Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): Improve Your Quality of Life and Confidence
If you’re considering eyelid surgery for better vision or a more youthful appearance, the UW Health team of ophthalmologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons is here to help.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a type of eye plastic surgery. It can improve droopy eyelids and the puffy bags that sometimes appear under the eyes. The surgery involves removing excess fat, muscle, and skin. This can help you look younger and more alert, and can also improve your peripheral vision.
Who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty?
If you have droopy upper or lower eyelids or puffiness under your eyes, blepharoplasty may be right for you. Your overall health will help determine if surgery is right for you. You can have blepharoplasty at any age.
Price Guide
So, how much will your surgery cost? Eyelid surgery is a highly customized procedure that varies in complexity. The top three expenses you will pay are: surgeon fees, anesthesia fees, and surgical/facility fees. We will give you a starting point for expected costs below.
Upper Eyelid Lift Cost
Upper eyelid surgery is relatively simple. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia and takes only 1-2 hours. Patients can expect surgery costs as low as $1,500, with the average price tag being around $3,200. Of course, if your case is more serious or you want a drastic change, your personal needs and goals may significantly increase the price.
Eyebag Removal Cost
Lower eyelid surgery is typically a little more complex and is performed under general anesthesia. Eyebag removal surgery can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000. However, in Raleigh, NC, the average cost you will pay is around $6,775. Lower eyelid surgery is rarely performed for functional purposes and is not typically covered by insurance.
Combination Eyelid Lift Surgery
Aging doesn’t happen all at once in one area of our face. Some patients may benefit from combining two procedures for better results with a shorter downtime. Combining upper and lower eyelid surgeries is a cost-effective way to save on many surgical costs, such as facility fees. The average price of an upper/lower blepharoplasty in Raleigh, NC is approximately $4,650.
Dr. Stein is a double-board certified surgeon and facial specialist. He has performed hundreds of upper and lower eyelid surgeries and is familiar with the intricacies of each procedure. In some cases, Dr. Stein may recommend combining a blepharoplasty with a complementary treatment, such as a brow lift.
During your in-person consultation, Dr. Stein will customize a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals and provide you with an upfront cost estimate.
What other blepharoplasty costs should I consider?
To ensure the best possible results, you may be required to pay for some pre- and post-operative costs. While these costs may not appear large individually, they can quickly add up for patients who have to pay out of pocket.
Additional costs may include:
Medical exams
Lab work
Follow-up visits
Every surgeon prices their surgery differently. Some surgeons may offer “all-inclusive” pricing, while others may choose to itemize each fee. Be sure to ask during your initial consultation what costs are included in your cost estimate.
Will insurance cover my eyelid lift?
Occasionally, some functional surgeries may be covered by your insurance. For example, if your upper eyelids are severely droopy, obstructing your vision and affecting your daily activities (like driving), your insurance may cover all (or part) of your surgery. In most cases, if a patient is having a blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons only, they should pay for the surgery out of pocket.