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BLEPHAROPLASTY - Eyelid Surgery

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a commonly performed procedure that removes redundant skin and fat from the upper and, sometimes, lower eyelids.

As we age, our skin loses some of its elasticity. As the ski loosens, it begins to sag in certain areas. Most areas the public can't see but when it happens to the eyelids, everyone sees it. Along with redundant eyelid skin, the fat behind the eyelids can begin to protrude causing a puffy look to the upper eyelids.

	As you can see in the picture to the left, there is prominent upper eyelid folds with fat protrusion causing a puffiness to the upper lids. Blepharoplasty involves removing the excess superficial skin and muscle layer and also some of the protruding fat if necessary. After upper eyelid blepharoplasty the results are similar to the picture below.
	You can see that the upper eyelids no longer rest on the eyelashes and there is no longer the fullness noted in the preoperative picture.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is commonly performed to reduce the fullness in the lower eyelids. A lot of times the skin doesn't have to be removed only fat to achieve the desired results. Most times incisions are made through the inside of the lower eyelids and the fat is then removed to reduce the puffiness observed with aging.

Sometimes redundant skin and muscle must be removed to produce better results.

	You can see in the picture to the left, that there is marked fullness in the lower eyelids. No amount of ice packs or skin cream will produce acceptable results.
	The picture here shows the difference after lower eyelid blepharoplasty. The puffiness is gone and the patient no longer has the aged tired look.

Does Insurance or Medicare pay for Blepharoplasty?

Medicare and insurance will pay for upper eyelid blepharoplasty if we can demonstrate a loss of superior visual field. Because excess skin can weigh down the eyelids and increase the chance of irritation and infections, Medicare and insurance will pay for the majority of an Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. In order to qualify, a Visual Field must be performed to determine how much of your visual field has been lost due to the excessive skin.

In general, Medicare and Insurance does not pay for lower eyelid blepharoplasty unless it is coupled with other procedures to fix lower eyelid problems.

Call us at 318-212-3937 today if you think you would benefit from Blepharoplasty.

Pierremont Eye Institute: 7843 Youree Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana 71105 | Phone: 318-212-3937