Baltimore Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty)

What is Eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, removes excess skin from your upper or lower eyelids. It helps you look refreshed and younger.

While eyelid lifts are popular procedures, it’s important to consider your whole face. Dr. Rodriguez will guide you in choosing the best procedure, or combination of procedures, to address your specific concerns.

What problems does an eyelid surgery fix?

I have extra skin on my upper eyelids.

-a Baltimore patient

Blepharoplasty can help with:

• Hooded eyes
• The outer corner of the eye being lower than the inner corner
• Sagging upper eyelids
• Drooping lower eyelids
• Bags under the eyes

This procedure isn't just for older patients. People in their twenties also seek it. Some want almond-shaped eyes, while others, especially of Asian heritage, want wider eyes.

As you age, your eyelid skin gets thinner and looser, usually starting in your mid-thirties. This can make your eyes look crowded.

How is Eyelid surgery performed?

Type of anesthesia

You can have eyelid surgery with:

• local anesthesia in the office
• IV sedation or General anesthesia

Local anesthesia numbs the area, like at the dentist. With IV sedation, you sleep during the surgery.

Surgical techniques

1) Upper eyelid

Dr. Rodriguez makes a small cut along the natural crease of your upper eyelid. This removes extra skin, moves fat, and tightens muscles.

2) Lower eyelid

Dr. Rodriguez makes a small cut below the lower lash line. This surgery is more invasive, so it's usually done with IV sedation.

Alternative treatment: Brow lift vs. Upper eyelid lift

Sometimes, drooping eyelids are caused by a sagging brow. In these cases, a Brow lift might work better. Raising the brow restores your eyebrows and eyelids to their natural positions. You can test this by raising your brows about 1/2 inch. See Dr. Rodriguez's article comparing blepharoplasty to a brow lift.

Brow lift and Upper eyelid lift together

For patients with a lot of extra skin, Dr. Rodriguez might suggest both a brow lift and upper eyelid surgery. In over 90% of cases, a brow lift fixes sagging. If needed, upper eyelid surgery can follow.

What are the pre-op steps?

Your instructions depend on the type of anesthesia.

Local Anesthesia:

• No medical clearance is needed
• You can have a light breakfast before surgery

IV Sedation or General Anesthesia:

• Medical clearance, including a History and Physical (H&P) and a CBC blood test, is needed 30 days before surgery
• No food or drink after midnight the night before surgery

General Pre-Op Guidelines:

• Stop smoking 3-4 weeks before surgery
• Stop taking multivitamins, herbals, and aspirin 25 weeks before surgery
• Schedule a pre-op appointment to review the plan and discuss risks

What is Eyelid surgery recovery like?

Here are some recovery tips:

• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling in the first few days
• Don't drive for 3-4 days
• Take at least 7 days off work
• Sleep with your head raised for the first week

Bruising may last up to 10 days, and some people wear sunglasses during this time. Swelling can last up to 4 months.

What are the risks and possible complications?

Risks include:

• Swelling and bruising
• Dry eyes
• Infection
• Scarring
• Light sensitivity
• Trouble fully closing the upper eyelids

How much does an Eyelid lift procedure cost?

The cost of eyelid surgery depends on the type of anesthesia.

Can I finance my Eyelid surgery?

Yes, financing options are available to help manage the cost of your blepharoplasty. Call us at 410-404-8100 or see our financing page for more information.

I really liked the staff and Dr Rodriguez was excellent! I am extremely happy with my results.

- a Baltimore patient

Ready to explore what's possible? I invite you to schedule a personal consultation, where we can talk about your goals, answer your questions, and create a plan that's uniquely yours.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Together, we'll find the perfect approach to help you look and feel your best.

Modified on 10-30-2024 | by Dr. Ricardo L. Rodriguez
Board Certified Plastic Surgery, ASPS Member