If drooping eyelids and bags under your eyes are making you look old before it’s time, a procedure called blepharoplasty can restore your youthful appearance. Also known as an eyelid lift, blepharoplasty is simple, effective and can achieve dramatic results.
While it’s uncommon for health insurers to cover the cost of cosmetic surgery, if droopy eyelids are causing problems with your vision, it’s possible they’ll pay for at least part of the procedure.
How does blepharoplasty work?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects conditions of the eyelids. Excess skin and fat deposits are removed from upper lids, giving you a more wakeful, vibrant appearance, while lower lid blepharoplasty targets under eye bags and the fine wrinkles that make eyes appear tired.
Most clients considering blepharoplasty want to improve their appearance, but a common consequence of droopy upper eyelids is a decrease in peripheral vision that can create difficulty with normal, everyday activities. When that happens, your insurer may agree to pay for a corrective eyelid surgery.
How can I find out if an eyelid lift is covered?
If you’ve noticed vision changes you believe may be due to droopy eyelids, see your doctor. He or she will do a physical exam and take measurements of your upper eyelids to see if they are part of the problem. Lids that fall within a few millimeters of your pupils when your eyes are open are the primary criteria used by insurance companies to determine if blepharoplasty is medically necessary.
When a problem is found, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist for a tape test. This is a noninvasive procedure during which eyelids are taped in a higher position and vision is tested to see if it improves. If it does, at least part of your procedure may be reimbursable.
What’s the next step?
Blepharoplasty can truly revitalize the way you look and whether your interest is solely to revitalize your appearance or to improve your vision, a confidential consultation with Dr. Robert Meger is a great way to learn more about the procedure, have your questions answered and review potential financing options.
