When you’re considering plastic surgery, your first thought may be that you want to make yourself look younger with surgery or possibly injectables. While surgeons perform many cosmetic procedures for only cosmetic purposes, others have functions purposes, as well.
After talking to your surgeon, you might conclude that the procedure is an excellent idea to improve a health or medical issue.
An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is a perfect example of a cosmetic procedure with both cosmetic and functional benefits. Many people have an eyelid lift to transform the upper and lower eyelids area to make them look younger. Or, you can have the procedure to correct an issue that affects your vision.
Goals Of A Cosmetic Eyelid Lift
The goals of a cosmetic eyelift depend on where the surgery is performed and the issue that concerns you. Eyelid surgery can be done on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
The upper eyelid lift targets the muscles in the eye’s upper area and reduces the extra skin in that area. You could opt for an upper eyelid lift if your upper lids feel or look heavy and droop over the eyes. Heavy, droopy upper eyelids can make you look tired and also make you look much older.
Your lower eyelids also can change because of aging. The skin of your lower lids may stretch, and the muscles in that area can weaken, leading to droopiness under your eyes. Some patients also notice that fat deposits develop under the eyes as they age, which leads to a baggy, puffy appearance.
A lower eyelid lift can tighten your lower eyelids, smooth the skin and create a younger look. During this cosmetic procedure, your surgeon can remove fat deposits under the eyes to reduce the puffiness and bagginess you have there.
An eyelid lift can be done by itself, but some patients have a brow lift or facelift at the same time.
Goals Of A Functional Eyelid Lift
A cosmetic eyelid lift intends to enhance your appearance, but the goal of a functional eyelid lift is to improve a medical problem that affects the way your eyes function. One of the most common goals of eyelid lift surgery is to improve vision.
A functional eyelid lift usually focuses on your upper eyelids. The upper lids may droop or sag over your eyes and block your vision.
Sometimes, the sagging of the upper lids can make it hard to wear contact lenses or glasses to enhance your sight. You could need surgery on the upper lids if you have recurring pain in your forehead. When your upper eye skin sags, many strain their brows to keep the upper lids elevated.
Functional blepharoplasty can ease the strain on your forehead muscles to reduce pain. Also, this type of eyelid surgery can reduce irritation when droopy eyelid skin rubs together.
Eyelid Lifts and Ptosis
Some patients with drooping eyelids develop ptosis when the eyelid falls or droops below where it should be. In the worst cases, ptosis may obscure your vision, which requires immediate attention.
Many things can cause ptosis. Some patients are born with upper eyelids that tend to droop over one or both eyes. If the ptosis is bad enough to block a baby’s vision, surgery may be needed immediately to prevent long-term damage.
If the drooping skin doesn’t obstruct the baby’s vision, surgery could be delayed until the child is older. Many children born with ptosis may wait for an eyelid lift until about the age of five.
Adults also can develop ptosis as a result of aging, a muscle disease, or a tumor. If the ptosis is caused by aging, eyelid surgery can correct the problem. If a muscle disease or tumor is the issue, your surgeon will treat the tumor or disease before fixing the eyelid.
Insurance And Eyelid Lifts
Health insurance doesn’t usually cover plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons. If you want an eyelid lift to look younger, you’ll probably need to pay out of pocket.
However, if you need a function eyelid lift, your insurance company may pay for it. If you can prove that your surgery is medically necessary, it’s possible you won’t need to pay for it.
If you’re interested in a functional eyelid lift, call your insurance company directly to determine the criteria for them to cover the cost. Depending on the policy, the provider could require documentation from your doctor to show that the procedure will provide a medical benefit.
Ideal Candidates For An Eyelid Lift
Whether you have functional or cosmetic reasons in mind, eyelid lift surgery isn’t for everyone. The best candidates are in good health.
If you have an underlying medical problem causing your eye issues, your doctor will probably deal with that first. Then, he or she may recommend eyelid lift surgery to correct any drooping or sagging.
If you have any of the following issues, eyelid lift surgery could be for you:
- Vision issues caused by drooping skin on the upper eyelids
- Puffiness under the eyes
- Bags under your eyes
- Sagging or folding skin over your eyes
- Constantly tired appearance
Request An Eyelid Surgery Consultation Today
Interested in a Las Vegas eyelid surgery? Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Rachel Mason today! She will review the options with you about eyelid surgery, your goals and help determine if you’re an ideal candidate for this procedure.
References
Eyelid Lift Procedure Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-eyelid-surgery#1
What Is An Eyelid Lift? (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/eyelid-lift
What To Expect from Blepharoplasty. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/blepharoplasty
