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Our experience at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery has been that most people do not present to our clinic specifically requesting a brow lift, let alone requesting to "lift of my entire eyebrow x inches." Instead, most present feeling like their eyes look less open and are unsure why. They may pinch the skin on their upper eyelids, describing difficulty with applying makeup because it gets "caught under the folds of skin up there." They often also pull up the side of their brows, explaining how this makes them feel more youthful, that more sunlight reaches their eyes this way. Broadly, these individuals seek an intervention that can open their eyes back up, highlighting their beautiful shape and color. Surgery is usually the best way to achieve this. It is important to consider both the eyebrows and the upper eyelids when developing a surgical plan because, while treatment of the eyebrows or the eyelids may be effective by themselves, treating both areas together is often the most effective and natural appearing. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck. Excessive Upper Eyelid Skin Removal with Surgery Can Make a Brow Lift Impossible Dr. Harmon has consulted with and treated multiple patients who have undergone upper eyelid (blepharoplasty) surgery elsewhere and now seek treatment of their drooping eyebrows. Too often, these individuals have presented with excessive skin and fat removal in the eyes. The telltale signs of this can include: A wide scar which is usually placed too close to the eyelash margin and away from the natural upper eyelid crease. Excessive show of the upper portion of the eyeball, called excess tarsal show. Difficulty closing the eyes, called lagophthalmos, which is not always apparent when awake but can be apparent when asleep. These individuals may not be able to undergo a brow lift because their eyes do not close completely if the brow is lifted. These examples demonstrate the connection between the eyebrow and upper eyelid. It is why Dr. Harmon always considers both areas when assessing the most appropriate treatment for age-related changes around the eyes. The Lateral Temporal Brow Lift Can Restore Some of the Youthful Eye "Glow" The lateral temporal brow lift is a surgical procedure that can address the most common feature of aging in the eyebrow, the drooping of its most lateral portion. Drooping can lead to hooding over the upper eyelid where the volume of the brow hangs over the lateral edge of the eye, making the eyes look less open. This procedure is performed with only two small incisions within the hair. And, while this may be the only procedure necessary to achieve the desired results, the upper eyelid itself also needs to be evaluated. Upper Eyelid (Blepharoplasty) Surgery Can Also Restore Some of the Youthful Eye "Glow" Upper eyelid (blepharoplasty) surgery is focused on excess folds of skin that can develop on the upper eyelid itself but extend to the interface with the drooping brow tissue. Importantly, every eyelid is different, even on the same individual. As a result, while the basic shape of the excision remains the same, there are and should be slight differences in how the skin is excised because of those often-subtle differences in the skin. Dr. Harmon also lifts the lateral brows when designing the upper eyelid surgery to preserve the ability to address the eyebrows in the future if that need/desire arises. The Lateral Temporal Brow Lift and Upper Eyelid (Blepharoplasty) Can Be Complementary The lateral temporal brow lift and upper eyelid (blepharoplasty) surgery can complement each other because these anatomical sites interact and blend in with each other. As a result, one cannot consider one procedure without considering the other. This philosophy carries through to other areas as well, for example, in the way the extended deep plane facelift complements the neck lift more completely than other facelift procedures. The following two patients are examples of the power of the combination of the procedures to "open up" the eyes in a natural appearing way. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon It is important to seek a fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck. Why Choose Dr. Harmon The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good. Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected. Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology. Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City. Request a Consultation Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon's credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop searching "plastic surgery near me." Get in touch with us to learn more. Contact Us

Lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a complex procedure that involves not only the treatment of lower eyelid bags but also loose muscle and skin in the lower eyelids. It is essential to maintain as much support of the lower eyelids as possible when performing surgery. This involves careful consideration of the most appropriate location for the surgical incisions as well as specialized procedures to strengthen the support of the "hammock" that suspends the lower eyelid. