Eyelids (Blepharoplasty)

Excess skin, fat and wrinkling of the upper and lower eyelids can result from a combination of factors, including aging, genetics, or environmental factors. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids through an incision placed in the natural eyelid crease to give a more rested and youthful appearance. Over 195,000 blepharoplasty procedures were performed in 2008, making it the fourth most popular plastic surgical procedure. In the lower lids, fat bags, droopiness and skin excess can be addressed through an incision placed inside the lower lid (transconjunctival) or on the outside just under the lash line (subciliary). Additional procedures to improve the area around the eyes include laser resurfacing for fine wrinkling or injection of fillers to smooth the groove between the eyelid and cheek.

Some upper eyelid blepharoplasties may be covered under your insurance plan. Many require visual field testing (obtained through your vision service provider) documenting obstruction of your superior (upper) or lateral (side) fields of gaze by drooping upper eyelid skin, as well as photographs documenting skin weighting eyelashes or folds of skin hanging down into the upper part of the black area of your eye (pupil). See your insurance provider’s medical policy guidelines for blepharoplasty for specific details.