Blepharoplasty cost will vary from patient to patient, and numerous factors will influence your ultimate bill for surgery. Understanding these factors and how they impact the cost of eyelid surgery is a good place to start as you examine your budget and start the planning process.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyelids by removing excess skin and fat, and in some cases, tightening the surrounding muscles.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
There are several influencing factors when it comes to your blepharoplasty surgery cost. Here’s a list of key factors that will likely impact the overall price:
Location
The cost of blepharoplasty can significantly differ between regions and cities, with urban areas generally being more expensive than rural ones.
Surgeon’s Fee
Highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons often charge more for their expertise and reputation.
Type of Blepharoplasty
The extent of the procedure, whether upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination blepharoplasty procedure, affects the cost. Combined upper and lower blepharoplasty will typically be more expensive.
Anesthesia and Facility Fees
These fees cover the cost of local or general anesthesia administration and the surgical or hospital facility. They can vary depending on the location and type of facility.
Medical Evaluations
Pre-operative assessments, including eye exams and consultations with specialists, may add to the overall cost.
Complexity of the Surgery
Patients with more complex issues, such as severe sagging or significant excess skin, may require a more extensive procedure, which can increase costs.
Revisions and Touch-Ups
If revisions or touch-up procedures are needed, they may incur additional expenses as well.
Additional Procedures
Combining blepharoplasty with other cosmetic procedures like chin liposuction or fillers can affect the overall cost.
Post-Surgery Care
Medications, follow-up appointments, and post-operative care can contribute to the total cost of surgery.
Surgical Techniques
Some surgeons use advanced techniques like laser-assisted blepharoplasty, which may come with an added cost.
Is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
When it comes to insurance coverage for eyelid lift surgery, one must first understand the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is performed for aesthetic reasons and is not covered by health insurance.
However, there are situations where blepharoplasty may be partially or fully covered by insurance when it is not performed as cosmetic surgery, but as medically necessary reconstructive surgery. Here’s what you need to have if you want insurance to consider coverage for your procedure.
Functional Impairment of Eyesight. In some cases, upper blepharoplasty may be deemed medically necessary if the sagging or excess skin on the eyelids obstructs vision. When eyelid sagging significantly impairs a person’s field of vision, insurance may cover the procedure to improve eyesight.
Consultation Appointment: It’s crucial for patients to consult both with their chosen surgeon and their insurance provider to understand the coverage options, potential out-of-pocket costs, and the necessary steps to pursue insurance coverage for blepharoplasty when it’s medically necessary.
Documentation and Evaluation. To pursue insurance coverage, patients must undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist or an eye specialist. Documentation of vision impairment, including visual field testing and photographs, is crucial in providing evidence of the medical necessity of the procedure.
Prior Authorization. Insurance providers usually require prior authorization before approving coverage for eyelid surgery costs. The surgeon and patient must work closely with the insurance company to provide the necessary documentation and demonstrate the medical need for the surgery.
Review of Alternative Treatments: Some insurance providers may consider alternative treatments or therapies before approving surgery. Patients may need to explore non-surgical options or receive treatment for underlying medical conditions first.
Lower Blepharoplasty vs. Upper Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty and upper blepharoplasty are distinct eyelid surgery procedures designed to enhance eye aesthetics. In some cases, combination eyelid lift procedures may also be performed.
Lower blepharoplasty focuses on addressing under-eye bags and loose skin by making incisions below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid. This procedure removes or repositions excess fat for a more youthful appearance.
Upper blepharoplasty targets upper eyelid issues, like sagging skin that can affect vision or create a tired look. Incisions are made along upper eyelid creases to remove excess skin and, if needed, adjust underlying muscles.
Both procedures can be performed alone or combined, depending on the patient’s specific concerns and aesthetic goals. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is key to determining the best approach for achieving your desired results.
When it comes to lower blepharoplasty cost vs upper blepharoplasty cost, there can certainly be a difference in price as well. Lower blepharoplasty often involves more intricate techniques and may be slightly more expensive than upper blepharoplasty. The exact cost can vary based on factors like the surgeon’s experience, location, and the extent of the procedure required for each patient.
FAQ: Eyelid Surgery
Are there financing options available for blepharoplasty?
Many plastic surgery practices offer financing plans to help patients manage the cost of blepharoplasty. These plans allow you to pay for the procedure in installments.
Is there a difference in price for lower blepharoplasty cost vs upper blepharoplasty cost?
Yes, there can be a difference in price between upper and lower eyelid surgery. Lower blepharoplasty often involves more complex techniques and may be slightly more expensive than upper blepharoplasty.
What is the recovery time after blepharoplasty?
The initial recovery period typically ranges from one to two weeks. During this time, patients may experience bruising and swelling, which gradually subsides. Full recovery, with reduced swelling and minimal scarring, may take several months. To more accurately track the healing process, take a look at some day by day eyelid surgery recovery time photos.
Can I combine blepharoplasty with other cosmetic procedures?
Yes, many patients choose to combine blepharoplasty with other procedures such as facelifts or brow lifts for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Your surgeon can discuss suitable options during your consultation.
Call Today to Set Up a Consultation Appointment
Want to learn more about eyelid surgery and financing options? Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg and her highly-skilled team can help.
Contact our office today to book your in-person consultation with Dr. Steinberg. At your appointment, you can take a look at eyelid surgery before and after photos (including eyelid surgery recovery time photos), discuss the rare things that can go wrong with blepharoplasty, and narrow down the cost of surgery.
Blepharoplasty can be a life-changing procedure. The new you awaits!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/cost
