If you are considering a brow lift procedure, it is important to understand the costs involved. This process can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on your doctor’s choice and facility. The good news is that many insurance companies offer a discounted price for this procedure if you preauthorize the procedure with them before scheduling an appointment with your aesthetic doctor.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on brow lift cost and how to get insurance to pay for eyelid surgery
Is Brow Lift Covered by Insurance
One of the most common questions my patients ask is, “Does insurance cover blepharoplasty (also known as an eyelid lift)?” or “Will my insurance cover eyelid surgery?”
This is a great question. Most insurance companies have specific guidelines regarding criteria for covering eyelid surgery. While there may be subtle differences between different carriers, most insurance companies base their criteria off Medicare guidelines.
In general, insurance companies will cover Blepharoplasty or Ptosis repair if the eyelids cause a “visually significant” obstruction of the upper visual field that “affects activities of daily living.”. To put it another way, if the upper lids block enough of your vision to significantly affect your life, then blepharoplasty or ptosis repair is considered medically necessary and may be covered by insurance.
So what are the criteria that insurance companies use to determine if blepharoplasty or upper eyelid surgery is “visually significant”, and therefore will be covered? There are 3 pieces of information they need:
1) Physician notes. These notes must clearly document the position of the lids, a decreased visual field, and a patient complaint about the upper lids interfering with certain activities (driving, reading, etc.). The lid position should be measured using standard oculoplastic measurement techniques, showing the lid or excess skin comes within less than 2 millimeters of the pupil (also called an MDR1 less than 2mm).
2) External ophthalmic photography. Basically, these are high resolution photos of the eyelids and eyes. For criteria to be met, the eyelids or extra eyelid skin must clearly be seen to fall within less than 2 millimeters of the center of the pupil. Clear frontal and side photos are required.
3) Visual Fields. A visual field test is a noninvasive way to evaluate peripheral vision. This test is usually performed at an ophthalmology office. The field of vision is tested both with the eyelids in their natural position and with them held up (usually with tape). The difference between the taped and untapped visual field determines whether or not insurance will cover upper eyelid surgery. The visual field must improve by a certain percentage or certain number of degrees, depending on the insurance carrier.
If the answer is yes, then the next step is to submit all notes and testing to the insurance company. The carrier will then either “pre-authorize” or deny the claim. A pre-authorization means that the insurance company agrees that eyelid surgery is medically necessary and that they plan on covering the blepharoplasty or ptosis repair. Although a pre-authorization is very reassuring, it is not a 100% guarantee of coverage. Occasionally, insurance carriers will do a second review of the case after the surgery has been performed.
Medicare works a bit differently. Medicare does not pre-authorize anything (any procedure, not just eyelid surgery). Medicare does, however, have clearly defined criteria that most oculoplastic surgeons know in detail. Based on the exam and testing, it can be determined if Medicare would typically cover a patient’s eyelid surgery. Although the majority of oculoplastic surgeons are correct in their coverage assessments, Medicare does not pre-authorize surgery, so the patient typically fills out and signs an “ABN” form. The ABN typically states that while the surgeon believes Medicare will cover the Blepharoplasty or ptosis repair, the patient is responsible for the payment if the claim is denied. Again, most oculoplastic surgeons will be able to give a fairly accurate assessment of whether Medicare or an insurance company will cover blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery.
When the patient wishes to have a procedure even though there is no insurance coverage, an eyelid lift is among the most affordable plastic surgery options. It can usually be performed in the office, without the additional cost of general anesthesia or outpatient surgery assistance. Hopefully, this gives some insight about the process and criteria for insurance coverage
Brow Lift Before and After
What affects the cost of a brow lift?
It’s time to look more specifically at the variables we introduced in the first table. Just to reiterate, the information here is a general estimate. Consultations with providers always provides the most accurate assessment of the probable cost of your brow lift.
That being said, the information below can help you better understand the questions to ask and factors to consider when going into a consultation so you can feel empowered and informed throughout your cosmetic experience.
- Non-Surgical vs. Surgical: On average, non-surgical procedures cost less than surgical procedures. They are less involved, do not necessitate general anesthesia, and have fewer facility fees.
- Provider: A more experienced, board certified plastic surgeon or specialized provider will most likely charge more for their skills, which may lead to higher consultation fees (that may or may not be applied as a credit towards the cost of the actual procedure) and a higher procedure cost.
- Anesthesiologist: Like the surgeon, training, education, and experience will influence cost. General anesthesia requires more expertise and is more expensive than local anesthesia. Most local anesthetics do not require an anesthesiologist to administer them.
