Eyelid Surgery | The Office of Dr. Vincent Hung
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is generally considered a cosmetic procedure: people choose it to improve the appearance of wrinkled and aging eyes. But it can also improve the patient’s vision if they meet certain prerequisites. This blog discusses how upper blepharoplasty can improve vision, the steps of the procedure, and whether it is covered by insurance.
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How Blepharoplasty Can Improve Your Vision
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that treats the upper or lower eyelids for sagging skin, puffiness, wrinkles, and drooping eyelids. This customized procedure is tailored to the patient’s unique needs and goals, with plastic surgeons offering treatment to the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
Blepharoplasty is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, meaning it is not medically necessary and is primarily used to enhance the appearance of a patient’s eyes. However, there may be some functional benefits to this procedure. In some cases of severe upper eyelid drooping, where the skin of the eyelid falls into the patient’s line of sight, an upper blepharoplasty can address this concern, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits, as it improves the patient’s field of vision.
The Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure
The eyes represent a significant part of our identity, as they convey our emotions and other nonverbal forms of communication to others. Thus, eyelid surgery is one of the most popular facial cosmetic procedures, as many patients are interested in maintaining their youth and aesthetics. Eyelid skin is very delicate and can show signs of aging quickly. As the skin and tissues lose elasticity with age, repetitive motion (rubbing), and external factors such as genetics or sun damage, the eyes can begin to look aged and worn.
Upper eyelid surgery can treat the following:
- Sagging or drooping skin
- Wrinkled eyelid skin
- Muscle and tissue laxity
During the upper blepharoplasty procedure, your plastic surgeon will make an incision within the natural eye crease. Depending on the goal of the procedure, they will remove or reposition fat deposits, tighten lax muscles, and remove excess skin.
Upper blepharoplasty results in smoother skin around the eyes, creating a brightening effect that makes the patient appear more youthful and alert. For some patients, this also means that redundant skin is removed, allowing them to see more clearly.
Can Other Facial Procedures Improve My Vision?
Some patients with more severe hooded eyes may also benefit from an additional procedure: a brow lift. If the skin obstructing the eyes includes the eyebrows, or an overly heavy brow makes it difficult for the patient to see without lifting their brows or tilting their chin back, then this may be an ideal solution.
A brow lift centers on the upper third of the face: the eyebrows and forehead. During a traditional brow lift, the surgeon makes an incision across the top of the forehead to lift sagging skin and tissues, removing any excess that can crowd the brows. An endoscopic brow lift is another popular option, which uses a small camera to provide the surgeon with greater visibility, reducing the need for large incisions.
In either case, the results of a brow lift include:
- Improved wrinkles and creases around the brows
- Lifted and tightened skin throughout the upper face
- Improved structure of the brows
- Improved field of vision if the brows crowd the eyes
Is Blepharoplasty Covered By Insurance?
Although blepharoplasty can provide some functional improvements to vision, it is still considered a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not covered by insurance in most cases. It should be noted that while blepharoplasty can widen the patient’s field of vision, it is not a replacement for glasses, corrective lenses, or LASIK surgery.
In order for your upper eyelid surgery to be covered by insurance, your procedure must be deemed medically necessary, meaning your condition inhibits your ability to see or function normally, and it is not for cosmetic reasons. Frankly, this is a little difficult to achieve, although it is possible. You’ll need to provide proof (along with physician approval) that your eyelids are making it impossible to see properly. Your physician or optometrist will likely need to take pictures of your eyes to prove that the eyelid skin is hazardous to your daily life, inhibiting your ability to drive, read, or perform your job. You will also need to take a visual field test, which measures how far up, down, left, and right your eyes can see without moving your head—if your eyelid skin is obstructing your vision, you’ll likely struggle to see during the test.
Financing Your Blepharoplasty
If you’re a candidate for blepharoplasty, but your insurance won’t cover your procedure, you still have options. In fact, a majority of cosmetic surgery patients finance their procedures through third-party companies that specialize in cosmetic financing, like CareCredit®. Your plastic surgeon will discuss your options with you during your consultation.
Want to Learn More About Upper Blepharoplasty in Pasadena, CA?
Dr. Vincent Hung is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon, specializing in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, nose, and eyes. Dr. Hung holds unique certifications in three areas of medicine: Plastic surgery, Internal medicine, and Dermatology, and uses this experience to provide truly comprehensive care for each of his patients. To determine if you’re a candidate for upper blepharoplasty to improve your vision and aesthetics, call Dr. Hung today at (626) 623-7135 or complete the online contact form to get started.
