What is a Blepharoplasty?

A natural part of the aging process is the development of wrinkles. This often occurs around the eyes. It is also common for the skin around the eyes to become less elastic, resulting in droopy eyelids. Sometimes this happens at an early age, especially if you have a history of puffy eyelids due to allergies or water retention. It is usually easy to correct puffy or droopy eyelids through an outpatient procedure called a blepharoplasty.

When is a Blepharoplasty Recommended?

Excess skin around the eyelids can make it difficult to keep your eyes open. This excess skin may cause the eyelids to droop, giving a sleepy, or disinterested appearance. In severe cases, your upper field of vision may be partially blocked. Without realizing it, you may start working your forehead muscles harder in an effort to lift your drooping eyelids. This may cause browaches and fatigue. If you are having these symptoms, or simply do not like the way your eyelids appear, you may be a candidate for a blepharoplasty.

How is A Blepharoplasty Performed?

Eyelid plastic surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthetic. Before surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye examination and counsel you about the procedure. Photographs and visual field tests are often required by insurance companies before surgery to determine if the procedure is medically-necessary.

During the procedure, the surgeon will mark the areas of the eyelid requiring attention. Excess skin or fat may be removed to improve the appearance and function of the eyelids. In some cases, the muscles controlling the eyelids may be modified to help them function properly.

What Can You Expect Following Blepharoplasty?

After a blepharoplasty procedure, you may expect the following:

For the first few days after the procedure you may experience some swelling and discomfort. This will ease as the eyelids heal.

Bruising is common after the procedure. The appearance of "black eyes" is to be expected. As the eyelids heal, the bruising will go away.

The incisions are usually made in the normal skin creases, so in time, they will be hardly noticeable.

Does Insurance Cover Blepharoplasty Surgery?

The answer to whether insurance covers the blepharoplasty procedure depends largely upon the type coverage you have and the level of benefits your insurance provides. As a general rule, insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery. However, if the puffiness or drooping of your eyelids is encroaching upon your field of vision, the blepharoplasty procedure may be covered as a "medically necessary" surgery.