Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments at our practice. Men and women choose this surgery to revitalize and rejuvenate their eyelid appearance. It smooths wrinkles on the eyelids and can remove puffiness or sagging.
Did you know eyelid surgery offers medical benefits, too? Learn about the cosmetic and medical benefits of an eyelid lift in Birmingham, AL, below.
What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure performed on the eyelids. Dr. Clinton can enhance the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both together.
Dr. Clinton places incisions in strategic locations to allow for access to the delicate eyelid tissues while minimizing the appearance of scars. For upper eyelid surgery, he commonly makes incisions in the natural crease of the eyelid. For a lower eyelid procedure, he makes incisions along the lash line or inside the eyelid.
During a blepharoplasty, Dr. Clinton removes excess skin, fat, and tissue to tighten the eyelid appearance. He uses advanced techniques like lateral canthoplasty and the external pinch technique to create smooth and natural-looking results.
This procedure is typically an outpatient procedure. Patients come in on surgery day and return home later that afternoon.
Are There Medical Benefits to Blepharoplasty?
Sagging, drooping upper eyelids can partially cover the eye, obscuring vision and making it harder to see. Since the sagging happens gradually, usually over many years, many patients do not notice the vision loss until it becomes advanced. Eyelid surgery may be medically necessary to restore vision.
By lifting the upper eyelid out of the field of vision, eyelid surgery can restore vision and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms that may have developed, including:
- Eyestrain
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Impaired reading or close-up activities
- Frequent headaches
During your eyelid surgery consultation, Dr. Clinton will outline the benefits you’re likely to experience. Many of our patients enjoy both cosmetic and medical benefits from this procedure.
Will Insurance Pay for My Eyelid Surgery?
If you’re experiencing vision problems due to sagging eyelids, schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon. Dr. Clinton may refer you to an ophthalmologist for a specialized test called a visual field test. This test measures your visual field and determines if the procedure is medically necessary. Most health insurance providers require this test along with other vision requirements before covering the procedure.
Typically, health insurance policies will only cover upper eyelid procedures. Generally, insurance providers consider lower eyelid blepharoplasty a cosmetic procedure only.
If eyelid surgery is medically necessary, your insurance company will likely cover a portion of the cost. Talk with your provider for full coverage details.
If your eyelid surgery isn’t medically necessary, but you’re still experiencing bothersome symptoms, you can choose to have the procedure and pay the cost yourself. Payment and financing options may be available.
Call Reveal Beauty at (205) 408-9787 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Clinton. An eyelid lift may improve your vision by lifting sagging eyelids out of your eyes. Contact us today
