Cost Of Droopy Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery costs a lot, right? Actually, it depends. In this edition of the blog, we will go through some of the costs of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. We’ll also compare eyelid surgery cost between different parts of the country.
Most people assume eyelid surgery has a high cost. The reason is because people tend to think that eyelid surgery is not covered by their medical insurance. That all depends! If your droopy, hooded upper eyelids are blocking your vision, then most insurance plans will cover upper eyelid surgery to remove the extra skin and lift the eyelids.
Look at the example below: in this picture, the patient has fully relaxed his eyebrows meaning he is not raising his forehead to help open his eyes. Do you see how the pupil (the black dot) in both of his eyes – especially the right eye – are blocked by his overhanging eyelid skin and brows? If your doctor can show in pictures that the upper eyelids are blocking your vision, and if you have a visual field test that shows a meaningful improvement in your vision when your eyelids are raised, then your procedure may be medically necessary. Your eyelid surgery may be covered by your insurance – which means that your cost for surgery will depend on your deductible and your individual insurance plan.
Now, what happens if eyelid surgery is not covered by insurance? If eyelid surgery is not medically necessary, then it is considered cosmetic. And there may be plenty of reasons you would want surgery even if it is not medically necessary!
For example, many patients in our practice say they notice their eyelids hanging in their vision when they are outside, or playing sports, or that when they sweat the beads accumulate in the folds of skin. None of these are affecting the vision, but they are affecting our patients’ quality of life in some meaningful way. More commonly, our patients tell us they feel tired or that others assume they are tired. In fact, research has shown that how our facial expressions look can affect how we feel about ourselves. The two are interrelated! Some patients say that they are getting horizontal lines in their forehead because they are constantly raising their eyebrows to lift away the skin. These are all reasonable concerns. So what are your options if your surgery is not covered?
About 5 years ago, a study in Aesthetic Surgery Journal looked at the pricing for cosmetic surgery procedures among plastic surgeons in 15 different cities. Eyelid lift or blepharoplasty ranged from about $3700 to $7200 depending on the city. In Salt Lake City, the average price was $4400 for a blepharoplasty with all fees included.
What about a brow lift? Or under eye bag removal? Those procedures start around $4500, because of the surgical time and skill required. To have these procedures done, there are costs for the facility where it is performed to rent the operating room and its instruments, sutures, and surgical staff. If done under sedation or anesthesia, there are costs for the anesthesiologist as well.
In this post, we review the Cost Of Droopy Eyelid Surgery, laser blepharoplasty cost, Is droopy eyelid surgery risky, and Is droopy eyelid surgery painful?
Cost Of Droopy Eyelid Surgery
It’s not easy to know how much eyelid surgery will cost before you go in for your consultation. There are many factors that influence how much eyelid surgery costs, including the type of procedure and your location. For example, if you’re looking for a surgeon to perform lower lid blepharoplasty in New York City or Los Angeles, the cost could be anywhere from $6,000 to $8,000 on average. However, if you live somewhere like Salt Lake City or Atlanta where cosmetic surgery is more common and there are more plastic surgeons around per capita than other cities in the U.S., then it could be less expensive (around $5,000).
The average cost of eyelid surgery among patients who had their procedure done in a doctor’s office or a facility with an outpatient procedure room was $3,000 in 2017, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The average cost of eyelid surgery among patients who had their procedure done in a doctor’s office or a facility with an outpatient procedure room was $3,000 in 2017, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This figure includes surgeon fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee and materials fees such as implants or bandages.
If you’re considering getting your eyelids lifted but want to know how much it will cost before going under the knife? We can help! We’ve put together a list of questions that will help you determine if droopy eyes are affecting your life–and how much they might be costing you!
The cost includes surgeon fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee and materials fees such as implants or bandages.
The cost of droopy eyelid surgery includes surgeon fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee and materials fees such as implants or bandages.
