Insurance Coverage of Eyelid Surgery

The medical name for eyelid surgery is Blepharoplasty. This operation is one which is performed for both cosmetic reasons (appearance) and health care reasons (functionality). Cosmetically, a person’s appearance can be improved upon by the removal of excess fatty tissue which has accumulated due to the aging process. Sagging and puffiness can make a person look tired and crabby, even when they’re well rested and in a good mood. While most plastic surgical procedures are not paid for by health care coverage, some are. The reason that some are covered is because there is a medical concern as well as one regarding physical appearance. This is the case with eyelid surgery.

When a person’s eyelids become puffy and they have excess skin and fatty deposits in the region, not only does it look unappealing, but it can hamper vision, as well. In order for a person to be able to see clearly, their eyes must have an open view without any obstructions. When skin is sagging into the range of vision, this is not the case. Visual capabilities, especially in the peripheral regions, can be diminished. When peripheral vision is obscured, this can cause driving ability to become impaired and is a danger to all on the road. While there may be redundant tissue in both the upper and lower lids, it is the upper region that causes problems with eyesight.

A Blepharoplasty is performed by a board certified plastic surgeon in a clinical setting or hospital. This technique takes approximately two hours to perform and is considered to be an outpatient procedure, meaning that the patient will go home on the same day as the tissue removal via scalpel and stitches. Occasionally, patients opt to have more than one procedure done at the same time, in which case they may need to spend one night in the hospital. Examples of simultaneous procedures include brow lifts, face lifts and more. Anesthetic is administered either generally or locally with a sedative. It is considered to be general anesthesia when the patient is completely put under, while a local is the numbing of only the region in question.

After the procedure, the patient should expect pain, bruising, swelling and redness. The eyelids may also feel tight and difficult to close initially. Liquid tears will help to keep the eyes moistened during the early days of recovery. A post-op patient should have a friend or family member along to drive them home and stay to help out for a day or two. Having the companionship along with someone to cook meals and prepare a cup of tea will help much with the patient’s comfort and healing.

In order to find out whether this procedure is covered by health care insurance, it would be wise to make an initial consultation appointment with a plastic surgeon who specializes in Blepharoplasty. The doctor will do an examination which includes a visual screening. If it is discovered that there is a blockage of vision, the eyelid surgery will likely be covered by insurers.