Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Baltimore, Maryland
Sagging upper eyelids, puffiness, and loose skin around the eyes can make you appear older or more fatigued than you feel. In more advanced cases, this excess eyelid skin can even impair your peripheral vision. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a highly effective surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and lax tissue from the upper and/or lower eyelids, refining the eye area for both cosmetic and functional benefits.
At her Lutherville-Baltimore plastic surgery practice, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michele Shermak customizes each blepharoplasty procedure to address your specific concerns, including droopy eyelids, under-eye bags, or wrinkles caused by aging and sun damage. She performs eyelid surgery with a natural, elegant result in mind, restoring a refreshed, alert appearance that complements your expression.
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The eyes are one of the first facial features to give away your age. As they age, some people accumulate crepey skin in the upper lid, making it difficult to apply makeup or to actually have a full field of vision. Some inherit this condition from their parents and seek correction at a relatively young age.
Blepharoplasty helps correct loose, excess skin of the upper eyelid and laxity and puffiness of the lower lid that result in a tired, sad, or angry appearance. Incisions are hidden or placed within natural creases. The upper eyelid incision falls within the upper eyelid crease and the lower lid incision is placed just under the lash line. The eyelid skin is the thinnest skin in the body and heals very quickly.
Blepharoplasty surgery can be limited to just the upper lid, just the lower lid, or both the upper and lower lid. The objective of upper or lower blepharoplasty is a smoother, rejuvenated eye and a more refreshed, alert facial expression.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can often be safely performed in-office under local anesthesia with oral sedation or under general anesthesia. Dr. Shermak makes a discreet incision in the upper eyelid crease to remove excess skin and fat, carefully reshaping the lid for a smoother, more open look. Patients benefit from a short recovery, reduced risk of complications, and in some cases, no need for general anesthesia. This outpatient procedure typically takes under an hour and offers fast, comfortable healing.
Lower eyelid surgery requires sedation or general anesthesia with the assistance of an excellent anesthesia provider. Dr. Shermak uses a small incision hidden below the lash line to remove excess fat and tighten sagging skin. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is ideal for patients with under-eye puffiness, crepey skin, or a tired appearance. Dr. Shermak typically encourages fat transfer to the upper cheek to help support the lower lid and improve and refresh the face more completely.
Dr. Shermak typically performs both Upper and Lower Lid Blepharoplasty, often with Fat Transfer, Brow lift, and/or Facelift and Neck Lift.
After surgery, patients return home the same day with a clear aftercare plan in place.
Blepharoplasty can improve both functional and cosmetic concerns, including:
You may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty surgery if you’re physically healthy, have realistic expectations, and are bothered by sagging upper eyelids, excess fat, or puffiness. Patients with eyelid skin that creates folds or impairs their vision may benefit not only cosmetically but also functionally.
During your consultation, Dr. Shermak will review your medical history, eye history, current medications (including blood thinners or herbal supplements), and perform a complete eye exam to ensure you're a safe candidate for surgery.
Blepharoplasty may be combined with brow lift, facial fat grafting, or facelift procedures for full-face rejuvenation.
After blepharoplasty, patients can expect bruising and swelling around the treatment area for the first week. Cold compresses, head elevation, and Arnica Montana herbal supplementation help reduce swelling.
Dryness after surgery is treated with prescribed eye drops during the day and lubricant at night. Avoid wearing contact lenses or heavy lifting for at least 10–14 days. You should avoid sun exposure during the initial healing period and wear dark sunglasses to protect the eyes.
Most resume regular activities and return to work after one week, and swelling may take up to a month or two to resolve. Stitches are removed approximately 1 week after surgery. Following all post-op instructions helps ensure a smooth recovery and optimal result.
Results from upper blepharoplasty and lower eyelid surgery begin to appear as swelling subsides, usually within the first two weeks. Most patients notice brighter, more youthful eyes with improved contour and less heaviness. Final outcomes are seen in 1–3 months, with upper lid results lasting 5–10 years or longer. Lower eyelid surgery is often permanent if performed with the correct technique and patient selection. Eyelid surgery results are subtle to those around you who do not know you have undergone surgery. They may think you are refreshed from a vacation or just well rested.
Dr. Michele Shermak, MD, is championed for her exceptional expertise in performing blepharoplasty procedures. Having successfully carried out many hundreds of blepharoplasty surgeries, Dr. Shermak is valued for her tried-and-true techniques, while also allowing for evolution in technique to improve her results.
Her commitment to providing personalized care and achieving natural results underscores her dedication to patient satisfaction. Beyond that, her patient testimonials and online reviews speak volumes of the praise she constantly receives from her loyal clients. For those seeking a skilled and compassionate surgeon for blepharoplasty, Dr. Shermak's extensive experience positions her as an ideal choice. Reach out to us today to learn more about our blepharoplasty treatments.
We invite you to call Dr. Shermak’s Baltimore plastic surgery office at (410) 616-3000 to schedule your personal consultation today.
You may also enjoy viewing our online library of before-and-after photographs to gain more awareness of what is possible with the blepharoplasty procedure.
Dr. Shermak offers several trusted financing options to make your procedure more affordable. Here are the top choices:
During your consultation, our team will help you choose the best option based on your goals and budget. Learn more about financing.
Upper and lower blepharoplasty typically take 60 minutes when done together.
Many upper eyelid surgeries in our office are done with local anesthesia, offering a more comfortable experience with a quicker recovery. If lower-lid surgery is being performed, deeper anesthesia is recommended for a more predictable experience and results.
Most patients can apply makeup after about 10–14 days, once incisions are fully healed.
Scars are well-hidden in the natural folds of the eyelids and typically fade very well over time through scar optimization techniques Dr. Shermak will share with you.
In some cases it is. If there is obstruction of the visible field by one’s lowered upper lids, this is covered by insurance. Documentation of blocked vision through visual field testing is necessary. Lower lid surgery is not covered by insurance.
Yes. Results from surgery may last as little as 5 years or as long as 20. Dr. Shermak will assess you to see what she can do, possibly performing surgery again. Lower lid secondary surgery is often performed again for residual fat pockets.
Yes, but it is recommended you allow at least 8 months after vision correction surgery to avoid dryness in the eye.
Yes. Eyelid surgery is often combined with brow lift, facial fat grafting, or facelift for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
