There are many benefits to eyelid surgery, but what does it cost? This guide on the typical eyelid surgery cost shows what you can expect to pay.
The average cost of eyelid surgery is about $4,000, however, the price is variable depending on a variety of factors.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about eyelid surgery, including cost.
So keep reading to learn more.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid/eye bag surgery, also known as blepharoplasty can be performed for both the upper and lower eyelid. It’s a cosmetic procedure that is used to correct excess fat, wrinkles, and loose skin of the eye area.
As one ages, the skin naturally depletes its fat padding and elasticity. Because of this, the eyelids can appear baggy, wrinkled, or puffy. That’s where eyelid surgery comes in.
The surgery is potent enough to help achieve a youthful look by creating a smoother eye/eyelid.
How Does Eyelid Surgery Work?
The surgeon removes fat and excess skin from the eyelid, after which the skin is sewn back together. This results in a tighter and smoother appearance.
Because of the delicate nature of the structures surrounding the eye, such as the eyeball, muscles, and capillaries, the surgery requires a precise and considerate approach that can only be completed by the most competent surgeons.
What Does the Average Eyelid Surgery Cost?
As mentioned earlier, the average cost for eyelid surgery is about $4,000. This number is derived from the information provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
This is the cost of the surgery itself and does not include anesthesia, room facilities, and other circumstantial factors that will vary for each and every person.
Because this procedure is entirely elective, the costs will nearly double if you choose to have both lower and upper eyelid surgery done at the same time.
In any case, for an accurate estimate of the costs, your surgeon of choice will be able to walk you through each of the fees you can expect to incur with your procedure.
Preparing for Eyelid Surgery
When you feel that you are ready for the procedure, you can schedule an appointment with your surgeon. At this meeting, your doctor will provide you with specific instructions that you must follow.
The doctor might also suggest preliminary medications or eye drops that you must take before the surgery. Also, you should not drive to the surgery on your own, and you should prepare your home to have everything you need ready for your recovery.
Items that you might need include:
- Ice packs for a cold compress
- Sunglasses to protect skin and eyes
- Eye drops that your doctor will want you to use after surgery
- Snacks to help with recovery
It’s important that you speak to your doctor who will be able to note any special preparations that must be made before the procedure.
The Process Behind the Procedure
When it comes to actual eyelid surgery, there are several ways the surgery can be performed. The approach used to perform the surgery will depend on your personal goals and the unique anatomy of your eyes.
Prior to going under, the surgeon will make markings on your eyelids. This will ensure that the eyelids are incised correctly. You will also be situated in a position comfortable for both you and the surgeon.
The process can be performed under local anesthesia, but most typically it’s done under twilight anesthesia, and on rare occasion, general anesthesia. The former allows you to be awake, while the eye has been numbed so you would not feel the surgery. The latter allows you to be fully asleep and unaware of the procedure.
If you’re in need of several procedures, the doctor will recommend twilight or general anesthesia. That said, if you only have lower eyelid surgery, local anesthesia might be all you need.
The incision sites will vary for each person. The doctor will remove the excess fat and skin, then suture or sew the skin to create a lifted, smooth appearance.
After this, your doctor might also suggest injecting fat or fat grafting to the hollow areas to provide them with a fuller appearance.
Targeted Concerns for Eyelid Surgery
When it comes to getting surgery, there are several cosmetic concerns that can be alleviated by the procedure. They include:
- Dark undereye
- Skin wrinkling
- Eyelid sagging
- Baggy eyelids
- Asymmetry of eyelids
In any case, it’s important that you are transparent with your doctor about what is bothering you, and the type of results that you are expecting.
What You Can Expect After Eyelid Surgery
The eyelid surgery is an outpatient (you come, you go) procedure. Your doctor will provide specific certain instructions for general care. These will include cold compresses for the first week after surgery, which will help with swelling.
The doctor will also prescribe eye drops and ointments to prevent infections. You can certainly expect some dry eyes, swelling, bruising and minimal discomfort in the subsequent days after the procedure.
You might also have to limit exercise for a week. You should also wear really dark-tinted glasses to protect the skin and eyes as they heal. If your surgeon has placed sutures that the body cannot absorb, the doctor will schedule an appointment to remove them about a week later.
Most patients will see that bruising and swelling have reduced significantly after two to three weeks, and they at that time feel comfortable in public. If you feel that any of the symptoms are concerning and you are experiencing post-surgery side-effects, you should always call your doctor and share your concerns.
Eyelid Surgery for You
If you’re interested in getting your eyelid surgery in the Omaha, NE area, get in touch with us today at (402) 391-4558. We are ready to help.
