Minor Corrections Following Blepharoplasty

Question

What are surgeons’ policies or attitude towards minor revisions following Blepharoplasty? Does the opinion or preference of the patient matter, or is it strictly up to the surgeon to assess what is worth correcting? Do most surgeon's charge for such corrections, or is it included in the initial fee?

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Usually patients sign a contract prior to their surgery spelling out who is responsible for what.
There is a grey zone when the patient thinks something should be done but the doctor does not feel it is in the patient's best interest, or would aesthetically damaging, or too risky to justify doing surgery.
Examples are a patient who wants more skin taken from below the eyes after a blepharoplasty, when the surgeon knows it will pull down in a strange or unusual fashion, or a facelift patient who wants more tightness but the surgeon knows it will create a windblown look.
In those cases, it is best to discuss what the patient's wishes are, what the surgeon is capable of safely doing, and almost always there will be a meeting of the minds.
Most top plastic surgeons are very customer service oriented and want to make their patients happy... within responsible limits.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

If there is an obvious correction that needs to made, it is our policy to waive any surgeon's fee for the patient.  However, if the "correction" is unrealistic or if the outcome is one that was discussed as a possibility prior to the original operation, then any further procedures are the responsibility of the patient.  There really is no rule or policy to which all surgeons agree.  Good luck.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dear Apple
The opinion of the patient does matter.  However, it is human nature to what more and better.  Consequently, patients are often told that they will have to pay something toward the cost of revisional surgery.  Policies among surgeons vary and the exact issue also has some bearing.  
To me, if a patient has had an aesthetic improvement but wants a more dramatic effect, they will be asked to pay for the cost of anesthesia and the facility, and generally, a portion of the surgeons fee.  
Occasionally, there is some post operative issue.  It might be that the incision did not heal ideally or separated while healing.  Their might be residual fullness in the eyelid that is beyond an aesthetic issue.  Under these circumstances, I often will revise the eyelid at no charge to my patient.  I think this approach is very common with other surgeons as well.
Obviously, it is possible that the patient and the surgeon are not on the same page. The patient might feel that surgery was very disappointing and yet the surgeon may feel that the result is very acceptable and that the patient just has "unrealistic expectations."  On more that one occasion, this has been the basis for a permanent break down in a relationship between the surgeon and the patient.
I think that most surgeons are motivate to make their patients happy but recognize that there are limits.  If there is no meeting of the minds, then it is probably best to look elsewhere for further aesthetic help.  In the process of looking for a new surgeon, it pays to avoid bad mouthing your first surgeon because this will definitely make the new surgeon uncomfortable.  It is unavoidable for them to think that it is just a matter of time before you may be talking to another surgeon the same way about them.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

This is a great question and important to discuss with your surgeon prior to surgery. Every plastic surgery practice has a revision policy. Often, the revision policy will be discussed during your pre-operative appointment.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Minor corrections after blepharoplasty are usually performed if there is residual fat or excess skin on the upper or lower lids.  If there is excess fat, this is usually removed under a general anesthesia since it is painful to remove it under local anesthesia.  The monetary charge for corrections is usually fairly minimal and usually just covers the operating room for anesthesia, in our practice.

Minor Corrections Following Blepharoplasty

Answers (8)

Answer: Surgical Revisions

Answer: Surgical Revisions

Answer: Revisions are for residual fat or excess skin

Answer: Revisions are for residual fat or excess skin

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Minor Corrections Following Blepharoplasty

Answers (8)

Answer: Surgical Revisions

Answer: Surgical Revisions

Answer: Revisions are for residual fat or excess skin

Answer: Revisions are for residual fat or excess skin

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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