Blepharoplasty, more commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure conducted to remove skin or fat from the eyelids. Patients undergo this surgery when they have excess skin that creates a heavy look in the eyes, an aged appearance, puffiness, and occasionally due to a blockage of vision. Lower eyelid surgery is usually for those who want to reduce wrinkles, or improve the shape of the lower eyelid by removing skin and fat.
Average Cost – The average cost of lower eyelid surgery is $2,500 while upper eyelid surgery is around $2,000. Laser eyelid surgery is typically higher and can be anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. The largest portion of the cost of eyelid surgery is for the surgeon’s fee. This can run the patient between $2,000 and $3,000.
Anesthesia – Anesthesia is another added cost for the patient being typically between $400 and $600. Depending on the location the patient decides on, there will be a surgical suite fee of around $500 for a single procedure. However having both the upper and lower eyelid surgery at once could cost $800-$1000 in anesthesia fees due to a longer time spent in surgery.
Payment Options – If a patient must undergo eyelid surgery due to the impairment of vision some insurance providers will cover a portion of the surgery, and occasionally may cover the total cost.
Risk Costs – With any surgery there are potential risks that the patient should take into consideration. These risks can lead to further surgery which will add to the cost of fixing the original problem. Pain, swelling, scarring, infection, excessive tearing, and burning of the eyes, are all risks associated with Blepharoplasty that may lead to additional costs for the patient. More severe complications include ectropion, which causes the lower eyelid to invert and requires additional surgery. Holes or tears in the retina cause retinal detachment, where the retina is separated from the outer layers of the eyes and additional surgery is required. Additionally, after surgery, some patients have difficulty keeping their eyes closed while sleeping, while other patients find this complication can become permanent.
When it comes to eyelid surgery, the patient must listen and cooperate to the surgeon’s instructions about what to do before and after surgery. This will dramatically reduce risk of complication for the patient. It is pertinent for the patients to limit themselves from excessive activity in which they could potentially bump their eyes during the healing process.
Bed Rest – The time it takes to heal will vary depending on what type of surgery the patient receives (upper, lower, or both eyelid surgeries). Bruising and swelling will be the worst for patients the day after surgery, but it will begin to quickly disappear. Most patients will return to their normal schedules between seven and ten days after the date of the procedure. Patients must take into account the number of days they will be out of work in order to budget for the income they will lose during the recovery process.
Your Doctor – Choosing a doctor that is right for you can be the biggest decision when undergoing a Blepharoplasty. Your doctor will explain to you the cost of the total surgery and give you a break down of what each cost is associated with. Being comfortable and confident in your doctor typically outweighs the costs, as you want to have a successful surgery with positive end results.
