Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Ideal candidates should first and foremost be in good health and have realistic expectations for their surgery. Those with droopy eyelids that either cause too much of the whites of their eyes to show or who have skin restricting their vision are excellent candidates. However, anyone who dislikes the shape of their eyes or the lines, wrinkles and puffiness around them could benefit from the procedure.

Will Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?

A blepharoplasty can be performed for both aesthetic and functional improvement. At times, the skin around the eye may begin to droop and obscure vision. At that time, it is possible insurance may cover the procedure with proper documentation.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery and Results

Overall, recovery from eyelid surgery is minimal. You may find your eyes are sensitive to light and strain for about a week, so things like screen time or working in front of a computer might be off limits. However, you should be able to go about most day-to-day tasks just fine, especially if you wear sunglasses and stay indoors.

Bruising and swelling tend to last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks after surgery, and residual swelling can last up to 3 months. Most people can return to work as soon as they feel comfortable. Initial results can be seen after about a month, with full results clear in about 6.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does eyelid surgery cost?

This varies based on numerous factors, including the type of eyelid surgery, how much sagging needs to be addressed and whether you are having other facial surgeries at the same time. The total cost will include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, facility/OR fee, and may include other costs as well. To get an accurate estimate for your procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Swetnam.

Is eyelid surgery ever medically necessary?

In some cases, yes. If the skin around the eyes is reducing your field of vision, it is possible that your surgery will be considered medically necessary. In some cases, this can result in insurance covering part or all of your procedure, but don’t rely on this. Some insurance companies are very particular about the eyelid surgeries they will cover.

How do I find the best eyelid surgeon near me?

Start with an internet search for eyelid cosmetic surgeons near you and stick to those with excellent patient reviews. Next, check out their websites to see their before and after photos of eyelid surgery patients to see if there are some that align with your goals. Then schedule consultations with 2 to 3 surgeons you think are the best fit. Select the one who feels like the right doctor to partner with for your surgery.

What are the scars like after eyelid surgery?

The incisions used in eyelid surgery are incredibly small, measured in millimeters. While they cannot be perfectly hidden from sight, their small size means they are quite difficult to notice once healed and faded. In the first months after surgery, they could be pink or red, making them easier to see, but they fade to being pretty much invisible in most cases.

What age is best for eyelid surgery?

This all depends on why you are considering it. In general, people do not benefit from eyelid surgery until they see sagging or wrinkles around the eyes. However, if your concern is more the shape of your eyes, you could opt to get eyelid surgery from the moment you are a legal adult.