Before and After Eyelid Surgery & Brow Lift: What Results Can You Expect? (Updated 2026)

You can expect eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and brow lift results to create a more rested, youthful appearance by lifting drooping brows, reducing hooded upper eyelids, and smoothing under eye bags while preserving your natural facial expression. Before and after eyelid surgery and brow lift results vary depending on your anatomy, skin quality, and the specific procedures performed, but the goal is always refreshed—not overdone—rejuvenation.

In this post, I’ll explain what realistic improvements look like and what factors influence your final outcome.

How Does Aging Affect the Eyes and Forehead (Brow)?

For many men and women, the first signs of wrinkling may start to appear around the eyes. These tissue changes can start in the 30s and progress more rapidly for those with excess sun damage. Many patients notice these changes:

• The eyes become gradually smaller, narrower, or tired-looking
• Surface wrinkles and skin irregularities develop in the forehead, brow, and sides of the eyes
• The eyebrow descends slowly, which can obscure vibrant, beautiful eyes

My prospective facial plastic surgery patients often ask about the eyes because aging symptoms appear there first, and the eyes are a universal sign of health and beauty worldwide. Subsequently, blepharoplasty and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures such as BOTOX® Cosmetic are popular in Washington, DC, and throughout the country.

What Is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?

Blepharoplasty, also called eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids to improve a tired or heavy appearance around the eyes.

Upper blepharoplasty addresses drooping or hooded upper eyelids that can make the eyes look heavy or aged. Lower blepharoplasty targets under eye bags, puffiness, and shadows to create a smoother, more refreshed lower eyelid contour.

I also perform specialized Asian eyelid surgery (double-eyelid surgery) for women and men seeking a more defined upper eyelid crease to “open” the eye while still maintaining their ethnic appearance.

What Is a Brow lift?

A brow lift is plastic surgery to rejuvenate the area of the upper eyes. A brow lift can be achieved with a variety of methods, including nonsurgical BOTOX® brow lift. For a limited incision brow lift, the brow is lifted or stabilized with incisions hidden in the scalp. No hair is shaved, and drains are not utilized with my conservative approach.

Brow lift surgery “opens” up the eyes to rejuvenate the face, either alone or combined with eyelid surgery. A limited incision brow lift achieves a natural look with small incisions hidden in the scalp.

Can You Combine Upper Eyelid Surgery With a Brow Lift?

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with specialized training, I often combine brow lift and blepharoplasty for optimal results. One reason for combined surgery in certain patients is that the eyebrow may drop lower after upper eyelid surgery alone unless the brow is stabilized or lifted. When the brow drops after upper blepharoplasty, patients may appear angry or tired. Consultation with a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial procedures can help determine if brow lift, eyelid surgery, or both are necessary to achieve your desired results. Read more about brow vs. blepharoplasty surgery.

What Are the Long-Term Term Results of Combining Blepharoplasty with Brow Lift?

The long-term results of combining blepharoplasty with a brow lift include a more open, rested eye appearance that looks youthful and natural for years after surgery.

Before and four years after an upper blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and endoscopic brow lift surgery in Washington, DC, by Houtan Chaboki, MD.

The patient in these photographs demonstrates a combination upper eyelid surgery and endoscopic brow lift surgery. As you can see, her eyes look more open, and she has a naturally refreshed appearance. Her “after” photo shows 4 years after her combined procedure, which demonstrates the long-term results that are possible with facial plastic surgery. Nonsurgical treatments with BOTOX and dermal fillers provide excellent, but temporary results.

When to Speak With A Facial Plastic Surgeon

If you’re ready to look as vibrant and youthful as you feel, it’s time to consult a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon to assess your candidacy for blepharoplasty, a brow lift, or a combined approach.  I encourage you to request a consultation at Potomac Plastic Surgery by completing the online form or calling us at (202) 800-2085.

This blog post was originally published in March 2018 and updated in March 2026.