There are many factors that affect the appearance of our eyes. Familial or ethnic traits and tendencies account for how our eyes look as a child. As we grow older, the aging process, exposure to sun, gravity, and our own personal expressiveness play a part in how our eyes appear to others. Often patients complain that they look tired, angry, or sad, even when they feel perfectly fine! At his plastic surgery office, Dr. Ronald Schuster performs eyelid surgery to help reduce the look of wrinkles and excess sagging skin and help his patients enjoy a more youthful and refreshed appearance.*
On this page, we discuss:
- Purpose of Eyelid Surgery
- Eyelid Surgery Techniques
- Recuperation After Eyelid Surgery
- How Should I Prepare For Eyelid Surgery?
- Are There Any Risks During Eyelid Surgery?
- Is There Any Noticeable Scarring After Eyelid Surgery?
- Why Should I Choose Dr. Schuster For My Eyelid Surgery?
- Eyelid Surgery Alternatives
- Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Eyelid Surgery?
- Eyelid Surgery Recovery Process
- Can This Be Combined With Other Cosmetic Procedures?
- Schedule Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation
Purpose of Eyelid Surgery:
- To remove excess skin and wrinkles from upper eyelids
- To remove fatty “bags” from lower eyelids
- To improve the appearance of wrinkles or lines in and around the eyelids
- To improve an excessively deep or hollow appearance of the eyes
- To improve appearance and help patients look younger, rested, and more awake
Eyelid Surgery Techniques:
- The transconjunctival approach removes lower eyelid bulges without any external scars. This technique is performed from within the inside of the eyelid, but is not appropriate when excessive skin needs to be removed.
- The transcutaneous approach may be necessary to remove excess skin of upper or lower eyelids.
- Lower eyelids – Transcutaneous eyelid surgery can be used to correct “grooves” and “bags” of the lower eyelids. Dr. Schuster is careful to avoid or correct “over resection” of fat, which creates a hollow, older appearance. Incisions are made below lower eyelashes and heal exceptionally well.
- Upper eyelids – Excess skin and puffy fat are removed with the transcutaneous eyelid surgery technique. An incision is made in the natural crease, so scarring is extremely discreet. Sometimes a condition called ptosis is also corrected. This condition causes the eyelid to look sleepy or droopy, and is the result of a weakening of the upper eyelid muscles
- These eyelid surgery techniques may be combined with face lift or brow lift depending on each person’s needs.
Recuperation After Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis. That means you will be able to go home right after your procedure. It also comes with a relatively short and manageable recovery period.
Most patients need four to seven days of downtime. This is mainly due to swelling and bruising. You can help speed up the recovery process by applying a cool compress, keeping your head elevated, and propping yourself up with a few extra pillows when you go to bed.
Be aware that complete healing can take several months based on the extent of your procedure.
At our plastic surgery center in Baltimore, eyelid surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure:
- Fast recovery with minimal discomfort
- Recommend four to seven days off school/work
- Bruising may last one to two weeks but can be covered by makeup after just a few days *
How Should I Prepare For Eyelid Surgery?
To prepare for eyelid surgery, you will first need to schedule a consultation. Next, you should select a surgical date and clear your work and social calendar for the following week.
You may be asked to get a medical evaluation or lab testing. In addition, you may need to take certain medications or make temporary changes to the medications you currently take.
It is also essential to stop smoking weeks before the procedure. Smoking can delay healing and increase your risk of complications. Similarly, you’ll want to avoid taking anti-inflammatories. They can increase bruising and bleeding. Finally, arrange a ride home from your surgery.
Additional pre-operative steps will be covered in detail during your consultation visit.
Are There Any Risks During Eyelid Surgery?
No surgery is without risk. The potential risks of eyelid surgery include swelling, bruising, and dry eye. More serious complications, such as an injury to muscles or nerves, are quite rare.
You can help ensure a safe procedure by visiting a board-certified plastic surgeon. Because the anatomy of the eye area is delicate, you should only trust someone who is highly qualified. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald Schuster is a skilled blepharoplasty provider.
Is There Any Noticeable Scarring After Eyelid Surgery?
It is possible to have eyelid surgery without any external scars. For example, the transconjunctival approach is performed from inside the eyelid. However, this method is not suitable for everyone. It cannot remove excess skin, which calls for the transcutaneous approach.
The incisions for transcutaneous eyelid surgery are discreet. Dr. Schuster makes them below the lower eyelashes or with the upper eyelid’s natural crease for the best possible results.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Schuster For My Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. Ronald Schuster is a leading cosmetic surgeon in the Baltimore and Lutherville-Timonium areas. His extensive training and experience with blepharoplasty allow him to achieve great results. We invite you to browse our before and after gallery of eyelid surgery patients.
Women and men trust Dr. Schuster to help them look younger, more approachable, and more awake through eyelid surgery. This is in part because he takes great care to avoid overcorrection. Book a consultation to learn more about his qualifications and approach.
Eyelid Surgery Alternatives:
- BOTOX® Cosmetic – Excellent for treating the wrinkles and lines in the frown, forehead and crow’s feet areas. Can produce a “non-surgical” brow lift, which helps to make your eyes more open and vibrant.*
- Chemical Peels – Can improve skin texture and reduce the look of fine lines, especially on the lower eyelids.
- Restylane® and other Fillers – Used for filling in fine lines and reducing the hollow look in the lower eyelid area.
- Laser Resurfacing – Excellent for smoothing the skin, tightening the skin and reducing lines and wrinkles.
