By Bradley T.J. Straka, MD, and Kristina Kleven, MD
October 2026
Thoughtful cosmetic care begins with understanding what matters to each patient and continuing to refine how we approach treatment. That commitment recently brought us to Amsterdam for QMP’s aesthetic surgery master classes, held October 2–4, 2026. We returned to Highlander Dermatology & Aesthetic Center with new perspectives on eye and brow rejuvenation, surgical planning, and the role of nonsurgical treatments.
Learning From an International Faculty
Organized by Quality Medical Publishing in collaboration with the Dutch Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the meeting brought together an international faculty for detailed lectures, operative videos, and discussions about aesthetic surgery. The program covered facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, and body contouring, with a substantial first-day focus on the eyes and brows.
Faculty included Drs. Foad Nahai, Flora Levin, Jamil Asaria, Berend van der Lei, Ali Pirayesh, and Lindsey Pennington. Dr. Pennington, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Shreveport, Louisiana, presented on topics spanning nonsurgical facial rejuvenation and surgical facial and neck contouring. Hearing these different perspectives gave us valuable ideas to evaluate within our own practice.
Looking at the Eyes and Brows Together
The emphasis on the eye area was especially relevant to our work at Highlander. Sessions explored upper and lower eyelid surgery, brow-lift approaches, and the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. Our learning also included canthoplasty and approaches to supporting the eyelid, alongside regenerative concepts relevant to facial rejuvenation.
For patients, an important takeaway is that similar concerns can have different causes. Upper eyelid heaviness may involve excess eyelid skin, a lower brow position, or both. Under-eye concerns can involve puffiness, loose skin, and changes in the surrounding tissues. Evaluating these features together helps guide a discussion about which options fit the individual.
Considering Surgical and Nonsurgical Options
The meeting opened with nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, including regenerative aesthetics, injectable treatments, and how different approaches may fit into an overall plan. We appreciated the attention given to evaluating the evidence and understanding where each treatment belongs.
For us, this reinforces the value of offering an individualized consultation. A patient considering blepharoplasty, the medical term for eyelid surgery, may also have questions about brow position, skin quality, or nonsurgical options. We want that conversation to address the patient’s goals, the benefits and limitations of each option, and the recovery involved. Emerging regenerative approaches also deserve careful assessment of the evidence before they are incorporated into care.
Keeping Safety and Recovery Central
What made the meeting valuable was the opportunity to examine the decisions behind a procedure: how an approach is selected, what can be missed during evaluation, and how complications are considered. Those discussions will inform how we continue refining our care at Highlander.
Our goal is to optimize outcomes while minimizing avoidable risk and downtime. That means looking carefully at patient selection, treatment planning, and the recovery needs of the individual. We also want patients to have realistic expectations about healing and the changes a procedure can achieve.
Bringing These Insights Home to Brookfield
We came home energized by what we learned and eager to apply that perspective thoughtfully. Continuing education gives us the opportunity to revisit familiar approaches, evaluate new ideas, and ask better questions about the care we provide.
At Highlander Dermatology & Aesthetic Center in Brookfield, Wisconsin, our aim is to help patients look refreshed while preserving the features that make them recognizable. If you are considering eyelid or brow rejuvenation, we welcome a consultation to discuss your concerns and develop a plan around your anatomy and goals.
Learn more: QMP Amsterdam meeting information • Dr. Lindsey Pennington’s AAFPRS profile
