when you’re not? As we age, one of the first places to show it is the upper third of the face: sagging brows, droopy eyelids, and under eye puffiness can all conspire to create a worn out, heavy appearance. 

If this sounds familiar, you’ve probably found yourself wondering: Do I need eyelid surgery or a brow lift in DC? Or both?

Understanding the Basics

Before deciding, it helps to understand what each procedure does:

• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) focuses on the upper and/or lower eyelids. It removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and muscle to reduce puffiness, sagging, and tired-looking eyes.
  
• A brow lift addresses sagging brows and forehead lines. It elevates the brow line and smooths horizontal creases or “11 lines” between the brows.

While they may seem similar, these procedures target different anatomical areas and produce different aesthetic outcomes. That’s why choosing between them – or combining both – is based on your unique facial structure and aging pattern.

Eyelid Surgery or Brow Lift in DC: The Key Differences

If your upper eyelids appear heavy, creased, or hooded – especially if it’s starting to interfere with your vision – eyelid surgery may be the right fit. Blepharoplasty can: brighten and open the eyes, as well as remove under the eye puffiness.

Recovery is typically straightforward, with most swelling and bruising subsiding within 1 to 2 weeks.

Brow Lift: Reframing the Face

If your main concern is a low or flat brow, deep forehead creases, or a perpetually angry or tired look – even when you’re well-rested – a brow lift may be the solution. This procedure can:

• Raise drooping brows to a youthful position
  
• Smooth forehead wrinkles
  
• Soften frown lines between the eyebrows
  
• Improve the shape and contour of the upper face
  

Recovery takes about 10 to 14 days, with many patients returning to work within a week.

Which One is Best for You?

This is the million-dollar question – and the answer depends on the cause of your concern.

Take a look in the mirror. Gently lift your brows with your fingers. 

Do your upper eyelids suddenly look less heavy? If so, your brow may be the culprit. In this case, a brow lift can restore youthful positioning, and you may not need eyelid surgery at all.

On the other hand, if lifting the brows doesn’t make a big difference – or if the heaviness is concentrated in the eyelids themselves – then eyelid surgery alone might be the better option.

Many patients benefit from a combination of both procedures, especially if signs of aging are present across the entire upper face. When performed together, a brow lift and eyelid surgery can deliver dramatic but natural-looking results – without looking overdone or “pulled.”

The Bottom Line: It’s About the Right Solution for You

When considering eyelid surgery or brow lift in DC, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your face tells a unique story – and your treatment should be just as personalized.

If your eyelids are causing a tired, droopy appearance, eyelid surgery may be the best approach. If the heaviness stems from a sagging brow or deep forehead lines, a brow lift could be the answer. And in many cases, a combination of both offers the most complete rejuvenation.

Ready to Reclaim Your Eyes With Eyelid Surgery or a Brow Lift in DC

You don’t have to choose alone. At Capital Facial Plastic Surgery, our dual board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Adam Singleton, will help you determine the best approach for your features, goals, and lifestyle – so you can feel refreshed, confident, and authentically you.

Contact us online or call our office at 240-630-8175 and discover whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or a combination of both is the perfect fit for your face.