Eyelid Surgery
With age, the skin of the eyelids loses elasticity and the fat around the eyes can shift forward. This can cause heavy upper eyelids, puffiness beneath the eyes, or a tired appearance. Blepharoplasty removes or repositions this excess skin and fat. For some patients, the procedure is cosmetic. For others, drooping eyelids block part of their vision, and surgery is a medical treatment that insurance may cover.
Are your eyelids affecting your appearance or vision?
Our oculoplastic surgeon can recommend the right procedure and help determine whether insurance may apply.
In this Page
Upper Eyelid Surgery
The incision is placed along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, where the scar is concealed when the eyes are open. Excess skin, and in some cases fat, is removed. When the skin hangs over the lashes, it can obstruct the upper part of your field of vision. At that point, surgery is typically considered medically necessary rather than cosmetic.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness and bags beneath the eyes. The incision is often placed on the inside of the lower eyelid (a transconjunctival approach), leaving no visible scar. Fat may be removed or repositioned to smooth the hollow beneath it. If there is also excess skin, a small amount can be removed through an incision just below the lashes. Lower eyelid surgery is almost always considered cosmetic.
Excess Skin or a Low Eyelid?
Two different conditions can cause the upper eyelid to droop:
- Dermatochalasis is excess skin that hangs over the eyelid. It is treated with blepharoplasty.
- Ptosis occurs when the eyelid itself sits too low because the muscle that lifts it has stretched or weakened. It is treated by tightening that muscle, either through the eyelid crease or from the underside of the eyelid.
Some patients have both conditions, and a low brow can also contribute. Your surgeon will identify the cause, since removing skin alone will not correct an eyelid that sits too low.
Cosmetic or Covered by Insurance?
Insurance may cover upper eyelid surgery or ptosis repair when the drooping obstructs your vision. Coverage generally requires a visual field test and photographs documenting the obstruction, which we can complete in our office. Surgery performed to improve appearance is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. Learn more about financing your procedure through CareCredit.
What to Expect
Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, typically with local anesthesia and sedation. Bruising and swelling usually last one to two weeks, and stitches are typically removed after about a week. Your surgical team will provide care instructions and guidance on when you can return to work and exercise.
Schedule an eyelid surgery consultation
Our oculoplastic surgeon will examine your eyelids and recommend the right approach.