PLASTIC SURGERY

Q: What happens with eyelid and brow surgery? Is it covered by insurance?

A: The eyelids are extremely complex and delicate structures vital to protecting the eye and spreading tears across the eye surface. The position and contours of the eyelids are also important to your facial appearance. Abnormalities in the eyelid’s position, function, and appearance can arise from a variety of causes including birth defects, aging, tumors, injury, or medical diseases. Depending on the cause and the purpose of its repair, eyelid procedures may be either reconstructive (functional) or cosmetic (for appearance). Generally, insurance will cover some cost of functional eyelid surgery. Baggy eyelids usually develop as a result of hereditary tendencies and aging. Allergies and smoking may accelerate aging. Bags are composed of loose skin and muscle, bulging fat, and sometimes, fluid. Blepharoplasty surgery corrects these deformities, and may be either reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on the severity and whether vision is impaired. Droopy eyelids occur when the edge of the upper eyelid that contains the lashes falls too low, and covers part of the pupil, partially blocking your vision. A drooping upper eyelid typically results from aging but can occur as a congenital defect. As all facial structures may sag and droop with age, so too may the brows. Drooping brows (called brow ptosis) may be so severe that they prevent the upper lids from opening fully, so an eyebrow lift procedure positions the brow back to a normal location. It is frequently performed in conjunction with a blepharoplasty, and is most likely not covered by insurance. This is all general information. Please call my office for a consultation so I can make recommendations for your specific situation.

Paul Vanek, MD, FACS