Posted July 24, 2013 in Blog, Facial Surgery
We’ve got some good news for patients considering blepharoplasty! If sagging, droopy eyelids are interfering with your vision, you might be eligible for insurance coverage for eyelid lift surgery.
Eyelid lift surgery is often done for purely cosmetic reasons; it gives the eyes a more alert, youthful appearance by correcting sagging, wrinkled, and puffy upper or lower eyelids. Sometimes this sagging skin in the upper eyelid begins to affect the field of vision as well. In this case, an eyelid lift to improve vision might be covered by insurance.
Insurance companies have specific criteria that must be met in order to get coverage, and it may vary from company to company. Usually a potential patient must have a 30 percent loss of the upper field of vision and difficulty reading. To verify this, two steps are required:
- A vision test must be conducted by an eye specialist such as an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
- Photographs of your eyes are taken to document their condition.
Although lower eyelid surgery is rarely covered by any type of policy, it may complement the results from an upper eyelid lift, depending on your individual characteristics.
Recovering from an eyelid lift is generally smooth and relatively quick, whether the surgery is done for cosmetic or vision-related reasons. After surgery, any mild discomfort may be treated with oral pain medication. Sutures are normally removed 4 to 6 days after the procedure, and bruising, swelling, or sensitivity to light will all dissipate gradually over 1 to 2 weeks. Since the incisions for an upper eyelid lift are made in the natural crease of the eyelid, scars are barely visible. Patients who wear contact lenses may begin wearing them when they are comfortable, normally within 7 to 10 days.
If you’re interested in learning more about how an upper eyelid lift can improve your vision or make your eyes appear more rested and youthful, Dr. Brothers would be happy to meet with you to discuss your options. If you hope to have your eyelid surgery covered by insurance, please contact us for a consultation.