- Location: Let’s just be real and acknowledge everything is more expensive on the coasts. This is, ofcourse,e true of plastic and cosmetic procedures as well. The 2020 ASPS Report breaks procedures down by regions. The east and west coasts accounted for high percentage of all brow lifts performed in 2020. More procedures makes for more experienced providers, which makes for higher procedure costs.
- Recovery: Brow lift recovery will vary considerably by procedure type. Recovery may include prescriptions, recovery garments, follow ups, and time off from work.
There are numerous types of brow lifts and the most appropriate procedure for a candidate will be dependent on the individual’s unique needs. The table below provides additional details specific to each procedure type.
What does the cost of a brow lift include?
We’ve covered the various elements and we’ve reviewed the different types of procedures. Despite this, you may still be wondering what the price of a brow lift truly includes. The cost of the time the surgeon spends performing the brow lift procedure is most often what gets quoted as the ‘average cost’ or ‘surgeon’s fee.’ This is not an exact comparison, but think of it as the hourly rate of your provider. Remember, your provider has their own business expenses like office space rent, staff payroll, professional insurance, and office/medical supplies on top of their personal salary.
Brow lift costs start to rise as additional factors are added in. The other medical staff in the room during your procedure (think: the anesthesiologist, nurses, or surgical assistants), the various supplies and tools used during your brow lift (the classics: needles, gauze, gowns, gloves, etc.), medications given before, during, and after your procedure (may include sedatives, painkillers, and/or antibiotics), and the charge for using the hospital or facility’s operating or procedure room.
Something else to consider is the personal expenses you will encounter as you go about your aesthetic journey. These may include consultation fees, travel costs, pre-operative care, missed work, and recovery supplies you personally purchase to make you more comfortable while the pain, bruising, and swelling resolve.
TYPES OF BROW LIFTS AND THE IMPACT ON COST
| BROW LIFT TYPE | IMPACT ON COST |
|---|---|
| Coronal Brow Lift | Incision hidden in hairline; usually the highest costs. |
| Endoscopic Brow Lift | Uses an endoscope and small incisions to be less invasive with mid-range costs. |
| Pretrichial Brow Lift | Special to unique hairlines, mid-range costs. |
| Combination Midbrow Incision with Endoscope Brow Lift | Hybrid procedure with average cost. |
| Traditional Midbrow Lift | Technique not used much anymore; average cost. |
| Direct Brow Lift | Similarly, not performed as much today; average cost. |
| Chemical Brow Lift | Non-surgical and no excess skin removal; lower cost. |
Brow Lift Cost
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ most current figures show that the average cost of a brow lift is $3,900. This procedure, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgery that aims to raise the brows to a more youthful position and smooth out wrinkles on the forehead. The cost of a brow lift can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the geographic location of the practice, and the specific techniques used during the procedure.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a brow lift includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and any necessary follow-up appointments. The surgeon’s fee typically accounts for the largest portion of the total cost, as it reflects the skill and expertise of the surgeon performing the procedure. Anesthesia fees cover the cost of administering anesthesia during the surgery, while facility fees include the use of the operating room and any necessary medical equipment.
In addition to the average cost of a brow lift, patients should also consider other potential expenses associated with the procedure. These may include pre-operative tests, post-operative medications, and any necessary garments or dressings. It is important for patients to discuss all potential costs with their surgeon during the initial consultation to ensure they have a clear understanding of the total financial commitment involved.
While the average cost of a brow lift may seem high, many patients find the results to be well worth the investment. A brow lift can help to rejuvenate the appearance of the face, giving patients a more youthful and refreshed look. In some cases, a brow lift may also improve vision by lifting sagging brows that are obstructing the eyes.
Overall, the cost of a brow lift can vary depending on a variety of factors, but the average cost of $3,900 provides a general guideline for patients considering this cosmetic procedure. Patients should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss their individual goals and expectations for the surgery, as well as any potential risks or complications. By carefully weighing the costs and benefits of a brow lift, patients can make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for them.
How To Get Insurance To Pay For Eyelid Surgery
When deciding whether to pay eyelid surgery, the majority of insurance companies want proof in the form of a visual exam. A board-certified eye doctor, such as an oculoplastic surgeon, must conduct the vision test. The surgeon takes images of the issue and submits them to the patient’s insurance company if the vision test reveals a visual impairment. Depending on the patient’s particular coverage plan, the insurance provider may pay the entire cost of eyelid surgery or just a portion of it.
