Can I get eyelid surgery and ptosis surgery at the same time?

Question

I have ptosis on my right eye. It's most noticeable in photos. I was diagnosed by an ophthalmic surgeon and that procedure is covered by insurance. However, if I need (want) a blepharoplasty too, does it make sense to do them together? Or is that not a good idea? Would the ophthalmic surgeon do the bleph too? Confused.

Jessica Lattman, MD · Answer

Yes, In my experience it is possible to do a cosmetic blepharoplasty and ptosis repair at the same time.  I often do this for my patients.  I would recommend having an oculoplastic surgeon evaluate your eyelids.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for using RealSelf.com.It is common to have upper eyelid ptosis repair and blepharoplasty at the same time.  Same incision for both procedures so no extra scars.I would recommend if you are interested to see several experienced board-certified oculoplastic surgeons in your area.  They perform these routinely as many plastic surgeons do not.Good luck to you.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

However, Medicare regional administrators decided that they would not pay for both at the same time.  Surgeons decided they did not wanted to do the work for free.  For this reason, almost uniformly, if you are using your health insurance, you will only have the ptosis repaired and then if there is extra skin, at a separate time, if needed, they will perform blepharoplasty, assuming the skin heaviness is sufficient to meet insurance criteria.  If not, then you will be advised that the second surgery is cosmetic and your will have to pay for it out of your pocket.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

#Ptosis repair and #blepharoplasty at the same time would be a good chance to get the most improvement of your eyes in one procedure

Katrinka L. Heher, MD · Answer

You should definitely have these done at the same time as you will have to heal twice if you wait for the second surgery.  Both are routinely performed together by oculoplastic surgeons so make sure you have one.  Best of luck.

Jeffrey M. Joseph, MD · Answer

As an oculoplastic surgeon (eyelid specialist) I routinely perform these procedures together. It offers the benefit of combining the healing time into one procedure and can give good reliable results for both the eyelid height and eyelid skin.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Ptosis and cosmetic eyelid surgery can be both performed together at the same time. If the ptosis is significant enough, it can meet requirements for medical necessity. A cosmetic blepharoplasty must be paid for by the patient.

Keshini Parbhu, MD · Answer

Great question!  There is a difference between ptosis repair and blepharoplasty.  Many patients opt to do both at the same time.  It allows you to recover from both at the same time - there are some common elements to both surgeries so it does make sense to do both together.  Having an experienced surgeon with eyelid surgery is important.  Good luck.

Marc Cohen, MD (retired) · Answer

Ptosis (droopy eyelid) surgery and Blepharoplasty (removal of excess skin +/- fat.....often cosmetic) are commonly done at the same time.  Each eyelid operation is customized for the patients needs.  If you have drooping of your eyelid and excess skin, and or fat, in your upper eyelids, they can all be taken care of at the same time.

Can I get eyelid surgery and ptosis surgery at the same time?

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