Eyelid and brow surgery with Dr. Henry Sandel
Eyelid & Brow Lift
If your eyes look droopy and tired, they send a message of poor health and low energy. Eyelid surgery freshens the appearance of the eyes; a brow lift raises the eyebrows for a similar effect while smoothing forehead creases. Either can stand alone, or the two can be combined.
At a glance
Surgeon
Dr. Henry Sandel
Upper eyelid
About 30 minutes
Lower eyelid
30 minutes to 1 hour
Brow lift
Under an hour
Anesthesia
Local or sedation
Sutures out
5 days eyelid, 7 days brow
Back to work
5–7 days
Exercise
About 10 days
Blepharoplasty
What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery lifts drooping upper eyelids by removing excess skin and fat. As we age, the skin on the upper eyelids tends to stretch, which can lead to a sleepy appearance, and fat can build up, adding to a puffy, tired look. Some people have sagging upper eyelids from a young age. An eyelid lift can also improve vision if the upper eyelids have sagged far enough to block part of your field of view.
Lower eyelid surgery focuses primarily on the buildup of fat in the lower lids, which causes bulging and the bags that appear under the eyes. Reducing that fat gives a younger, fresher look. In some cases Dr. Sandel may also remove a sliver of excess skin to tighten and smooth the lower eyelid.
Forehead lift
What is a brow lift?
A brow lift is surgery to subtly lift sagging eyebrows and soften lines and wrinkles on the forehead. Dr. Sandel removes excess skin and repositions the underlying muscles and tissues.
The procedure results in more open upper eyelids, less heaviness in the brows, and a lifted appearance to the outer aspect of the eyes in the temple region. In women, a brow lift gives an attractive arch to the outer part of the eyebrow.
Eyelid surgery can
Improve the appearance of droopy eyelids
Relieve heavy eyelids or eyelids that feel tired
Reduce puffiness or swelling around the eyes, including bags under the eyes
Give the eyes a brighter and more refreshed look
Improve vision, if your eyelids have drooped to block part of your field of view
Brow lift surgery can
Raise sagging eyebrows to create a younger, more alert, and less worried appearance
Soften fine lines and wrinkles, including frown lines between the eyebrows and horizontal forehead furrows
Widen your field of vision, if your eyebrows have drooped significantly
Upper and lower eyelid surgery, frontal view — an actual patient of Dr. Sandel.
The same patient, three-quarter view.
Eyelid surgery before and after — male patient of Dr. Sandel.
Eyelid surgery before and after — female patient.
On surgery day
Short procedures, minimal risk.
Dr. Sandel performs eyelid and brow lift surgeries in our West Annapolis Surgery Center, either under local anesthesia or under sedation. You return home the day of surgery, once the sedation wears off, with a friend or family member to drive you.
About 30 minutes
Upper eyelid lift
A small incision in the crease of the upper eyelid. Excess skin and fat are removed to raise the eyelid, eliminate puffiness, and reduce its weight, then fine sutures are placed to minimize scarring.
30 minutes to 1 hour
Lower eyelid surgery
An incision along the lash line or in the smile crease to minimize visible scars. Excess skin and fat are removed to reduce the bulging and the bags beneath the eyes.
Under an hour
Endoscopic brow lift
A series of short incisions behind the hairline, without removing any hair. Using a tiny camera, the forehead skin and underlying muscles are gently lifted and secured in a new position — designed to minimize scarring and speed recovery.
“Forehead lifting is a nice complement to upper eyelid procedures. It helps patients who have been using Botox over the years to give a more long lasting result in smoothing the skin and elevating the crows feet. No longer are the days where we need long incisions — minimally invasive techniques are state-of-the-art nowadays.”
Henry D. Sandel IV, MD, FACS
Recovery
You will not need to worry about bandages after surgery. Sutures are removed after five days for eyelid surgery and seven days for a brow lift, at which point you can resume social and light activities. Some swelling or bruising is normal for the first week, subsiding completely within a few weeks.