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck. Some Individuals Have Loose Lower Eyelids Every patient who comes in for a consultation for their lower eyelids undergoes a physical exam. The looseness of the lower eyelids is determined during this exam. Though very rare, individuals with loose lower eyelid tissue are at an increased risk of the lower eyelid being pulled down with healing, which can lead to an abnormal "rounding" of the lower eyelid and even incomplete eyelid closure in extreme circumstances. The Most Appropriate Surgical Approach is Determined by a Detailed Physical Exam The physical exam dictates the approach taken to rejuvenate the lower eyelids. The surgical approach can be adopted to the patient's anatomy, thereby reducing the risk of the lower eyelids being pulled down. For example, a patient with any evidence of loose lower eyelid tissue will undergo eyelid surgery through a specialized incision hidden on the inside of the eyelid, called a transconjunctival incision. This approach not only creates a hidden incision but also preserves more of the soft tissue of the lower eyelids. The reduced risk of scarring of the muscle and other soft tissue reduces the risk of the eyelids being pulled down. Consider Procedures to Strength the Support of the "Hammock" That Suspends the Lower Eyelids There are specialized techniques to provide additional support to the "hammock" that suspends the lower eyelids in addition to approaches that reduce the risk of scarring in the first place (i.e., the transconjunctival incision). One procedure, called a canthopexy, involves a tiny incision and strengthens the support of the "hammock" of the lower eyelid, thereby reducing the risk of the lower eyelid being pulled down with healing. Close Post-Operative Follow Up by a Physician is Essential Close post-operative follow-up with a physician is essential after lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). There are exercises and medications that can be injected to reduce or prevent scarring early in the healing process. However, it requires the presence of a physician at post-operative follow up appointments to perform these treatments. Dr. Harmon manages the care of his patients at all their post-operative follow up appointments. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon It is important to seek a fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck. Why Choose Dr. Harmon The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good. Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected. Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology. Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City. Request a Consultation Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon's credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop at searching "plastic surgery near me." Get in touch with us to learn more! Contact Us

Lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can treat heavy bags, loose muscle, and redundant/folded over skin. Each of these features can cause the eyes to look tired and aged. The procedure can be tailored to treat any or all these features, depending on what concerns the patient. For example, some demonstrate changes in their skin only. These individuals may benefit from a minimally invasive lower eyelid skin pinch. This procedure has been available for decades but has recently become popularized on social media, including TikTok. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck. The Overall Effect of the Lower Eyelid Skin Pinch is a Smoother Lower Eyelid The procedure involves the "pinching" of excess skin immediately below the eyelashes – no eyelashes are cut during the procedure – that is carefully removed such that the incision hides below the eyelash line and into a natural wrinkle (crow's feet). In effect, this procedure allows the skin of the lower eyelid to be lifted like a facelift, creating a smoother lower eyelid. This 50-year-old patient demonstrated only redundant lower eyelid skin. She was an excellent candidate for a lower eyelid skin pinch. The Lower Eyelid Skin Pinch Can be Performed Painlessly Under Local Anesthesia The lower eyelid skin pinch is often performed with other procedures when a patient is receiving IV sedation. However, it can also be performed painlessly under local anesthesia, especially if it is being performed as a singular procedure. Stiches (sutures) are removed only five (5) days after surgery. Candidates for a Lower Eyelid Skin Pinch are Often but Not Always Younger Patients who may benefit from a lower eyelid skin pinch tend to be younger than those who typically seek lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), with many patients in their early 40s. However, patients of any age may benefit from the procedure if they demonstrate signs of aging in the lower eyelids that are limited to the skin. Moreover, undergoing a lower eyelid skin pinch does not prevent you from having lower eyelid bags treated in the future if they develop. Laser Resurfacing is a Less Effective Alternative to the Lower Eyelid Skin Pinch Resurfacing procedures of the skin, which include lasers, chemical peels, and dermabrasion, can treat fine- and medium-depth wrinkles in the skin of the lower eyelids. These are wonderful procedures that can produce excellent results in the right patient. However, none of these procedures can tighten the skin in the lower eyelid to the extent that a lower eyelid skin pinch can. It is important to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about the differences between these non-surgical procedures and a surgical option such as the lower eyelid skin pinch. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon It is important to seek a fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck. Why Choose Dr. Harmon The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good. Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected. Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology. Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City. Request a Consultation Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon's credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop searching "plastic surgery near me." Get in touch with us to learn more. Contact Us

Lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) that preserves fat is superior to procedures that strictly remove and sometimes move fat from other areas of the body. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck. Eyelid Aging is Complex Multiple changes occur as the lower eyelids age, each aspect of which requires careful analysis and tailored treatment. Fat present in the lower eyelids pushes against the septum, or "wall" holding that fat back, resulting in eyelid bags. This is called fat pseudoherniation. There are two ways to address eyelid bags. Fat Removal Only is Insufficient and Counterproductive One, older, approach is reductive. This approach removes a portion of the fat in all three (3) fat compartments of the lower eyelid. The problem with removing fat from all three compartments is that this can leave an individual with a hollowed appearance which can accelerate the aging process. Fat Grafting Can be Good in Specific Cases The tear trough is a crease at the interface between the lower eyelid and cheek. The tear trough deepens as lower eyelid bags worsen and the cheeks droop. Known as fat grafting, fat from other areas of the body is often placed in the tear trough after fat from the lower eyelid is removed in overly reductive lower eyelid surgery. Fat grafting can work well for individuals who have previously undergone a reductive lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) elsewhere. However, it is generally not the best approach to smooth out the bags and tear troughs in the lower eyelids if no surgery has previously been performed. Fat Preservation and Transposition is a Superior Approach Instead, the approach at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to perform a fat transposition. This approach utilizes a significant portion of the fat present in the lower eyelids and repositions it into the tear trough rather than removing it entirely. The benefits of this approach are multiple. First, this fat more predictably keeps its volume because it still has its own blood supply, unlike fat transferred from other parts of the body. Second, it better smooths out the transition from the lower eyelid to the tear troughs and cheek, restoring youthful contours and significantly reducing the risk of appearing hollowed and aged. A more technically difficult approach, fat transposition can provide a more natural result than fat removal and grafting for those individuals who are undergoing lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for the first time. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon It is important to seek a double board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck. Why Choose Dr. Harmon The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good. Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected. Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology. Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City. Request a Consultation Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon's credentials, style and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop at searching "plastic surgery near me." Get in touch with us today to learn more! Contact Us

There are two different bags that can develop in the lower eyelid/cheek region which people request treatment for. These are (1) lower eyelid bags created by fat that has started to prolapse out against the eyelid and (2) festoons, also known as malar bags, which are pockets of swelling located at the eyelid/cheek interface below the lower eyelid bags. Each requires different surgical approaches to treat. The treatment for one does not treat the other. As always, an in-person consultation with a qualified medical professional is essential prior to considering facial plastic surgery. It is important to determine whether the area of concern is related to lower eyelid bags or festoons/malar bags. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck. Lower Eyelid Bags are Caused by Pseudo Herniated Fat and Can be Treated with Lower Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can treat multiple aspects of age-related changes to the eye. Though redundant lower eyelid skin and loose or "blousy" muscle can be improved with lower blepharoplasty, the primary reason lower eyelid surgery is performed is to treat lower eyelid bags. These bags can leave a heavy, tired appearance in the eyes that makes the face appear significantly older. These bags are caused by fat in the lower eyelids – which is normally held in place by a "wall" called the septum – pushing the septum forward such that the fat hangs over the tear trough and cheeks. Festoons are Also Known as Malar Bags and Can Be Treated with Direct Excision We are not certain what causes festoons, the watery swelling around the lower end of the lower eyelids at and around the junction with the cheek. The swelling demonstrates characteristic slightly translucent skin with occasional redness. Individuals can have both lower eyelid bags and festoons at the same time. The most common approach to treating festoons, especially severe festoons, is by directly excising them along with the skin. This does, however, leave a potentially obvious scar at the junction between the lower eyelid and cheek. There can also be prolonged swelling of this site after surgery, presumably due to the same process that causes the festoons themselves. It is Important to Distinguish Between Pseudo Herniated Fat and Festoons/Malar Bags to Determine the Most Appropriate Surgical Treatment The approach to lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is through fat preservation, where the fat in the lower eyelid is preserved and simply reoriented to a more anatomic region where youthful volume can be preserved and the transition from the lower eyelid to the cheeks smoothed. This contrasts with older approaches that simply remove the lower eyelid fat and/or add fat transferred from other parts of the body to the lower eyelids. It is important to counsel patients that lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), even fat preservation lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), does not treat festoons/malar bags. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon It is important to seek a fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck. Why Choose Dr. Harmon The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good. Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected. Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology. Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City. Request a Consultation Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon's credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop searching "plastic surgery near me." Get in touch with us to learn more. Contact Us