What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids.

Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both.

Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.

What eyelid surgery can treat

Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
Fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids
Bags under the eyes
Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris
Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid

Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

Good candidates for eyelid surgery include:

Healthy individuals with no medical conditions that can impair healing
Nonsmokers
Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals
Individuals without serious eye conditions

Remember that the eyelids are part of the face. The appearance of a drooping upper lid may also be due to relaxation of the forehead skin and eyebrow. Sometimes stretching out of the upper eyelid muscle may cause a drooping eyelid. This is called eyelid ptosis and requires a different surgical treatment.

Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your facial anatomy thoroughly and will discuss what procedures might best remedy your concerns.

What is the cost of eyelid surgery?

The average cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery is $3,026, according to 2017 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Blepharoplasty costs can vary widely. The average fee referenced above does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.

A surgeon's cost for eyelid surgery may vary based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, as well as geographic office location.

Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans to help cover blepharoplasty costs, so be sure to ask.

Eyelid surgery costs may include:

Surgeon's fee
Hospital or surgical facility costs
Anesthesia fees
Prescriptions for medication
Medical tests

When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for eyelid surgery, remember that the surgeon's experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.

Eyelid Surgery and Health Insurance

Most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications.

When eyelid surgery is performed to eliminate the redundant skin covering the eyelashes, it may be covered by insurance. Carefully review your policy.

What should you expect before eyelid surgery?

What should I expect during a consultation for eyelid surgery?

During your eyelid surgery consultation be prepared to discuss:

Your surgical goals
Medical conditions, drug allergies, previous medical treatments and specifically any problems you have had with your eyes
Current prescription medications, including vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
Previous surgeries

Your plastic surgeon will also:

Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
Take photographs
Discuss your eyelid surgery options
Recommend a course of treatment
Discuss likely outcomes of eyelid surgery and any potential risks
Discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used

The consultation is the time to ask your plastic surgeon questions. To help, we have prepared a checklist ofquestions to ask your plastic surgeon that you can take with you to your eyelid surgery consultation.

It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about eyelid surgery?

Use this checklist of as a guide during your eyelid surgery consultation:

Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Were you specifically trained in the field of plastic surgery?
How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
What will be expected of me to get the best results?
Where and how will you perform my procedure?
What surgical technique is recommended for me?
How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
How are complications handled?
How can I expect my eyes to look over time?
What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my eyelid surgery?
Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?

What are the risks of eyelid surgery?

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal and you will have to weigh the potential benefits in achieving your goals with the risks and potential complications of eyelid surgery. Only you can make that decision for yourself.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

Possible eyelid surgery risks include:

Anesthesia risks
Swelling and bruising
Bleeding from the incision lines
Dryness to the eyes
Sensitivity to sun or other bright light
Difficulty closing your eyes
Ectropion, an outward rolling of the lower eyelid
Infection
Lid lag, a pulling down of the lower eyelid, may occur and is often temporary
Temporary or even permanent change in vision, and very rare chance of blindness
Changes in skin sensation or numbness of the eyelashes
Pain, which may persist
Possible need for revision surgery
Unfavorable scarring

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

How should I prepare for eyelid surgery?

In preparing for eyelid surgery, you may be asked to:

Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
Stop smoking
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising

Eyelid surgery should be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, a licensed ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night following surgery.