Heavy, drooping eyelids can interfere with vision and make for tired-looking, aged eyes. If you can relate to this, be encouraged! At Collins Vision, we offer a unique approach to eyelid surgery that can restore a bright-eyed, youthful appearance.
What is Blepharoplasty?
The medical term for eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty is designed to correct the drooping or sagging skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids.
Blepharoplasty can:
• Remove excess skin and fat from the upper and lower lids
• Reduce upper eyelid fold
• Sharpen eyelid crease
• Eliminate lower lid puffiness
• In some cases, improve vision (functional upper eyelid blepharoplasty)
• Create a more youthful, refreshed appearance
How does all that sound? Let’s learn more.
Who is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
The more birthdays we have celebrated, the more the skin and muscles of the eyelid can begin to sag and droop. As well, the fat that surrounds and cushions the eyeball can bulge forward through the skin of the upper and/or lower lid. Excess skin, muscle and fat weigh down the upper lid, and in some cases, even impairs vision.
If you can relate to any of the following, eyelid surgery might be right for you:
• Upper eyelid skin that hangs over normal lid crease
• Tired-looking eyes
• Bulges, bags or puffiness under the lower lid
• Smaller or saggy-appearing eyes
Does Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?
At Collins Vision, we offer two different types of eyelid surgery, upper and lower, addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns.
Functional Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty is designed to address upper eyelid droopiness that is significant enough to interfere with vision and daily tasks like reading and driving. It works by removing excess skin and fat hanging over the normal lid crease.
In some cases, Medicare and private insurance will cover at least a portion of this procedure. Consultation, exam and testing with our experienced clinical team can help determine coverage eligibility.
Is Eyelid Surgery Considered Cosmetic Surgery?
Lower Blepharoplasty addresses loose skin and puffiness of the lower eyelid, helping to restore a more rested and youthful appearance, reducing the lower eyelid fold and puffiness. However, as lower lids rarely interfere with vision, the procedure is considered cosmetic and is not typically covered by Medicare or private insurance.
To obtain the very best results possible, many of our patients choose to combine a lower blepharoplasty with an upper blepharoplasty for cosmetic purposes at the time of a functional procedure. This combination procedure minimizes downtime and simplifies scheduling for pre- and post-op appointments.
How is Blepharoplasty Performed?
During an upper blepharoplasty, your surgeon will make small incisions within the natural crease of the eye, so excess skin and fat can be removed. In a lower blepharoplasty, a small incision is made below the lash line or inside the lower lid to remove excess skin and fat. We can discuss the best approach for you at your consultation.
At Collins Vision, we perform blepharoplasty using local anesthesia. You may also opt for light sedation during the procedure, but you will still be able to return home the same day. Patients report very little discomfort. You will be asked to return five to seven days post-op to have your sutures removed. Most people return to most daily activities, including work within a week of blepharoplasty surgery.
Who Will Perform My Blepharoplasty?
Your eyelid surgery will be performed by Dr. Jason Friedrichs. As a board-certified ophthalmologist at Collins Vision, Dr. Friedrichs brings impressive experience (more than 10 years!) and skill to this delicate procedure. He has dedicated himself to helping Collins Vision patients see, look and feel their best.
“Blepharoplasty is a great and versatile procedure that can help improve your appearance as well as your vision.”
– Jason C. Friedrichs, MD, MS
Schedule an initial consultation today with Dr. Friedrichs. We will share all of our eye-opening options to give you a clear idea of what will benefit your vision and lifestyle.
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