Guide:
- What is the Average Cost of Blepharoplasty?
- Is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
- When is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
- Is A Blepharoplasty Worth It?
- Financing Your Eyelid Surgery
What is the Average Cost of Blepharoplasty?
They say “The eyes are the windows to the soul” so why not keep them bright, alert, and happy? Blepharoplasty surgery is the best way to do so.
So, how much is blepharoplasty and does the price tag fit your budget? You may be eager to learn.
Based on over 5,000 reviews from patients on RealSelf, the average cost of blepharoplasty is $5,888. Depending on where your surgeon is located geographically and how much experience they have with eyelid surgery, however, the procedure can be as expensive as $14,000.
The cost of eyelid surgery can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of surgery you need and whether you choose to combine it with other facial surgeries. For example, if your procedure involves a lower or upper blepharoplasty alone, it will be less expensive than a double blepharoplasty. A single blepharoplasty procedure requires a shorter time and less advanced techniques.
Learn more about the different types of eyelid surgery on our blog, What is Eyelid Surgery?
Combining your eyelid surgery with other procedures can promote more dramatic, long-lasting, comprehensive results, but it increases the cost of your facial cosmetic surgery. So, how much is blepharoplasty when combined with other procedures?
If you combine your blepharoplasty with a facelift, the average facelift cost is $16,509 according to RealSelf, so your surgery will cost you upwards of $22,397. If you pair your eyelid surgery with a brow lift, which many patients do for more complete anti-aging results, you may pay around $13,918 as the average brow lift cost is $8,030, according to RealSelf.
Sometimes, minimally invasive treatments can be an excellent adjunct to eyelid surgery. Some patients may opt to include injectable fillers with their blepharoplasty. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers is $794 per syringe, while the average of fillers with active ingredients outside of HA is $1,039. This can vary widely depending on how much filler you need and the type your doctor recommends.
The opportunities are endless with facial plastic surgery, especially when looking to achieve brighter, larger, more alert-looking eyes, which may initially seem overwhelming. Your surgeon will talk with you one-on-one about your concerns and goals and use their expertise to closely look at what’s bothering you and give their professional recommendations for the best treatment plan.
Be sure to request an all-inclusive price quote at the end of your consultation so you leave knowing what the surgery may cost you.
The cost of your blepharoplasty can vary depending on many factors, including:
- Your surgeon’s geographical location and level of experience
- Whether your procedure takes place at a private plastic surgery facility or in a hospital
- The cost of follow-up appointments and the possible need for postoperative care
- Whether an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist takes care of your anesthesia during surgery
Is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
Eyelid surgery can be done for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, functional issues may include ptosis, floppy eyelid syndrome, blepharochalasis, dermatochalasis, herniated orbital fat, and visual field obstructions. Aesthetic reasons may be a desire to achieve a younger, less tired appearance or an improvement of the overall aesthetic appearance of the eyes.
In most cases, Blepharoplasty is not covered by insurance as it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not medically necessary. Most insurance companies will not cover any form of cosmetic procedure. While plastic surgery is still surgery and has an impact on your overall health, you choose to have it for the sole purpose of improving your appearance aesthetically.
In the rare case that blepharoplasty is not done for cosmetic purposes but to improve impaired vision that has been reduced due to sagging upper eyelids, health insurance companies may help cover the cost of the surgery. The guidelines by which most insurance companies abide are precise and strict for eyelid surgery coverage.
When is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
You may be thinking about the possibility of having blepharoplasty covered by insurance. Most health insurance companies go through a detailed process to determine whether your blepharoplasty is considered to be medically necessary. This process typically requires you to share three key pieces of information with them about your eye condition.
If your excess upper eyelid skin droops enough to block your peripheral vision, please contact your insurance company about coverage. Here’s how to get blepharoplasty covered by insurance (or at least try!):
Give your insurance company comprehensive notes from your doctor.
Ask your plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, or primary care provider to document the following factors in their physician’s notes:
- Position of your lids measured using standard oculoplastic measurement techniques to prove the excess lid skin is within less than 2 millimeters of the pupil
- Proof of an impaired visual field
- Complaint from you, the patient, about how the drooping of your upper eyelids prevents you from doing your usual day-to-day activities such as driving, working, or reading peacefully and effectively
Obtain external ophthalmic photographs of the front and sides of your eyes.
You may need to visit an ophthalmologist for this step, but to get your blepharoplasty covered by insurance, you’ll need high-resolution photos of your eyes that prove the extra eyelid skin drapes within less than 2 millimeters of the center of the pupil.
Take a visual field test.
Again, you may need to visit an ophthalmology office for this step. A visual field test assesses your sight with your eyelids in their natural position and with them taped up. Depending on how dramatic of a difference you have in your vision with and without the tape, your insurance will decide whether or not your blepharoplasty is medically necessary.
Is A Blepharoplasty Worth It?
Based on over 2,000 reviews from eyelid surgery patients on RealSelf, the procedure boasts a 93% “worth it” rating.
Depending on whether you decide to get an upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or double blepharoplasty, benefits you may be able to enjoy after your eyelid rejuvenation surgery include:
- Boosted confidence
- A younger-looking appearance
- Diminished dark circles and eye bags
- Bigger and brighter eyes
- A defined upper eyelid crease
- Better visual perception
- Eliminated excess skin and fat in the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both
- Reduced fine lines
- A more alert, energetic appearance
Financing Your Eyelid Surgery
Before losing hope and deciding blepharoplasty is not within your budget, be aware that most plastic surgeons offer financing plans to help you achieve your dream eyes now and pay over time. For example, they may offer payment plans specific to their offices or accept financing through companies like CareCredit.
Do you believe the cost of blepharoplasty is worth the benefits it can provide you? Request a consultation with Newport Beach board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva to find the best treatment plan to help your eyes match your soul.
