The main difference between the two cosmetic procedures is the area of the face each surgery addresses: A brow lift targets the skin and soft tissue in the forehead. On the other hand, a blepharoplasty removes extra skin and fat from the eyelids (upper and lower)
A blepharoplasty is recommended for patients that specifically want to address sagging, heavy eyelids and a brow lift is recommended for patients with lower or sagging brows. If the drooping of the eyelid goes away when your brows are raised, then a brow lift may be the procedure you are looking for.
The average cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery is $4,120, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.
Blepharoplasty is the type of surgery that repairs droopy eyelids. An ophthalmologist or a plastic and reconstructive surgeon can perform this surgery. During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the natural fold of your eye, and removes excess skin, muscle and possibly fat along your upper eye lid.
You can have a blepharoplasty at any time. But if you're seeking one due to aging, you'll usually get the best results after age 40. People who are advanced in age should generally avoid the procedure because of the risks of surgical complications.
Surgery for excessive eyelid skin is known as blepharoplasty. In some cases, upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty can be classified a Medicare eligible procedure, meaning that Medicare will rebate a portion of your surgeons fees and anaesthetic fees.
Generally, an upper lid blepharoplasty is a non painful procedure that patients can usually have performed, and enjoy a minimal amount of post-operative pain medicine, because the procedure is very mild. It's almost like a skin excision, and the eyelid itself is not particularly painful.
If you opt for lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty), you can expect your results to last for a lifetime. If you opt for upper eyelid correction, you can expect your results to last for roughly five to seven years.
Persons with dry eye, diabetes, and glaucoma may not be suitable candidates for eyelid surgery. Persons with drooping and uneven eyebrows may also not make good candidates. Avoid drinking and smoking as they can interfere with the surgery outcome.
Risks associated with Blepharoplasty
Dry or irritated eyes. Eyelid problems, such as inability to completely close eyes. Visible scarring and/or variation from normal skin color. Injury to eye muscles.
You should be in good health and a non-smoker. The surgery is worth it for people who want to look younger and better rested in and around the eyes. The results are subtle but dramatic, and recovery is minor with little pain reported.
A blepharoplasty, commonly known as an eyelift, can enhance and revitalize the appearance of the eyes. Saggy or drooping eyelids can be an age-defining feature, causing you to appear older than you are.
After a blepharoplasty procedure, patients are generally happy with the outcome, with many commenting on how well-rested and refreshed they look.
The appearance of the eyes can be dramatically altered by the removal of excess skin or puffy bags under the eyes. Eyes that are weighed down or crowded by aging skin or puffy bulges may seem smaller or narrower. Once this skin is removed, the eye can appear more open, rounder, and awake.
Many patients are interested in knowing if they will be put to sleep for blepharoplasty surgery. To keep you comfortable during your procedure, you will be given either local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the eyelid and surrounding area, while keeping you sedated but awake during surgery.
Your eyelids will probably look puffy after surgery. The incisions will probably look red, too. The swelling and bruising involved with blepharoplasty recovery tend to resemble a black eye. That is all normal.
How Much Will Medicare Contribute Towards My Blepharoplasty? It's important to know that Medicare won't subsidise the cost of the entire procedure. Instead, Medicare covers 75% of the fees outlined in the Medicare Benefits Schedule. These fees are commonly lower than the costs of the procedure.
The Medicare rebate is $186.40 for upper lid surgery and $258.55 for lower lid surgery. These rebates are available for only functional surgeries that meet the above criteria.
A minimum 12 degree or 30 percent loss of upper field of vision with upper lid skin and/or upper lid margin in repose and elevated (by taping of the lid) to demonstrate potential correction by the proposed procedure or procedures is required.
There is no upper age window for blepharoplasty. Patients in good health can get eyelid surgery even in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.
A minimum 12 degree OR 30 percent loss of upper field of vision with upper lid skin and/ or upper lid margin in repose and elevated (by taping of the lid) to demonstrate potential correction by the proposed procedure or procedures is required.
Cardiovascular disease. Diabetes. Hypothyroidism and 'Graves Disease' (thyroid problems) Dry eyes or problems with tear ducts.