Eyelid Surgery Cost for Just One Droopy Lid?

Question

I was born this way. I was wondering if eyelid surgery would be cheaper, since I only want my left eyelid fixed? What kind of anesthesia would I need?

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

This is a great question, because ptosis is quite common. There are multiple factors that can cause it, but 3 surgical procedures to correct it. Ptosis can be left alone or repaired. When the ptosis is significant enough to impair the vision, insurance companies pick up the cost. Otherwise, patients pay out of pocket. The cost varies from doctor to doctor. When in doubt, patients with droopy lids should see an oculoplastic surgeon for evaluation and treatment plan.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Because blepharoplasty is such a varied procedure, the cost also
varies. Factors which contribute to the cost of eyelid surgery include:

Type
and extent of surgery

Surgeon’s
fee

Facility
fee

Anesthesia
fee

Medication

For approximate costs by
location ,  search Real Self, American
Society of Plastic Surgeons, or American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Oculoplastic surgery websites.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The Photograph demonstrates ptosis one eyelid, so it's best to check in with an ocular plastic surgeon for repair of this. It is significant enough, this can be billed to your medical insurance for medical necessity. Cosmetic eye surgery will not improve this.

Cynthia Boxrud, MD · Answer

If you have had the problem for many years this may be something that is congenital. Drooping of the eyelids are treated with either a procedure that is done under the eyelid or an incision on the outer eyelid as there are two muscles that lift the eyelid.  
Often insurance with cover these procedures.

Jonathan Hoenig, MD · Answer

There are a few different things that cause eyelid droopiness (ptosis) and basically 3 ways to fix it. About 90% of my patients can have the eyelid droopiness repaired by tightening the muscle through an incision on the underside of the eyelid (hence no visible scars).
Without insurance, the cost to do one eye is usually about $1000. (It will depend on what is found when I examine you in the office and do some tests on your eyelid).
The surgery is done in the office operating room with local anesthesia (lidocaine injections to numb up the eyelid) plus oral sedation (pills to make you sleepy and relaxed). You will need someone to drive you home after surgery as the relaxing medications will make it unsafe for you to drive right awa. The stitches come out in a week.
Sometimes after fixing one eyelid, the other one will drop after surgery, so on occasion (about 15% of the time), we'll have to go back to surgery and raise the other eyelid.

Eyelid Surgery Cost for Just One Droopy Lid?

Answers (5)

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