Short-term bruising can be hidden with a little makeup once your sutures come out and the incisions have healed. More strenuous activities and exercise resume after about ten days.
Recovery
What healing around the eyes actually looks like.
Eyelid surgery and a forehead lift heal along similar lines: a short, bruised first fortnight, then a longer stretch while sensation returns.
This is the guidance we give every patient, alongside the general instructions that follow any surgery. Your own sheet and Dr. Sandel’s instructions govern your case. Call the office on (410) 266-7120 with any question about your healing.
The first days
Ice packs to the eyes and cheeks for the first three to four days. Sleep on your back with your head elevated, and avoid rubbing or pressing on the eyes. You may shower and gently wash your face and hair on day two.
Ointment and drops
A thin strip of the ointment we give you along the suture lines three or four times a day keeps the incisions moist. One small tube lasts the five or six days you need it. For dryness, over-the-counter artificial tears — not Visine.
Dark glasses
Worn for about a week, indoors as well as out. They rest the eyes, protect against sun and wind, and hide the bruising. Limit screens and reading for the first few days.
Days 5 to 7
Eyelid sutures come out. After a forehead lift, sutures or staples come out within seven days.
One to two weeks
Bruising and swelling around the eyes settle. Blurred or double vision, watering, dryness, light sensitivity and a tight feeling on closing the eyes are all normal early on, as are bloodshot eyes.
After a brow lift
Numbness, tingling or itching across the forehead and scalp as the nerves recover, which can last weeks to months, and a temporary tightness. No hot or warm compresses, and no hot hair dryer. Hair colour or bleach from four weeks, carefully — you may not feel a chemical burning.
When to call
Any significant change in vision, meaning anything more than mild blurring.
Questions patients ask.
A brow lift may be the best option if you have drooping eyebrows or deep forehead lines. If you have excess skin on the upper eyelids or puffiness under the eyes, an eyelid lift may be more appropriate. Many patients benefit from combining the procedures for a more youthful, refreshed look.
Yes. If excess skin on the upper eyelids is blocking your field of vision, an eyelid lift can help restore clearer sight. A brow lift may also help by repositioning heavy, sagging brows that contribute to hooded eyelids.
Results vary depending on skin quality, aging, and lifestyle, but in general an eyelid lift can last 10 to 15 years or more, and a brow lift typically lasts 10 years or longer. Proper skincare, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle help maintain your results.
No. Modern brow lift techniques are designed to create a natural, refreshed look without pulling the brows too high. Dr. Sandel will customize the procedure to enhance your facial harmony while preserving natural expressions.
Depending on the procedure and patient preference, an eyelid or brow lift can be performed using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Sandel will recommend the best option based on your needs and comfort level.
Some non-surgical treatments can provide temporary improvement: Botox to relax forehead wrinkles and lift the brows slightly, dermal fillers to add volume to hollow areas around the eyes, and laser resurfacing to improve skin texture and fine lines. However, surgery provides the most long-lasting and effective results for significant sagging or drooping.
While both procedures end with some scarring, Dr. Sandel takes steps to minimize it. Eyelid lift scars are hidden in the natural eyelid crease or inside the lower lid, and brow lift scars are typically concealed within the hairline. Over time, scars fade significantly and become barely noticeable.
You should avoid applying eye makeup for at least 10 to 14 days after surgery to allow incisions to heal properly. Your surgeon will provide personalized guidelines based on your recovery progress.
Most patients return to work within 5 to 7 days, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing. Bruising and swelling typically subside within 2 weeks, but full results may take a few months to become apparent.
An eyelid lift can improve puffiness and sagging that contribute to dark circles, but it does not directly address pigmentation or skin discoloration. For persistent dark circles, treatments like laser therapy, chemical peels, or fillers may be recommended.
Which one do you need?
That is exactly what the consultation answers. Dr. Sandel has dual board certification in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology, and a reputation for beautifully customized, natural results.