What is upper eyelid blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the eyelid in which excessive eyelid skin is removed with or without the removal or addition of eyelid fat.
Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the eyelid in which excessive eyelid skin is removed with or without the removal or addition of eyelid fat.
The term blepharoplasty was coined by the German ophthalmologist, von Graefe in 1818 to describe eyelid repair surgery. The word ‘blepharoplasty’ is derived from the Greek blepharon, meaning ‘eyelid’, and plastos, meaning ‘formed’.
It is commonly referred to as eyelid lift. However, the term is a misnomer as the eyelid is not actually ‘lifted’ during the procedure. Blepharoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures of the face. It is performed more often in women than in men, most commonly in their fifties.
Blepharoplasty typically costs a little over $3,000 for the surgery alone, not counting anesthesia and related hospital expenses, according to the latest data.
How can upper eyelid surgery help me?
Blepharoplasty can be done for functional reasons when eyelid folds interfere with normal vision or health of the eye or for cosmetic reasons. The indications include:
- Tired looking or baggy eyes
- Droopy eyelids
- Excess skin on the upper eyelid that interferes with vision
- Age-related cosmetic changes of the eyelid
Are there any medical alternatives to eyelid surgery?
The excess skin and fat of the upper eyelid cannot be corrected by medication. However, in patients with severe functional deficits in visual fields who are not fit for surgery, spectacles with a ptosis crutch or taping up of the excess skin may provide some temporary improvement.
Is eyelid surgery safe?
With a skilled surgeon, proper planning, and good patient selection, the surgery usually turns out to be a quick, simple and low-risk procedure. Nonetheless, like any surgery there are potential complications, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Hematoma collection of blood under the eyelid)
- Loss of vision
- Raised eyeball pressure
- Pain
- Scarring
- Lid lag
- Insufficient drooping correction
- Diplopia (double vision)
- Asymmetric or unequal eyelid creases
How much does upper eyelid surgery cost?
Eyelid surgery costs mainly include:
- Surgeon's fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees
- Medications cost
- Medical tests
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, on average, costs $3,163 according to 2018 data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, this cost does not include the expenses for anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related costs.
The fee varies depending on the type of procedure, the location of the hospital, and the experience of your operating surgeon. Thus, it is wise to consult with your plastic surgeon's office to ascertain your final fee. You should also ask about any available patient financing plans from the doctor’s office.
Can I claim insurance for blepharoplasty?
Cover for cosmetic surgeries and their complications is usually not offered by most health insurance. However, when eyelid surgery is intended to remove the extra skin impairing eye function or health, it may be covered by insurance.