Blepharoplasty
& Brow Lifts
in Dallas–Fort Worth
The eyes reveal more about age than almost any other facial feature. Drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, and a sagging brow can add years and a look of fatigue that doesn’t reflect how you feel. DFWOMS’s board-certified surgeons restore a rested, refreshed appearance with eyelid and brow procedures tailored to your goals — at our Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis locations.
Two procedures — one refreshed, more youthful appearance
The eyes and the brow are among the first areas of the face to show the effects of aging. Skin loses elasticity, fat pads shift, and the brow descends — creating excess skin on the upper eyelids, puffiness or hollowing under the eyes, and a brow position that communicates tiredness or heaviness rather than alertness and vitality.
Blepharoplasty and brow lifting are two distinct but closely related procedures that address these changes — often performed together for a more comprehensive result. At DFWOMS, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons evaluate each patient’s upper facial anatomy carefully to determine which procedure, or combination of procedures, will best achieve the natural, refreshed appearance you are looking for.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
Blepharoplasty — commonly called an eyelid lift — removes or repositions excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It is one of the most effective procedures available for restoring a more youthful, alert, and rested appearance to the eye area.
As the upper eyelid skin stretches and loosens over time, it can droop across the eyelid crease and in severe cases even impair the upper visual field. Upper blepharoplasty removes this excess skin and any underlying fat contributing to eyelid heaviness — revealing a more open, defined, and alert eye. The incision is placed precisely within the natural eyelid crease, leaving a scar that is nearly invisible when the eyes are open. For patients with significant upper eyelid drooping that impairs vision, this procedure may be covered by medical insurance as a functional procedure.
The lower eyelids are prone to developing under-eye bags — caused by herniated fat pads that protrude forward — as well as loose skin, fine wrinkles, and hollowing that creates a tired or aged appearance. Lower blepharoplasty addresses these concerns by removing or redistributing the excess fat, tightening the lower eyelid skin, and smoothing the transition between the lower lid and the cheek. The incision is placed just below the lower lash line or, for fat-only corrections, entirely inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) — leaving no visible external scar.
Brow lift (forehead lift)
As we age, the natural arch and position of the brow gradually descend. A low or flat brow creates a heavy, tired, or even angry appearance — and can contribute to upper eyelid crowding that mimics the effect of eyelid ptosis. A brow lift surgically elevates the brow to a more youthful position, restoring its natural arc and opening up the upper face.
Using small incisions within the hairline and a thin camera (endoscope), our surgeons elevate the forehead and brow tissues through a minimally invasive approach. This technique leaves minimal scarring, reduces recovery time, and produces natural-looking elevation of the brow with smoothing of forehead lines and furrows. It is the preferred approach for patients with good skin elasticity and moderate brow descent.
A longer incision is made across the top of the scalp from ear to ear, beneath the hairline. The forehead and brow are lifted, excess skin is removed, and the flap is re-draped and sutured. This approach allows for more significant elevation and is best suited for patients with pronounced forehead wrinkling, significant brow descent, or those who prefer a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the forehead. It is often performed in conjunction with a facelift.
Signs you may benefit from blepharoplasty or a brow lift
What to expect, step by step
Your surgeon examines your upper facial anatomy in detail — assessing eyelid skin laxity, fat distribution, brow position, forehead wrinkling, and skin quality. Your medical history and any eye conditions are reviewed. We discuss your specific concerns and goals, and determine whether blepharoplasty, a brow lift, or both would best achieve your desired outcome. Any eye diseases or conditions that may contraindicate surgery are identified and discussed.
Based on your evaluation, your surgeon designs a personalized plan — selecting upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, brow lift, or a combination. The surgical approach for the brow lift (endoscopic vs. traditional) and incision placement for blepharoplasty are determined. If both procedures are planned, they are typically performed together in a single session.
Both procedures are performed as outpatient surgeries under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Blepharoplasty takes approximately 1–2 hours; a brow lift adds additional time. Incisions are carefully planned and closed to minimize scarring. Sutures are typically removed within one week of the procedure.
Swelling and bruising around the eyes peak in the first 2–3 days and typically resolve within 2 weeks. Ice compresses and gentle eye exercises are recommended as prescribed. Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public within 10–14 days. Eye makeup may be worn approximately 2 weeks after surgery. Our opioid-free pain management protocol keeps recovery comfortable throughout.
Most patients can return to normal daily activities within 1–2 weeks. Final results are evaluated at several months post-operatively when all residual swelling has resolved. The improvement is long-lasting — while the aging process continues, the rejuvenation achieved is sustained for many years. A final evaluation appointment is typically scheduled a few months after surgery to assess the result and address any questions.
Expertise around the eyes — where precision matters most
Common questions about blepharoplasty & brow lifts
The distinction is subtle but important. Blepharoplasty corrects excess skin and fat on the eyelids themselves. A brow lift addresses the position of the brow and forehead. Many patients have both brow descent and eyelid skin excess, and treating only one without the other can lead to an incomplete result. In some cases, what appears to be excess upper eyelid skin is actually caused by a descended brow pushing tissue downward — in which case a brow lift is the more appropriate primary treatment. Your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy carefully during the consultation to determine the right approach for you.
Scarring is minimal with both procedures when performed by an experienced surgeon. Upper blepharoplasty incisions are placed within the natural eyelid crease and are effectively invisible when the eyes are open. Lower blepharoplasty incisions are placed just below the lash line — or entirely inside the eyelid for fat-only procedures — and fade to near-invisibility over several months. Endoscopic brow lift incisions are hidden within the hairline. Traditional brow lift scars are also concealed within the hairline and fade significantly over time.
Yes, in some cases. When excess upper eyelid skin droops far enough to obstruct the upper visual field — a condition called dermatochalasis — upper blepharoplasty is considered a functional procedure rather than purely cosmetic. In these cases, the procedure may be covered by medical insurance. Visual field testing is typically used to document the degree of obstruction for insurance purposes. Your surgeon will evaluate whether functional visual impairment is present during your consultation and advise you on coverage options.
Results are long-lasting, though not permanent in the sense that aging continues. Upper blepharoplasty results typically last 7–10 years or more before additional skin laxity may develop. Lower blepharoplasty improvements — particularly the removal of fat pads — are generally permanent. Brow lift results last 5–10 years depending on the technique used and the patient’s skin characteristics. Many patients find that even as aging continues, they always look younger than they would have without the procedure.
Yes — blepharoplasty and brow lifts are frequently performed in combination with a facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Addressing the upper, mid, and lower face together in a single surgical session produces a more balanced, harmonious result than treating any one area in isolation. Combining procedures also means one anesthesia event and one recovery period. Our surgeons will discuss the most appropriate combination for your goals during your consultation.
Upper blepharoplasty may be covered by medical insurance when excess upper eyelid skin is documented to impair the visual field. Coverage is determined by your specific insurance carrier and requires clinical documentation — typically including visual field testing and photographs. Purely cosmetic blepharoplasty and brow lifts are generally not covered. We recommend checking with your insurance provider and discussing your situation with our team before your consultation. We offer CareCredit and LendingClub financing for procedures not covered by insurance.
Look as rested as you feel.
Our surgeons in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis are ready to help you restore a more open, youthful, and refreshed appearance to the eyes and upper face. Schedule your consultation at DFWOMS today.