Do your eyelids droop in front of your eyes? Do you want to look a few years younger and reduce the sagging of your eyelids? Here’s what you should know about getting eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty) from one of the top plastic surgeons in Colorado Springs, Dr. Greg Liebscher:
Blepharoplasty or what is also known as an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic facial procedure that is becoming more and more popular. A Blepharoplasty procedure can help remove the bags and puffiness under one’s eyes and even correct eyelids that are droopy. By removing muscle, skin or fat from a patient’s eyelid, a plastic surgeon can successfully transform the shape of one’s eye in order to enhance their appearance.
Board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, regularly performs eyelid surgery procedures with comfortable and esthetically pleasing results. In some cases, the procedure is done at the same time as a facelift or brow lift.
Learn about your treatment options and if you qualify for insurance coverage by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Liebscher today:
Who Is a Prime Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
People looking undergo an eyelid surgery want to make sure they are:
- 35 years of age or older
- expecting realist expectations
- healthy overall
- mentally stable
Conditions that may make eyelid surgery more dangerous:
- diabetes
- glaucoma
- retinal detachment
- dryness of the eyes
- thyroid conditions
- cardiovascular disease
- high blood pressure
- circulatory disorders
Procedure Details
Watch the videos below for animated details about the eyelid surgery procedure:
Procedure: to correct any drooping or puffy bags under the eyelids. The procedure is performed by removing any extra muscle, skin or fat that is causing the concern. If performed to restore a patient’s vision, it may be covered by insurance.
Time frame: 1-1.5 hours.
General anesthesia is provided.
This procedure is usually performed as outpatient care.
Temporary side effects of blepharoplasty:
- tightness of the eyelids
- discomfort
- swelling
- dryness
- itching
- burning sensations
- sensitivity to light
- teary eyes
Risks of blepharoplasty
Patients may notice temporary blurriness or vision concerns, such as double vision. Swelling of the eyelids, bleeding and infections are also risks of this procedure. As for the very rare risks of this procedure, there may be blindness and difficulty closing the eyes.
Recovery period
Most patients are able to work in 7-10 days and pick up reading again in about 2-3. If you wear contact lenses, it’s recommended you wait two or more weeks to being wearing them again. Strenuous activity can occur in about three weeks, while the complete bruising and swelling tends to subside several weeks later.
Blepharoplasty tends to last for several years and can even leave permanent results.
Learn about the risks
Patients must keep in mind that every individual is unique. Each person may end up with different results. If a patient is considering any cosmetic procedure in the future, they are more than welcome to meet with Dr. Liebscher for a consultation. Patients must also be aware of all the risks that can occur during a cosmetic procedure. Risks such as blood clots, bleeding, as well as infections can happen, although, the risks aren’t high. Choosing a reputable plastic surgeon such as Dr. Greg Liebscher will, of course, minimize a patient’s risks for any procedure.
Insurance for Eyelid Surgery
According to the Mayo Clinic, insurance may cover your eyelid surgery if your eyelids are dropping so badly that your vision is truly impaired. Most insurance companies require that a plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist perform an exam first. Photos and documentation of proven vision impairment must be included in the results of the exam. Even then, some insurance companies may not cover your eyelid surgery.
Other eyelid conditions that your insurance company may cover include blepharoptosis, which may be congenital and involves the muscles of the eyelid rather than the skin. Cancers in the eyelid region may also be approved for insurance coverage. As with vision-impairing droopy eyelids, these conditions must also be proven through documentation and photographs.
Eyelid conditions that are definitely not covered by any medical insurance include eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty to reduce the appearance of aging and small sagging. If it cannot be documented that it affects your vision, insurance will not cover your eyelid surgery. Double-eyelid surgery to improve the appearance of many Asian eyelids is also not covered. Medical insurance will never cover lower eyelid surgery unless cancer is involved and can be documented by an oncologist.
Determine the Right Eyelid Surgery Plan for You
You can consult with Colorado Springs cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Greg Liebscher, to discuss your options for treatments. To schedule a private cosmetic consultation, call 719-634-2503.