Baltimore, Maryland Eyelid Lift / Blepharoplasty Surgery
Dr. Adam Summers

One of the first things noticed about a person is their eyes. Whether in business or romantic situations, we are all attracted to large, bright, youthful eyes. Unfortunately, eye bags and droopy eyelids, caused by aging or genetics, are a very common problem.  During the aging process, wrinkles, lines, and puffiness contribute to a tired or aged appearance.  Removal of the extra tissue brings your eyes back into view, causing them to look larger and younger, brightening your entire face.

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center which removes excess skin, fatty tissue, and muscle from the eyelids both above and below the eyes, creating a more youthful appearance. The incisions made by Dr. Summers are frequently so small that they cannot be seen.

Upper Eyelid:  If droopiness above the eye is to be corrected, the incisions are made in the eye crease.  Occassionally a forehead or brow lift will be recommended for optimal results. 

Lower Eyelid: If puffiness, loose skin or fat of the lower eyelid is to be corrected, the incisions are made along the lower lash line. Sometimes, Dr. Summers can even make the incisions inside the lower eyelid, hiding them completely.  If slightly loose skin and/or fine lines are the primary concern, a non-surgical option such as Fractional Laser Resurfacing (e.g. Fraxel) may be used.

Unlike some procedures which only last a few months or years, the results of blepharoplasty are permanent. However, it will not prevent future wrinkles from developing.

At the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Summers usually performs upper eyelid blepharoplasty under a local anesthesia.  Lower eyelid blepharoplasty typically is performed with sedation or under a general anesthetic.

Upper Eyelids:

The surgical procedure includes tiny incisions made in the natural contours around the eyes to minimize visible scarring.  Excess skin and fat will be removed.  The skin will be tightened and a new contour will be obtained.  After the excess tissue is removed, tiny sutures are used to close the incisions.

Lower Eyelids:

Lower eyelids are completed next to eliminate puffiness and reduce dark circles.  In some instances, laser technology (complete resurfacing or fractional resurfacing) may be used to smooth lower eyelid areas. 

The surgery generally takes about one to three hours.

The healing process for a blepharoplasty is typically 1-2 weeks.  However, patients with a lower eyelid lift may have bruising and/or swelling that lasts for several weeks.  fortunately, the results are long-lasting and patients typically enjoy a rested and youthful appearance for many years.

After a blepharoplasty at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, you will be able to return to work within a week or two. Your vision will be slightly impaired for a few days, so be sure to have someone drive you home. You should avoid driving until your eyesight is clear and your eyes no longer water. Your eyes may itch, water, and feel somewhat sticky for a week or two after the blepharoplasty surgery, but this can be relieved with eyedrops. You may experience blurred or double vision for the first few days after surgery.

Your eyes may be more sensitive to light for a few days, which will make reading or watching television uncomfortable. You may have to apply an ointment after surgery to prevent dryness. You may experience some swelling and bruising, which can be relieved by elevating your head and/or applying a cold compress or ice pack. Stitches that are non-dissolving will be removed a week after surgery by Dr. Summers at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center. Contact lenses should not be worn for at least two weeks after surgery. Eye makeup should not be worn until all of the stitches are gone. The blepharoplasty incision areas may be red for a few weeks but will eventually disappear.