Surgeon fees are determined by the amount of time a surgeon spends in performing your procedure. This can range from $300 to $1000 per hour depending on their experience and reputation in the field. Anesthesia fees cover all costs associated with administering the drug used during surgery (e.g., intravenous drip) as well as monitoring equipment used during your operation such as pulse oximeter or EKG machine). Facility fees include administrative costs such as: rent payments for use of hospital facilities; utilities bills for electricity usage during surgeries performed there etc.. Materials used in surgery such as implants may also add up depending on what type you need; silicone versus saline filled ones will cost more than plain bandages!
The typical cost of cosmetic surgeries is higher than the average cost of breast augmentation ($3,719), tummy tuck ($5,796) and nose reshaping ($5,046).
The average cost of cosmetic surgery is higher than the average cost of breast augmentation ($3,719), tummy tuck ($5,796) and nose reshaping ($5,046).
The reasons for this are simple: More complicated procedures have higher costs. For example, a rhinoplasty that requires anesthesia and hospitalization will be more expensive than one that does not require any anesthesia or hospitalization. Similarly, a facelift with eyelid surgery would likely cost more than one without eyelid surgery since both procedures involve incisions on your face and healing time afterward.
The average cost of eyelid surgery for both upper and lower eyelids is $6,082.
The average cost of eyelid surgery for both upper and lower eyelids is $6,082. This figure includes the price of the procedure itself and any additional fees, like anesthesia or hospital stays.
The average cost of lower lid surgery is $6,079 while the average cost of upper lid surgery is $2,638. The overall total averages out to be around $6100 per patient when they undergo both procedures at once (which isn’t uncommon). This makes it more expensive than other cosmetic procedures like liposuction ($4600) or facelifts ($6500).
Eyelid surgery costs less than many popular cosmetic procedures.
Eyelid surgery costs less than many popular cosmetic procedures.
The average cost of eyelid surgery is $3,000, while the average cost of other popular cosmetic surgeries is higher than that:
- Liposuction: $5,000 – $9,500 (for both upper and lower body)
- Breast augmentation: $6-10K for implants alone; more expensive if you get them done in another country or at a hospital that does not specialize in breast augmentation (as opposed to a plastic surgeon’s office)
laser blepharoplasty cost
lepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is typically a one-time procedure done to revitalize the appearance of the upper face. Patients can achieve dramatic, long-lasting results with a single surgery. The procedure can be done for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Many patients come into our office wanting to restore a well-rested, youthful appearance and are surprised to learn just how affordable the procedure can be.
So, what will your surgery cost? Blepharoplasties are a highly custom procedure with varying degrees of complexity. The top three expenses that go into the price you’ll pay is; surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and operating/facility fees. We’ll give you a starting point on what you can expect below.
*Individual Results May Vary
Upper Eyelid Lift Surgery Costs
Upper eyelid surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure. It’s done under local anesthetic and takes just 1-2 hours. Patients can expect the lower end of their procedure to cost as little as $1,500 with an average price of about $3,200. Of course, your individual needs and goals can raise the price tag significantly if your condition is severe or you’d like a dramatic change.
Under-Eye Bag Removal Costs
Lower eyelid surgery is typically slightly more complex and is done under general anesthesia. Your bag removal surgery can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000. However, the average price you’ll pay in Raleigh, NC is around $6,775. Lower eyelid surgery is rarely done for functional purposes and is not typically covered by insurance.
Combination Eyelid Lift Procedures
Aging doesn’t just happen to one part of our face at once. Some patients may benefit from pairing the two procedures for enhanced results with a single recovery period. Combining both upper and lower eyelid surgery is a cost-effective way to save on many surgical expenses like facility fees. The average price for combination upper/lower blepharoplasties in Raleigh, NC is about $4,650.
Dr. Stein is a double board certified surgeon and facial specialist. He has performed hundreds of upper and lower eyelid surgeries and is familiar with the complexities associated with each. In some instances, Dr. Stein may suggest pairing your blepharoplasty with a complementary treatment such as a brow lift.
