When evaluating which procedure will best correct the patient’s concerns, three areas are evaluated. The first is the position of the eyebrows. If the brows are not in their proper position, a brow lift may be considered. The second is excess skin on the upper eyelids. If it is determined that excess skin is interfering with vision, then it can be corrected with a blepharoplasty. The third area is the actual position of the upper lids. We check to see if they are at an appropriate height. If it is determined that they are interfering with central vision, then it can be corrected by a ptosis repair.
Your eyes are one of the first things people notice when they look at you. Unfortunately, your eyes are also one of the first features to show signs of aging. Hooded upper lids and sagging lower eyelids can give you an older, tired appearance, and in many cases can even obstruct your vision. People often remark about what a dramatic difference eyelid surgery makes in their visual function as well as looks and attitude.
Eyelid surgery, known as blepharoplasty, is a common outpatient surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fatty tissue from around the eye area. The upper blepharoplasty is the most widely performed procedure because of its functional as well as cosmetic value.
Even though most blepharoplasty procedures are age-related, some fullness of the upper eyelids can be hereditary and unrelated to age. Because of this, blepharoplasty can be performed at any time after age 18 even though most men and women begin to think about eyelid surgery in their 40s or 50s.
When your eyelids are interfering with your field of vision, causing difficulty with everyday activities such as driving and reading, eyelid surgery can vastly improve your peripheral vision. You’ll be happy to know that Medicare and private insurance usually covers “functional” eyelid surgery, if minimum criteria of vision loss is met. A test, called a visual field, will be performed to document this loss of peripheral vision.
However, cosmetic eyelid surgery is not usually covered by your HMO, PPO, Medicare, or any other insurance. “Cosmetic” is defined as a procedure that is undertaken to improve appearance instead of visual function. While upper eyelid surgery is often considered medical in nature, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is always considered to be cosmetic.
The supraciliary brow lift, also known as a direct brow lift, removes excess brow skin above the eyebrow. The best candidates are males with thick brows, as the scar then can be mostly hidden along the contour of the brow.
All these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, with IV sedation and local anesthesia. The patient can return home the same day with minimal restrictions.
We understand your natural feelings of anxiety when having any kind of surgery so we will make sure that all your questions are answered, including concerns regarding fees and financing options. Our surgery counselors are knowledgeable about insurance and whether your surgery might be covered by insurance.
Whether your eyelid surgery is desired for functional visual concerns, or for cosmetic reasons to restore a brighter, more rested appearance, you can contact us.
