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| Typical costs: | - Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty or an eyelid tuck, usually costs between $4,000 and $5,500 for the upper and lower eyelids, according to InfoPlasticSurgery.com. This includes the anesthesia fee, facility fee and surgeon's fee. The average surgeon's fee for eyelid surgery is $2,813, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
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| What should be included: | - In eyelid surgery, the doctor will make an incision in the crease of the upper eyelid, then remove excess skin, tissue and fat. Then, the surgeon will make another cut just below the lashes of the lower eyelid, and will remove excess fat and tissue or redistribute fat to smooth out the eye area.
- The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery provides an overview of the procedure. The surgery, which takes from one to three hours, can correct some age-related problems around the eyes, such as saggy eyelids and puffiness that can make the face look "tired."
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| Additional costs: | - Because eyelid surgery does not treat drooping brows or forehead creases, some patients choose to combine the procedure with a forehead lift. The average surgeon's fee for a forehead lift is a little over $3,000.
- If the patient is unhappy with the results or requires additional surgery to fix complications, corrective surgery cancost as much as or more than the initial procedure.
- After surgery, patients may requiresunglasses,special sunblock, and lubricating eyedrops to alleviate dry eyes.
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| Discounts: | - Tip: Health insurance providers sometimes pay for eyelid surgery, but only if droopy eyelids significantly obstruct your vision. Check with your doctor and your health insurance provider if you think the procedure might be covered. Your doctor probably will have to make the case that the procedure is medically necessary. If insurance does not cover your procedure, you might be able to get a discount by agreeing to model for before and after photographs, which the surgeon can use as a promotional tool or to show prospective patients.
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| Shopping for eyelid surgery: | - Tip: Be sure to look for an experienced surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides a free referral service. Discuss your goals with your surgeon, and ask to see before and after photographs of previous patients.
- Also discuss possible complications, which include dry eyes, blurred vision, inability to close the eyes and, very rarely, blindness.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated November 2006 |
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