An eyelid lift, also known as a blepharoplasty, is a surgery to correct drooping eyelids. In many cases, the goal of this procedure is to restore a more youthful appearance by removing excess skin and fat and repositioning muscles. After your blepharoplasty, your face will likely appear friendlier, better rested, and more alert.
Aside from the aesthetic benefits of eyelid lift surgery, there are many cases in which a blepharoplasty has significant medical benefits. For example, if you are experiencing laxity in your upper eyelid, it can begin hanging over your eyes and obscuring your vision. This drooping skin and muscle, medically known as ptosis, can cause significant problems in your daily life.
Will Health Insurance Cover Your Eyelid Lift?
In most cases, insurance companies deem surgeries such as blepharoplasty to be medically unnecessary. Because they are elective procedures done for cosmetic reasons, you will typically need to pay for such surgeries out of pocket. One exception may be if your sagging eyelid skin is interfering with your normal activities.
For example, if your upper eyelid ptosis is overhanging to such a degree that it impairs your vision, you may find yourself having trouble seeing well enough to drive, walk, and read. If you are regularly experiencing headaches, eye strain, and forehead fatigue, and need to tilt your head upward to get an unimpeded view, it’s likely your eyelids are obstructing your sight. Your field of vision can become restricted to the point that you struggle to see out of the corners of your eyes or even straight ahead. An upper eyelid lift can correct these issues.
It’s critical to note that insurance policies differ. You will need to check with your insurance company about what they cover and their criteria for determining whether to help defray the costs of a blepharoplasty. During a patient consultation, Dr. Amato can assess your level of obstructed vision and provide you with documentation to send to your insurance company so they can determine whether and the extent to which they will cover the procedure.
It’s also essential for you to know that even if your health insurance agrees to cover your upper blepharoplasty, you may still choose to pay for a lower eyelid lift on your own. Though they don’t interfere with vision, sagging lower lids can create prominent bags or pouches under your eyes.
When Should You Visit an Eyelid Lift Surgeon?
Blepharoplasty can improve your life both cosmetically and functionally. If you are having trouble seeing, Dr. Malena Amato can help restore your sight while giving you a more open, approachable look. If your upper eyelids are affecting your field of vision, you may be a good candidate for medically-necessary blepharoplasty.
As an experienced oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Amato can use her fellowship-trained knowledge to provide you with outstanding results. View our before-and-after upper blepharoplasty gallery here, then schedule your consultation with Dr. Amato to discuss your candidacy for this straightforward procedure. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!