I’m having eyelid & brow lift surgery. Eyelids are covered by Kaiser. I have to pay for brows $5,600. Overpriced?

Question

Done together I think 5,600 is too much for adding an Endoscopic brow lift??

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

If you believe the cost of your procedure is excessive, then you may choose not to do it.  Prices of surgery depend on many factors.  The real estate (sterile operating room) devoted completely to you for the duration of your procedure is one factor.  The highly trained, skilled, professional licensed staff (surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurse(s), surgical tech) also all committed completely to you is another.  Risk mitigation is expensive, and technology (endoscope(s), surgical equipment and supplies, fiberoptic light source(s), back-up equipment and power in case of malfunction) are also costly.  Peri-operative care (pre and post-op visits) and individualized evaluation on a serial basis and maintenance of medical records documenting the entire process are time consuming, an additional investment of systems and resources.  Additional supportive infrastructure ("hidden costs") like regulatory, utilities, and taxation increase prices.
Still, whether or not all these costly elements will produce for you a sustained benefit and worthwhile investment of YOUR hard earned dollars is a decision that is yours alone.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are adding on to a surgery being done at Kaiser, you are likely paying for the cash price cost of the operating room, scrub tech personnel in surgery, cost of the RN for recovery, and the anesthesiologist if there is one. Likely Kaiser has all those costs factored into your price. Is there a less expensive option elsewhere?  You can always find a cheaper place, but is it better? It depends on the value you place on your surgeon. If you only want that doctor, then the price is set and do it there.If you’re doing it there only because the blephs are free, then you have much to think about. Many people also do the blephs at Kaiser but go elsewhere for other work. It’s a decision for you depending on the value placed on that surgeon.

Arnold Almonte, DO · Answer

Hi, pricing can vary between practices, depending on the type of brow lift, anesthesia, etc. The main question to answer is, does the procedure fit your face and overall cosmetic plan. This requires a good relationship with your surgeon and staff. Once you have that, price becomes a secondary issue. Good luck!

Mark Berkowitz, MD · Answer

Alinavarni  Thank you for your question.  An in person consultation is necessary to determine your best course of action and treatment plan.  Each physician, medical  center, anesthesia department  have their own pricing.  You will always be able to find pricing above and below.  The question is are you happy and confident with your choice of cosmetic surgeons?  If so, that is most important as you never want to discount your face.  AS the least expensive  price may end up being the costliest  if you need to return to the operating room.  That said , that price seems appropriate.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and if you search around, you can find better deals from reputable surgeons.  I offer an in office browlift (pretrichial/subcutaneous at the hairline) for just over $2000.  If you went to the OR, it would add almost $2000 more to the procedure.  So you can have your lids done by your contracted surgeon and choose someone else to have the browlift.

I’m having eyelid & brow lift surgery. Eyelids are covered by Kaiser. I have to pay for brows $5,600. Overpriced?

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Answer: Eyelids Covered By Insurance But Not Eye Brow Elevation

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Answer: Browlift costs vary widely

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I’m having eyelid & brow lift surgery. Eyelids are covered by Kaiser. I have to pay for brows $5,600. Overpriced?

Answers (8)

Answer: Eyelids Covered By Insurance But Not Eye Brow Elevation

Answer: Eyelids Covered By Insurance But Not Eye Brow Elevation

Answer: Browlift costs vary widely

Answer: Browlift costs vary widely

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.