At the time of your in-person consultation, Dr. Stein will customize a treatment plan to help meet your goals and provide you with an upfront cost estimate.
Blepharoplasty Consultations Available!
What Other Blepharoplasty Costs Should I Consider?
There may be some nominal pre and post-surgical fees associated with your procedure to ensure an optimal outcome. While individually they may not be much of a factor, these costs can quickly add up for patients paying out of their own pocket.
Additional costs may include;
Every surgeon prices his or her procedures differently. Some surgeons may offer ‘all-inclusive’ pricing, and others may choose to itemize each expense. Be sure to ask what’s included in your cost estimate at the time of your initial consultation.
Will Insurance Cover My Eyelid Lift Surgery?
Occasionally, some functional surgeries may be covered by your insurance. For example, if you have a severely low-hanging upper lid that is obstructing your vision and affecting your day-to-day activities like driving, insurance may pay for all (or a portion) of your surgery. In most cases, patients should expect to pay out-of-pocket for their blepharoplasty when done solely for cosmetic reasons.
Stein Plastic Surgery offers several options when it comes to patient financing for aesthetic procedures. Our patient care coordinator will work with you to explore your financing options.
Dr. Stein and his staff are the best. Everyone is friendly and very professional and the facilities are clean and impeccably maintained. I could not have asked for a better experience and the results of my blepharoplasty are excellent. Several people have told me I look younger but they can’t quite put their finger on why, which is exactly what I wanted from plastic surgery – namely a better and more youthful appearance without looking like a Hollywood freak. Follow-up and aftercare services were also equally excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Stein to anyone wanting to improve their appearance, especially since many consider him to be the best and at the top of his profession (that includes me)!
Is droopy eyelid surgery risky
Eyelid surgery is a procedure to reduce the drooping or bagging of the upper or lower eyelids. Called blepharoplasty, the procedure is often done for cosmetic reasons. It can, however, become medically necessary if the drooping skin begins to obstruct vision.
As you age, your skin changes, including your eyelids. The supporting muscles may weaken while the skin stretches. The combination allows fat to accumulate either above or below the eyes.
The result can be the appearance of bags beneath the eyes, the drooping of eyelids and eyebrows, and excess skin around the eyes. It can even make your eyes look puffy.
Blepharoplasty removes excess fat and skin from around your eyes and tightens the muscles. It can be done on the upper or lower eyelids.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that should be done by a qualified plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will meet with you to discuss whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Most people who seek out eyelid surgery are looking for a more youthful appearance. If you have sagging skin above or below your eyes, puffy-looking or baggy eyelids, or excess skin or wrinkles around your eyes you may be considering blepharoplasty.
Others seek out the procedure because the excess skin around their eyes is obstructing their vision. When this is the case your insurance may cover the surgery. Be sure to check with your health insurer, most blepharoplasty is not covered by insurance.
As with all cosmetic procedures, good candidates have realistic expectations. It’s important to know what results to expect.
You will also have a physical examination and give a thorough health history before being considered for blepharoplasty. Some eye conditions may make you ineligible for the procedure.
You should have an eye exam before having eyelid surgery, to test your vision and screen for other eye conditions.
Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery comes with some risks. While surgeons generally consider the procedure to be safe, complications can occur.
Blepharoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure and patients may notice some of the following in the hours and days after surgery: swelling and bruising, watery eyes, dry eyes, or light sensitivity. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve without incident.
Complications are symptoms that are not expected but can happen. Risks include a reaction to the anesthetic used, infection, bleeding, eyelid discoloration, or irritated eyes.
More severe complications could include difficulty with eyelid function (opening or closing your eyes), temporary blurry vision, damage to the muscles near the eye, unexpected scarring, and very rarely, blindness.
None of the complications are common, but since the procedure is usually elective, it’s important to talk to your eye doctor and your surgeon about your personal risks before deciding to have blepharoplasty.
Some people may have underlying conditions that make complications more likely. Discussing those and the degree to which they can increase your risk of various adverse outcomes is an important step to take before any elective procedure.
