Eyelid Surgery in Baltimore, MD

The eyes are the most expressive part of the face, but they are also frequently the first area to show the visible signs of aging. Drooping of the upper lids, deepening crow’s feet, and puffiness or "bags" beneath the eyes can add years to a person’s appearance. Dr. Woodyard offers blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to Baltimore patients desiring eyelid rejuvenation. This surgery addresses the excess skin and tissue from the upper and/or lower eyelids to create a more youthful, awakened appearance. There are numerous techniques available, which will be discussed during the initial consultation.

During upper eyelid surgery, an incision is made within the natural fold of the lid and extended outward. The incision will go only as far as needed to remove droopy skin on the outside of the upper eyelid  so patients appear younger and more rested. Once the incision is made, excess skin, tissue and, in some cases, a small portion of the orbicularis occuli muscle are removed. The incision is closed with sutures and the scar remains almost completely hidden because of where it resides in the natural crease.

During lower eyelid surgery, an incision is made along the bottom of the lash line in order to remove loose, excess skin.  This also allows the surgeon to remove fat, if necessary, to decrease puffiness. In patients who have puffy lower eyelids but good skin tone, an approach known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty can be performed. This technique puts the incision inside the lower eyelid rather than outside so only fat is removed.  Patients who have dark circles under their eyes will sometimes have a deficiency of fat in these areas. Fat injection or injectable fillers can be used to help fill these soft-tissue deficiencies and thereby smoothe the cheek/eyelid junction.

Eyelid surgery can be performed under I.V. sedation or general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. It generally takes about 11/2-3 hours to complete. Following surgery, the area around the eyes will be bruised and swollen. Patients should apply ice packs, keep their heads elevated, and apply moisturizing drops or eye ointment for a few days. Patients comment on the fact that friends and family tell them they look great, but often can’t put a finger on what is different. These subtle, yet dramatic results restore a softer, more youthful appearance.

Eyelid surgery can reduce puffy bags and excess skin and also help to minimize crow’s feet and hooding by removing skin in the outer eyelid area. An alternate, but temporary, approach is to soften the crow's feet with Botox injections. These need to be repeated every 4-6 months for continued correction.

After surgery, scarring is usually not visible because of where the incisions are placed. In the upper eyelid, the incision follows the natural crease of the eyelid. The lower eyelid incision will run just under the eyelashes or inside the eyelid so scarring will usually be inconspicuous.

Most patients of Dr. Woodyard report minimal discomfort and pain during and after the procedure. Some people experience tightness or soreness in the eyelid area, but this can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. We also recommend sleeping with your head elevated for the first few days to help reduce side effects like swelling.

The results of eyelid surgery can last for many years, but they are not permanent. As we continue to age, our skin loses elasticity and may begin to droop again. However, proper skincare and sun protection can help extend your outcomes. Our team is happy to offer additional treatments and procedures to maintain your rejuvenated appearance.

Eyelid surgery is a safe and commonly performed procedure, but as with any surgery, there are some risks involved. During your consultation, our Baltimore, MD, experts will discuss potential complications in detail to ensure you are fully informed. Our team takes every precaution to minimize risks and provides detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing.