Eyelid Surgery Cost, Procedure, Contraindications and Possible Complications

Eyelid surgery can be referred to as an eyelid lift or by the more correct term of Blepharoplasty.  This is a cosmetic procedure to help remove excess skin and fat that causes droopy eyelids as well as to reduce puffy bags and under eye circles.  It may not be considered cosmetic surgery if the lids droop so far as to impair vision. This surgery can be done on either the upper eyelids or the lower lids, and both lids can be done together although they are more often done separately.

Eyelid Surgery Procedure

The actual technique selected for your eyelid surgery will depend on your surgeon and your actual needs.  The amount of excess skin and fat in the eyelid areas as well as the eyebrow position and the state of the muscles in the eye area are all part of the equation.  Generally, an incision is made in the area of the natural fold of the upper eyelid and excess fatty tissue and skin are removed through this incision.  Because the actual cut follows the normal contour of the upper eye, it is usually hidden in the folds.  For the lower eyelid, the incision is generally hidden just below the lower eyelashes and excess fat removed or filler added depending on the needs of the patient.

Eyelid Surgery Contraindications

A person who has a history of thyroid problems, dry eye, or other ophthalmological issues should be evaluated and obtain medical clearance before eyelid surgery is performed on them.  A smoker should stop smoking several weeks prior to surgery, and the patient must be in good health.

Eyelid Surgery Cost

The cost for eyelid surgery can range anywhere from $2000 to $10,000, depending on whether you have a single eyelid done or both upper and lower eyelids done.  It may also depend on where you are in the country and the procedures that your surgeon prefers to use.

Eyelid Surgery Complications

As with any type of surgery, there is always a minimal risk of infection.  With eyelid surgery, there may also be some continued bleeding that may need to be taken care of or wound separation may occur that will need to be treated.  There is a slight risk of excessive skin removal which may cause interference with eyelid closure. Insufficient removal of the skin may leave more of a droop than was expected.  Other complications may include excessive internal or external scarring and swelling on the eyeball surface.  Double vision can occasionally occur. Mild loss of vision is a common temporary occurrence, but actual loss of vision is quite rare but can happen