The best candidates for blepharoplasty surgery are generally people at least 30 years old who are in good health and have no other eye conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following conditions: Eye disease, like glaucoma, dry eyes or a detached retina.
Basically, for blepharoplasty to be covered, a visual field test needs to be performed by a licensed ophthalmologist. The findings of this test should indicate that there is a minimum of 30% or 12 degrees of upper field of vision loss, due to overlying upper eyelid skin.
Candidates for eyelid surgery should enjoy good health and not smoke. They should not have a history of serious medical conditions. Age is not a factor as long as the patient meets these criteria. The results from upper eyelid blepharoplasty can last seven years or more.
According to Dr. Wilson, there are a few key signs you may need droopy eyelid surgery. “If you feel like you can't see as well as you used to if you're using your eyebrows to lift your eyelids, or if you have to raise your head to see, these are all signs you may need surgery,” she said.
Certain conditions in your medical history may disqualify you from being one of the ideal candidates for eyelid surgery: A serious eye condition, like glaucoma or retinal detachment. Uncontrolled high blood pressure. Other uncontrolled medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
How much does eyelid surgery cost? The average cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery is $3,359 for an upper blepharoplasty and $3,876 for a lower blepharoplasty, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
In general, insurance companies will cover blepharoplasty or ptosis repair if the eyelids cause a “visually significant” obstruction of the upper visual field that “affects activities of daily living”.
Dermal Fillers
These fillers, usually composed of substances naturally found in the body like hyaluronic acid or polylactic acid, are injected into the upper face. They provide volume and lift to the eye area, reducing the appearance of sagging or drooping eyelids.
A visual field test will be needed, as many insurance companies require proof in the form of a visual field test in order to determine coverage for eyelid surgery. The photos and visual field will be submitted to the patient's insurance provider for approval.
It's almost like a skin excision, and the eyelid itself is not particularly painful. It may swell and bruise a lot, but it is not very painful. Many of my patients don't even take any narcotics after surgery. They only take acetaminophen or Tylenol.
Age is only a number. When it comes to eyelid surgery, what really matters is appearance. Some patients are ready for eyelid surgery in their 30s, while others won't need it for a few decades more. There is no upper age window for blepharoplasty.
Providers you meet with may include a plastic surgeon, an eye specialist (ophthalmologist), or an ophthalmologist who specializes in plastic surgery around the eyes (oculoplastic surgeon).
Eyelid surgery may not be right for you if you have thyroid problems, dry eye, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, detached retina or glaucoma. Prior to the procedure, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your medical history and may advise you to see an eye doctor for an evaluation, as well.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, insurance companies will only pay for surgical costs when the procedure is for reconstructive or functional problems. Your sagging skin must cause a “visually significant” obstruction of the upper visual field in order to be covered.
When the eyelid muscle weakens, the condition is called ptosis. When there is excess skin and fat, the conditions is called dermatochalasis. But whether it's due to ptosis or dermatochalasis, both conditions can impair your field of vision, making eyelid surgery medically necessary.
Botox injection can raise sagging eyelids by a few millimeters. So it is best for mild and moderate eye hooding, which are more common among younger than older patients. If you want more oomph to those eyes, you may talk to your dermatologist about combining Botox with other treatments.
The recommended age range for undergoing eyelid surgery is typically between the late 30s and early 60s. As an adult considering this procedure, it is important to address your concerns and consult with a qualified professional.
Insurance companies need specific reasons to cover eyelid surgery. Medical necessity is often required. Conditions like ptosis or vision impairment can qualify. Provide evidence that surgery is not just for cosmetic purposes.
Eyelid surgery offers many benefits, including that it: Helps your eyes look younger and less tired: Your eyes are one of the first places to show signs of aging. And aging eyelids can cause a tired, angry, or sad appearance. Cosmetic eyelid surgery can combat these changes to restore a more approachable look.
Dermal fillers are another popular non-surgical treatment that can help lift droopy eyelids. One type of filler, called hyaluronic acid, adds volume to the skin and boosts the body's natural collagen production. This means it can help restore the skin's structure and fullness over time.
So, to sum it up—blepharoplasty is a surgery for appearances and the general term that includes all other types of eyelid surgery centers on healthy vision. We hope that this little riddle has answered your curiosity about both blepharoplasty and general eyelid surgery.
Droopy eyelids that completely or partially block a child's vision could result in permanent vision loss. An ophthalmologist should evaluate this. Surgery on young children to correct droopy eyelids is generally performed in the preschool years.