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Do I Need Blepharoplasty Only?

asked 3 years ago by Linda in Florida in St. Petersburg, FL
Latest answer by Nelson L. Novick, MD
Question viewed 783 times
Tags: eyelids, sagging

I am age 62, and have very saggy upper eyelids, extending slightly past the outer corners of my eyes. My doctor has recommended a blepharoplasty, bilateral levator advancement, bilateral direct brow lift, and bilateral sculpting of the upper lid fat pads. Since my insurance covers only the blepharoplasty, I'm wondering, do I need the rest. My eyebrows are not sagging, and I don't seem to have a lot of fat above my eyes, so do I really need the eyebrow lift and fat sculpting? Also, what does the "bilateral levator advancement" mean? Thanks so much for your help!

4 answers to Do I Need Blepharoplasty Only?

+1

NonSurgical Browlift

Nonsurgical browlifts have become quite popular of late and may serve as an alternative to aggressive, invasive surgical browlifts in properly selected individuals. They are quick and easy to perform, have little or no downtime, and can achieve quite gratifying results in many cases. The simplest form of chemical browlift is the Botox lift. Tiny droplets of Botox or Dysport are instilled in the region of the outer third of the brow in order to weaken slightly the downward pull on the... more
Nelson L. Novick, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Ptosis Surgery

Linda- I have to agree with the information that the other surgeons have provided. I recommend a levator advancement only when I make the diagnosis of ptosis...this is made using a functional analysis of your eyelids function. Occassionally, one eyelid functions better or worse than the other and can make the advancement procedure more complex. This may also be covered by insurance as it is a functional impairment that can be quantified objectively by your surgeon. Men have "bushy" eye more
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Need to see your problem

Not trying to be evasive but in order to make a suggestion that is accurate, any doctor would need to "see" the problem. Given your age, I would not be surprised if you would not benefit from a brow lift. You may also benefit from a Blepharoplasty. You should see some doctors in your area and also be able to express your expectations regarding your final result.
Michael Kulick, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

You should do what you are comfortable with.

Dear Linda I hope that you are seeing an ophthalmologist who is fellowship trained in eyelid plastic surgery. This individuals will have been elected to the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Your doctor may truly believe that you need all of these things. However, it may be that they are looking to add cosmetic procedures that you will be financially responsible because insurance reimbursement for function blepharoplasty is now so low that it is almost... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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