As mentioned on numerous previous answers, the insurance company doesn't cover surgery based on the doctor. They base coverage based on type of surgery planned. If you are going to have plastic surgery, why would you use anyone other than a plastic surgeon. Typically coverage is based on symptoms, results of a "Peripheral Field Vision Test", photos demonstrating the anatomy and planned procedure. The test can be done by an optometrist, but the rest needs to be sent in by the plastic surgeon in the form of a letter to the insurance company. Choose your surgeon based on training and experience. A plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery will have expertise in both Eyelid and Brow Lift and be able to explain which is best. Most of my patients need a browlift rather than eyelid lift, many people need both. Browlifts are done endoscopically in the majority of cases so you need someone with experience in that procedure as well.
Being from Alabama I can assure you that you have gotten the wrong information. Insurance does not cover a particular type of doctor , only a particular type of surgery. In fact the way it is determined if the procedure is covered is by a test that measures your visual field obstruction created by the loose skin and/or droopy brow. If your visual field reduction is 50% or greater, then Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama will cover only one of the procedures; either the upper lid blepharoplasty or the brow lift, but not both. Occuloplastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, and plastic surgeons all do this type of surgery , however, the brow is more commonly done by the latter two. Most surgeons now perform the browlift endoscopically so there is no need for scars on your brow for this type of surgery if you need it. Also the browlift is necessary in around 80% in my cases since once the brow is in the proper position the amount of excess skin in the upper lid is less. Be sure the surgeon has a lot of experience in cosmetic surgery and is board certified.