Learn more about Blepharoplasty care
Contact plastic surgeon Ronald Schuster, MD, serving patients in Baltimore and surrounding areas, to learn more about eyelid surgery or non-surgical alternatives for treating lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and other concerns.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Eyelid Surgery?
Most people who want to rejuvenate or modify the appearance of the area around their eyes are good candidates for this procedure. Blepharoplasty addresses bulging, excess upper eyelid skin and fat, as well as lower eyelid bags, and wrinkles surrounding or on the eyelids.
Ideal candidates may:
- Have noticed that their eye area is making them look tired, haggard, old, angry, or generally unapproachable
- Express a desire for a more open, light, youthful facial appearance
- Have a genetically inherited eye shape or eyelid characteristics that they’d like to modify
- Find that excess upper eyelid tissue is making it difficult to read or enjoy an unobstructed field of view
- Have trouble applying eyeshadow and other eye cosmetics because of puffy upper eyelids
- Want to restore a well-defined eyelid contour
Additionally, you should be in generally good health and a non-smoker if you plan to undergo this procedure. Good candidates also have realistic expectations of the results. Dr. Schuster will make sure that your goals and expectations align with what is possible.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery Process
Recuperation after eyelid surgery is generally fast and involves minimal discomfort. The vast majority of procedures are performed as outpatient procedures, which means you will be able to return home the same day, shortly after the surgery is completed. We provide you with aftercare instructions related to showering, physical activity, cleaning the surgical site, and more. You will need to take 4-7 days off from work or school. It’s normal to experience bruising for 1-2 weeks, but it’s okay to cover up the bruises with cosmetics after a few days. Swelling should be largely subsided by 4-6 weeks, at which point your results should be apparent.
Can This Be Combined With Other Cosmetic Procedures?
Eyelid surgery can be combined with other cosmetic procedures in certain cases. The combined procedures may be completed in one appointment, or they may be spaced some time apart. Upper and lower eyelid surgery can be performed together. Blepharoplasty is also commonly combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as facelifts and brow lifts.
Rely on Dr. Schuster to recommend the treatments that will best accomplish your goals. As an extensively experienced plastic surgeon, he has performed many types of blepharoplasties, including combinations and standalone procedures. The first step in the process is to schedule a consultation to discuss your goals. Dr. Schuster will listen to what you would like to change, and then he can help you choose surgeries that allow you to look and feel your best.
Is Eyelid Surgery Worth It?
Eyelid surgery is well-loved for its ability to rejuvenate the eyes, providing a more youthful and refreshed appearance. For many patients in the Baltimore area, this procedure boosts confidence and can significantly enhance their overall look, making it a worthwhile option.
Consulting with Dr. Schuster can help determine if this procedure aligns with your goals.
When Is the Best Age for Eyelid Surgery?
The ideal age for eyelid surgery varies. However, it typically ranges from the mid-30s to late 60s. Research from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons also shows that people aged 55-69 make up 57% of total eyelid surgeries performed annually.
Younger patients may seek surgery to correct hereditary issues like drooping eyelids. Meanwhile, older individuals often address age-related changes.
Ultimately, the best age depends on your unique needs and health condition. Dr. Schuster can provide personalized advice during a consultation. He will help you ensure the timing is optimal for your specific situation.
Can Eyelid Surgery Correct Vision Problems?
Yes, eyelid surgery can correct certain vision problems.
Excess skin or drooping upper eyelids can impede vision and make daily tasks difficult. By removing this tissue, the procedure can improve your field of vision.
For those experiencing these issues in Baltimore, eyelid surgery with Dr. Schuster not only rejuvenates appearance but also restores proper vision.
How Long Do the Results of Eyelid Surgery Last?
Results from eyelid surgery are long-lasting. They often endure for decades.
The natural aging process will continue, but most patients enjoy their enhanced appearance for a decade or longer. Factors like skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics play a role in the longevity of the results.
Regular consultations with Dr. Schuster can help you maintain and optimize your outcomes over time. He may suggest non-surgical treatments or products to further preserve your results.
How Can I Reduce Swelling and Bruising After Eyelid Surgery?
Minimizing swelling and bruising involves several steps:
- Apply Cold Compresses: Use cold compresses intermittently for the first 48 hours post-surgery to reduce swelling.
- Elevate Your Head: Keep your head elevated while you sleep to prevent fluid accumulation.
- Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Adhere to Dr. Schuster’s aftercare guidelines.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Refrain from vigorous activities for at least a week.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthily: Proper nutrition aids the healing process.
When Will I See the Final Results of My Eyelid Surgery?
Initial improvements are visible within a few weeks. However, final results may take several months as swelling subsides and the tissues fully heal.
Patience is vital, as the subtle changes over time will reveal a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Attending follow-ups with Dr. Schuster will help monitor your healing journey.
Can I Drive Myself Home After the Procedure?
No, you should not drive yourself home after eyelid surgery. The anesthesia and sedation used during the procedure impair your ability to drive safely.
Arrange for a friend or family member to take you home and assist you during the first 24 hours post-surgery.
What Should I Do if I Experience Any Unusual Symptoms After Surgery?
If you experience any unusual symptoms, contact Dr. Schuster’s office immediately. Some issues to watch for include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Severe pain
- Vision changes
- Signs of infection (fever, redness, pus)
Prompt attention to these issues is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery and effectively address potential complications.
Schedule Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation
To learn more about eye lid surgery, or to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure, be sure to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald Schuster. Call 410-593-0691 today or go to our contact page and fill out an appointment request form. We serve in Baltimore, Owings Mills, Towson and nearby Maryland areas.
