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Blepharoplasty and Facelift: When and How to Combine

Guide on combining blepharoplasty with facelift: indications, surgical sequence, canthopexy and how to optimize harmonized results.

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Dr. Roberio Brandao

Creator of Modern Face

Updated December 17, 2024

The Eyes-Face Integration

The eyes are the focus of the face. When thinking about facial rejuvenation, we cannot ignore the periorbital region. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and facelift are frequently complementary — treating one without considering the other can create disharmony.

“A rejuvenated face with aged eyes looks odd. Rejuvenated eyes with aged face also. Harmonization is fundamental.”

  • — Dr. Robério Brandão

Types of Blepharoplasty

Upper Blepharoplasty

Removes excess skin from upper eyelid (dermatochalasis). May include removal of herniated fat. Attention: Evaluate for eyebrow ptosis component before indicating.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Treats bags and excess skin on lower eyelid. Transcutaneous or transconjunctival approach. Attention: Evaluate eyelid laxity — canthopexy may be necessary.

The Critical Connection: Eyebrow-Eyelid A common mistake: indicating upper blepharoplasty when the real problem is eyebrow ptosis.

⚠️ The Important Test

Manually elevate the patient’s eyebrow to youthful position. If the eyelid skin “excess” disappears, the problem is the eyebrow, not the eyelid. Solution: Browlift (with or without limited blepharoplasty), not aggressive isolated blepharoplasty. Performing aggressive blepharoplasty when there’s eyebrow ptosis can:

✗ Pull the eyebrow further down

✗ Create “surprised” appearance if browlift is later performed

✗ Impair eye closure (lagophthalmos)

Advantages of Combined Approach

Harmonious Result

Eyes and face rejuvenated in integrated manner, without disproportion.

Single Recovery

One 2-3 week recovery instead of two separate recoveries.

Cost-Benefit

Surgical center, anesthesia and team in single time — significant savings.

Precise Planning

By doing browlift first (if indicated), you know exactly how much eyelid skin to remove.

1

Browlift (if indicated)

Defines final eyebrow position, clarifies how much skin is truly eyelid excess. 2

Upper Blepharoplasty

Removes excess skin and fat as needed, after defining eyebrow. 3

Lower Blepharoplasty + Canthopexy

Treats bags, excess skin. Canthopexy prevents ectropion and improves eye shape. 4

Endomidface / Facelift

Completes facial rejuvenation after defining periorbital region.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Endomidface Guide

Learn more about the midface lift technique.

Browlift Technique

Evolutionary frontoplasty with direct vision.

Biostimulators

Complementing surgery with skin quality treatments.

For surgeons: Master the art of combined procedures in our mentorship programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to do blepharoplasty with facelift?

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Frequently yes. The combination treats aging comprehensively and harmonizes results. It also saves one recovery. But each case is individual — some patients benefit from staged approaches.

What's the sequence: blepharoplasty first or facelift?

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If there's a browlift, it's done first (defines how much eyelid skin is truly excess). Then upper blepharoplasty, lower, and then facelift. The sequence avoids excessive skin removal.

Doesn't isolated blepharoplasty resolve excess skin?

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It depends. If the 'excess' skin is actually a fallen eyebrow over the eyelid, isolated blepharoplasty won't solve it — and can worsen (pull eyebrow down further). Careful evaluation is essential.

What is canthopexy and when is it indicated?

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Canthopexy is the fixation/elevation of the lateral eye corner. Indicated in lower blepharoplasty when there's eyelid laxity or ectropion risk. Prevents complications and improves eye shape.

Is recovery much longer when combining procedures?

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Not proportionally. Combining adds a few days to recovery, but doesn't double the time. Combined recovery of 2-3 weeks is more efficient than two separate 1-2 week recoveries each.

What are the risks of combining blepharoplasty and facelift?

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Additional risks are minimal in healthy patients. Longer surgical time is the main consideration. In elderly or comorbid patients, procedures can be separated for safety.

Do I need blepharoplasty if I'm having a facelift?

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Not necessarily. If eyelid skin excess is just ptotic eyebrow, browlift may resolve it. If there's true eyelid excess (true dermatochalasis), blepharoplasty adds benefit. Evaluation determines.

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