Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, in Maryland typically costs between $5,000 and $18,000 for upper lids, lower lids, or a combined procedure, depending on the extent of correction needed, the surgeon’s experience, and the facility where the procedure is performed.
Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids to restore a more rested, alert appearance. The procedure is designed to reduce heaviness, under-eye shadowing, and puffiness while preserving natural eyelid function and crease anatomy. Unlike a brow lift, which addresses the position of the eyebrows, eyelid surgery targets the lids themselves. For a complete overview of facial procedures, visit our facial plastic surgery services page.
At Charm City Plastic Surgery in Baltimore, eyelid surgery is performed as a precise, individualized procedure. The practice serves patients throughout Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Maryland?
The total cost of blepharoplasty includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility fees. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported in 2024 that the average surgeon fee for eyelid surgery nationally was approximately $3,300 for upper lids and $3,600 for lower lids, though these figures do not include anesthesia and facility costs. Total out-of-pocket costs in the Maryland market are typically higher once all fees are combined.
| Procedure | Typical Cost Range | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Blepharoplasty | $5,000 – $8,000 | Surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility, follow-up care |
| Lower Blepharoplasty | $5,000 – $10,000 | Surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility, follow-up care |
| Upper and Lower Combined | $10,000 – $18,000 | Complete eyelid rejuvenation, all fees |
These are general estimates. A precise quote requires an in-person evaluation, because the amount of skin and fat to be removed, the need for adjunctive procedures like a brow lift or fat transfer, and your individual anatomy all affect the final cost.
To compare pricing across facial procedures, read our guide to brow lift cost in Maryland.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty if you have excess skin on your upper eyelids that interferes with your vision or creates a heavy appearance; puffy bags or dark circles under your lower eyelids; a desire for a more rested, alert look; and realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Good candidates are in good overall health, do not have uncontrolled dry eye or other serious eye conditions, and have a stable visual prescription.
Eyelid surgery is one of the most high-impact facial procedures a patient can choose. Even a subtle change in the eyelid area can significantly affect how rested and refreshed a person looks. At the same time, it is important to understand that the procedure refines what is there rather than changing your identity.
Eyelid Surgery vs. Brow Lift vs. Non-Surgical Treatments
Patients often confuse eyelid surgery with other procedures that address the eye area. Here is how they compare:
| Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) | Brow Lift | Non-Surgical (Neurotoxins / Fillers) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it addresses | Excess skin and fat of the lids | Position of the eyebrows | Fine lines, wrinkles, mild volume loss |
| Best for | Heavy lids, under-eye bags, puffiness | Drooping brows, forehead heaviness | Early signs of aging, maintenance |
| Results | Permanent skin and fat removal | Long-lasting lift | Temporary (3-12 months) |
| Recovery | 1-2 weeks social downtime | 1-2 weeks | Little to none |
| Cost range | $5,000 – $10,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 | $300 – $1,500 per session |
Non-surgical treatments can address early wrinkles and volume loss around the eyes, but they cannot correct significant skin excess or fat herniation. If you have true hooding of the upper lids or persistent under-eye bags, surgery is the only effective option. Many patients benefit from a combination approach: surgery to correct the structural issue, then non-surgical maintenance to prolong the results.
Recovery: What to Expect After Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home the same day. The recovery follows a predictable pattern:
- First few days: Some swelling and bruising are normal. Cold compresses help reduce both. Keep your head elevated. Most patients find the discomfort mild and manageable with oral medication.
- 1 week: Sutures are removed at your follow-up visit. Bruising begins to fade. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities, though some prefer to wait until the second week.
- 2 weeks: Most visible bruising and swelling have resolved. Exercise is permitted. You can wear makeup around the eyes again.
- Several weeks: Incision lines continue to fade. They are placed in the natural creases of the upper lids and just below the lash line of the lower lids, where they become very difficult to detect over time.
One of the most common questions we hear is how long the results last. Because blepharoplasty removes actual skin and fat, the results are long-lasting. The aging process continues naturally, but your baseline is reset to a more rested position. Many patients enjoy their results for a decade or longer.
Does Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure when performed for appearance alone. However, when upper eyelid skin is so excessive that it blocks your peripheral vision, a portion of the functional procedure may be covered by medical insurance. This requires documentation of visual field deficits through a formal visual field test. However, Charm City Plastic Surgery is a 100% cosmetic practice, and does not accept insurance. If patients might qualify for insurance coverage, we will be happy to provide referrals for participating providers in the area.
Why Choose Charm City Plastic Surgery for Your Eyelid Surgery?
Charm City Plastic Surgery is a women-led practice founded by Dr. Emily Clarke-Pearson, with a predominantly female team, alongside Dr. Emile Brown.
Dr. Clarke-Pearson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Phi Beta Kappa) before attending Brown University Medical School. She completed her plastic surgery residency at Harvard Medical School and a microsurgery fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Her background in fine arts gives her a trained eye for proportion, balance, and natural aesthetics, which is especially important in the delicate eyelid area.
Dr. Brown is a Baltimore native and board-certified plastic surgeon. He completed his plastic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and an aesthetic fellowship at Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Both surgeons have been named Top Doctors by Newsweek and Baltimore Magazine. Our approach to facial surgery prioritizes natural results. We take the time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your facial anatomy, and recommend the approach that is right for you, without pressure or hype.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery Cost in Maryland
Does eyelid surgery hurt?
Most patients report mild discomfort rather than pain. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, and recovery discomfort is managed with oral medication.
Will I be able to close my eyes after surgery?
You may have some difficulty closing your eyes fully in the first few days due to swelling. This resolves as the swelling subsides and is temporary. Your surgeon provides specific instructions for eye care during this period.
How long until I look normal again?
Most patients feel comfortable in public after about one week. By two weeks, the majority of visible bruising and swelling has resolved. Incision lines continue to fade over several months and become very difficult to detect.
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes. Eyelid surgery is frequently combined with a facelift, brow lift, or non-surgical treatments. Combining procedures often produces a more balanced overall result and a single recovery period.
Will I lose vision or eyelid function?
Eyelid surgery is designed to preserve full eyelid function and natural crease anatomy. Complications are rare when the procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks and benefits during your consultation.
What is the difference between Asian blepharoplasty and standard blepharoplasty?
Asian blepharoplasty is a specialized technique that preserves or creates an eyelid crease while maintaining ethnic identity. The approach respects the unique anatomy of the Asian eyelid, including differences in fat distribution, crease formation, and skin thickness. Dr. Clarke-Pearson and Dr. Brown evaluate each patient’s anatomy individually and customize the technique accordingly.
Can I wear contact lenses after surgery?
Most patients can resume wearing contact lenses about two weeks after surgery, once swelling has subsided and the eyelids are comfortable. Glasses may be worn immediately after surgery.
Are the scars visible?
Incisions are placed in the natural creases of the upper eyelids and inside the eyelid or just below the lash line on the lower lids. With proper healing, these scars become very difficult to detect over time. Scar maturation continues for up to a year or more.
Schedule a Consultation
The most accurate way to understand your eyelid surgery cost and options is through a personalized consultation at our Baltimore practice. We will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed cost estimate. Contact Charm City Plastic Surgery to schedule your visit.