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a common procedure. Among the top five most common cosmetic surgeries performed each year in the United States, most doctors consider it to be safe. But there are risks.
Patients often have temporary side effects including bruising and swelling. Less commonly, they may have complications such as impaired eyelid function or loss of vision.
Figuring out your risks and weighing them against potential benefits is an important part of your pre-surgical consultation. Making an informed choice is a vital first step in any cosmetic surgery.
At Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery we specialize in treatments to reduce the appearance of aging. Our founder, Dr. Roberto Garcia, is a double board-certified plastic surgeon. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Dr. Garcia is a highly trained surgeon and author. His book, The Art of Facial Aesthetics, is an excellent resource if you are considering facial plastic surgery. His awards include Top Doctor, Best Doctors and Practice, Compassionate Doctor, and America’s Most Honored Professionals.
Our focus is not only on cutting edge technology and procedures. We take the time to understand your concerns and goals. Your renewal journey will be a highly personalized experience.
As you consider eyelid surgery, take a look at some before and after pictures from some of our many patients who have had eyelid procedures.
Is droopy eyelid surgery painful
For many people, the mere mention of surgery is enough to bring thoughts of pain and discomfort to mind. That’s not surprising considering that most medical and cosmetic surgeries too considerably longer to perform, required the use of archaic techniques and practices and involved long and painful recoveries.
Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. Anyone tired of being misunderstood, mistreated, or looking older than they are in spirit because of baggy, droopy, heavy eyelids should consider eyelid surgery at our clinic. Is it painful? No, it’s not. Here’s why:
The skin on the eyelids is the thinnest on the body and it’s full of sensitive nerve endings. Though the sound of surgery on this area may seem frightening, Dr. Hershcovitch takes exceptional precautions to ensure each eyelid surgery patient has a painless and comfortable experience, from start to finish.
How Is Pain Prevented During Eyelid Surgery?
Patients may receive general anesthesia which puts them to sleep or a local anesthetic that allows them to stay awake during their procedures. The type of pain prevention/sedation used is dependent on the procedure type and the surgeon’s recommendations. The procedure is minimally invasive, so there are no big or deep incisions. The surgeon uses tiny, superficial incisions to further minimize the risk of any pain, bruising, discoloration, or pain during and after the procedure.
Many same-day blepharoplasty procedures take two hours or less to complete. Procedures involving extensive work or multiple procedures may take longer and generally require the use of general anesthesia.
Is Blepharoplasty Recovery Painful?
The procedure itself is not painful. Overall postoperative eyelid surgery discomfort tends to peak in some patients within the first 36 hours before gradually residing. Though eyelid surgery is minimally invasive, it, just like any surgery is a stressful event for the body to go through. The following symptoms are also common during recovery and often resolve within the first two weeks.
Certain over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers are effective at reducing pain and inflammation but should be avoided without proper guidance and clearance from Dr. Herschcovitch. Also, the removal of eyelid surgery stitches is relatively painless. Most patients describe it as a slight pulling or tugging on their eyes. Patients who undergo minor eyelid revisions may receive dissolvable sutures instead.
Preventing Discomfort After Eyelid Surgery
Cold or warm compresses are also effective at reducing swelling and discomfort and providing greater peace of mind. Dr. Hershcovitch may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment or medicated eye drops and other medications to minimize the risk of infection and complications and facilitate comfort during recovery. Limit activities that strain the eyes, such as reading or using digital screens for prolonged periods. To further reduce the likelihood of pain, eye fatigue, and muscle soreness after eyelid surgery, patients should rest, maintain a proper diet, increase hydration, comply with all recovery instructions, and attend all follow-up appointments.
Transform Those Eyes With Blepharoplasty
Dr. Hershcovitch performs eyelid surgery on both the upper and lower lids, also known as upper and lower blepharoplasty, respectively. Patients can opt for one or both procedures depending on their cosmetic goals and treatment recommendations. Blepharoplasty can also be combined with other plastic facial and anti-aging procedures.