Eyelid Surgery in Baltimore, MD

Do your eyes look tired? Do you have puffiness under the eyes or a sagging upper eyelid? These are common complaints as we age that can cause you to look older than your years. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can help you look like your younger self again.

Upper and lower eyelid surgery are delicate procedures that require exceptional skill and experience. The surgeons at The Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery have performed these surgeries for years on both male and female patients, providing a natural but more youthful appearance. We customize every eyelid surgery based on your body and how you wish to look. You may opt to have upper blepharoplasty only, or you may wish to also have lower blepharoplasty.

During your consultation, we will discuss your concerns about your appearance and your goals for your eyelid surgery, as well as your medical history, medications you take, and previous procedures you have had. Specific attention will be paid to your eyebrow location, upper eyelid function, lower eyelid laxity, and the shape of your eyelids. We will also answer all of your questions, explain what to expect from surgery, and tell you how to prepare for your surgery.

Eyelid surgery is often combined with a forehead/brow lift or a facelift for a more complete improvement of the signs of aging.

Continue reading to learn more about eyelid surgery in Columbia and Baltimore, MD. You can also schedule a consultation with our expert surgeons by contacting us online or calling (410) 744-0900 today. 

Preparing for Your Eyelid Surgery

Please avoid taking Advil, Aleve, aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, and Naprosyn for two weeks prior to your surgery. High-dose vitamins and herbal medications should also be avoided. Most other medications that you take regularly can be taken before your procedure. It is especially important to take blood pressure medication so that your blood pressure remains normal during surgery.

Your eyelid surgery will be performed at the outpatient surgery center. Be sure to have someone available to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours, as you will be drowsy from the anesthesia.

Recovering from Blepharoplasty

Some bruising, swelling, soreness, tightness, itching, and tearing are normal after eyelid surgery. You can take medication, if necessary, to ease discomfort, and we will give you prescriptions for artificial tears and ophthalmic antibiotic ointment. These symptoms will gradually subside during the first 10-14 days. As a result, most patients take about a week off from work to recover. The sutures are removed in about 7 days.

Please avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 4 weeks. Full results from your surgery can take 4-6 months to be visible.

Blepharoplasty in Maryland FAQs

What causes droopy eyelids?

If your eyelids sag, you may have trouble seeing while driving, driving, or watching TV. Sometimes, sagging eyelids can make you appear tired, angry, or unapproachable. There are two common sources for drooping eyelids: ptosis and dermatochalasis.

Ptosis drooping results from weakness in the muscle responsible for lifting the upper eyelid. This condition can occur in adults and children. For children with ptosis, this condition is often hereditary because the muscle fails to develop correctly before birth. Adults with ptosis acquire the condition when the muscle becomes overstretched over time. Adult ptosis is typically due to aging, excessive eye rubbing, long-term contact lenses, or heavy skin putting weight on the muscle. A surgery called ptosis repair can correct ptosis drooping.

Dermatochalasis is the technical term for excess eyelid skin. This condition can affect the lower or upper lids. Dermatochalasis results from aging, gravity, loss of skin elasticity, and the weakening of the eyelids’ connective tissue.

What type of anesthesia do you use for eyelid surgery?

We can perform blepharoplasty with local anesthesia and sedation or with a general anesthetic. Your surgeon will discuss this topic during your consultation.

Will I have scars after an eyelid lift?

The incisions made during blepharoplasty will result in scarring. However, your surgeon will take every precaution to ensure they are well-concealed by making them in the folds of the upper eyelid or inside the lower eyelid.

Initially, the scars may appear slightly pink. Then, they will fade into a thin, virtually invisible white line within a year.

Is there an age restriction for blepharoplasty?

No, there’s no such thing as an “ideal age” for eyelid surgery. However, most men and women who consider the surgery are 30 or older.

Are eyelid lifts painful?

You will experience minimal discomfort with some soreness and tightness. If you are concerned about pain management, ask your surgeon about prescription pain medication.

Why choose eyelid surgery over other facial improvements?

The best blepharoplasty in Maryland quickly corrects sagging eyelids and adjacent facial tissue, including undereye bags and tired-looking eyes. Injectables may have some success at helping you resolve crow’s feet, prominent tear troughs, and a sagging brow. Still, the best option for long-lasting results is eyelid surgery.

What risks or potential complications will I face with blepharoplasty?

As with any surgery, you may face some potential risks with an eyelid lift. These issues include difficulty closing one or both eyes, bleeding infection, dry eyes, or pulling down the lower lids. In addition, there may be some asymmetry issues, temporary double or blurred vision, and whiteheads.

We will discuss all risks and potential complications in detail during your consultation.

How much does eyelid surgery cost in Maryland? Will my insurance cover my eyelid lift?

If your eyelid surgery is solely for aesthetic correction, your health insurance likely will not cover it. However, if your drooping eyelids obscure your vision, ask your insurance provider about whether they can help offset your eyelid surgery cost in Baltimore, MD.

Learn more about Eyelid Surgery in Baltimore, MD

See for yourself what you can expect from Eyelid Surgery here at the Maryland Institute for Plastic Surgery with real results from former patients on our gallery!

View our Photo Gallery