
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is performed to reshape the eyelid, either to treat a medical condition or for cosmetic reason. Read about its cost in this article.
The first signs of aging are noticed around eyes. Sagging, creases, wrinkles are seen around eyes, as you begin to age. Since the skin around eyes is very tender, it wrinkles easily. Sometimes the eyelids may droop, thereby hindering your vision. Although, droopy eyelids are more common in older people, some young people with genetic disorders may have droopy eyelids. An eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is performed to reshape and reposition the eyelid. A double eyelid surgery is performed to add an extra fold on eyelid. This surgery is mainly performed on Asian people.
What is an Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is the process of removing excess fat, muscle and skin from the area around eyes. Poor muscle control or nerve damage, results in droopy eyelids. This can be corrected with the help of surgery. It is also performed to treat medical disorders, as well as physical trauma to the eyelid. In most cases, this surgery is performed to rid signs of aging. Wrinkled, saggy eyelids make you look old and tired. This surgery can noticeably smoothen the skin around the eyes. However, note that this surgery does little to eliminate dark circles under eyes, crow’s feet or similar wrinkles.
Although, this surgery does not correct drooping eyebrow, it is often combined with other surgeries like eyebrow lift or face lift, to achieve desired results. Blepharoplasty is mostly useful for people who have blocked or impaired vision due to a deformed eyelid or as a treatment for eyelid twitching. Upper eyelid surgery is performed to correct droopy eyelids and improve vision whereas lower eyelid surgery is mostly effective in removing sagging eyes or puffy eyes. Recovery time is long and this surgery may carry a few risks and complications. Proper after care is recommended for safe healing.
Eyelid Surgery Cost
Blepharoplasty cost is greatly determined by several external factors. Since, this is a form of plastic surgery, the cost of surgery may vary to a great extent. Your geographical location is the most influential factor for deciding the cost of your surgery. Cost may be high in cities than in towns, owing to advanced facilities and competition amongst experts. Some states are naturally inclined to have higher cost due to higher standard of living.
The expertise of a surgeon is the second most important factor. A skilled surgeon with years of experience is likely to charge you several times more than an inexperienced surgeon. However, cost must not be a factor while seeking the services from a qualified surgeon. Other factors include the services offered during surgery, technology used, and general facilities at the clinic. Depending upon the above factors, the cost may vary anywhere between $1,700 to $7,000.
Before opting for this surgery, it is important to know if you require a surgery or not. Your surgeon will perform a thorough medical examination to diagnose possible health problems that could hinder your chances of getting a blepharoplasty done. People with diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism etc are advised against this surgery. Similarly, people with eye problems like dry eyes are discouraged from going for this surgery, as it makes them even more drier. The surgery is usually recommended for people over 35 years of age, though younger patients may be required to undergo surgery in rare cases. Although, the surgery involves fewer complications, one of the most severe complication resulting from this surgery is inability to close eyes.
Cost for an eyelid surgery is covered only in cases, where it is performed to correct a medical condition or physical problem. Surgery performed for cosmetic purposes is not covered by insurance.