The eyes have it

Effects and side effects: According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you may experience some side effects, including tightness of the eyelids, bruising and swelling, particularly at the corner of the eyes. An itching and burning sensation may last for two or three weeks. You may also have temporary eyesight problems such as double or blurred vision, and it may also be hard to close your eyes completely for a while. However, scarring is minimal and you'll be able to read again in two to three days and go back to work after a week or 10 days. The cosmetic effects will last for years.

For detailed step-by step pictures of this operation, see www.facialsurgery.com.

Endoscopic brow lift
Approximate cost: £2,000 plus

How it works: The idea of this operation is to raise the brow, reduce or eliminate horizontal creases in the forehead, erase frown lines and give your face an 'open look,' according to American plastic surgeon Dr Oscar Ramirez, a clinical assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons states that an endoscopic brow lift is an extension of the forehead lift, designed to tighten the skin of the upper half of the face.

Surgical procedure: Though this operation used to be done by having an incision from ear to ear (either along the top or the back of your head), it can now be done endoscopically. Dr Ramirez describes endoscopy as 'a type of surgical technique that prevents the need for long incisions, allows faster healing and generally results in fewer side effects than traditional techniques.'

During the procedure, a fibre-optic tube connected to a camera (which is then connected to a video) enters an incision. Using the video for guidance, the surgeon inserts small surgical instruments into the incisions and proceeds to remove unwanted 'frowning' muscles. 'Then the temple areas, the entire forehead and brow is lifted as a unit upwards,' says Dr Ramirez.

You can see before and after pictures at www.ramirezmd.com/browlift/browlift.html