Eyelid Surgery Cost and Financing

For many people who are considering eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), the cost is one of the most important factors in deciding whether undergo the procedure. While the price of blepharoplasty varies depending on factors such as the type of technique used, it may be helpful to note that the procedure does not cost as much as many other types of plastic surgery.

Eyelid Surgery Prices

In comparison to more major forms of cosmetic surgery, blepharoplasty can be done for a relatively low cost. On average, eyelid surgery will cost around $4,000, though some doctors may charge as low as $2,000 and others as much as $7,000.

The different types of eyelid surgery carry various price tags as well. On average, lower eyelid surgery cost is about $2,400, while the price of upper eyelid surgery is usually around $2,100. The cost of laser eyelid surgery is typically higher than that of conventional blepharoplasty and can be anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000.

Eyelid Surgery Fees

When a patient pays for blepharoplasty, the cost is actually a combination of various fees, the most substantial of which is the surgeon’s fee. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2004 the average surgeon’s fee for blepharoplasty was $2,523.

The type of anesthesia used in the blepharoplasty procedure may cost between $400 and $600. There is also a fee for the use of the facility (surgical suite fee), which increases with the amount of time spent there. Surgical suite fees are usually about $500 for a single procedure (upper or lower eyelids) and can reach between $800 and $1,000 for dual procedures (upper and lower eyelids). It should be noted that eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure, and hence the surgical suite fee is kept as low as possible.

Eyelid Surgery Payment Options

Most surgeons offer the option of paying for eyelid surgery with cash, check, or major credit card. In some cases, when the surgery is not elective but is to be performed to correct an impairment of vision, some insurance providers will cover a portion, if not all, of the total cost of the procedure. The surgeons themselves may also contract with individual financing companies that allow you to utilize loan options to pay for your eyelid surgery. Some surgeons provide discounts when several procedures are performed at once. It is also a growing trend to give and receive cosmetic surgery as a gift.

Will Insurance Cover the Cost of Eyelid Surgery?

Under most health insurance plans, eyelid surgery is considered an elective procedure. The cost of eyelid surgery must be paid for by the patient because insurance companies do not consider the procedure medically necessary. One notable exception, however, is in the case of patients with ptosis, or severely drooping eyelids that hinder safe and effective vision. Insurance companies may cover all or part of the procedure’s cost for patients with this condition.

If eyelid surgery seems out of your price range, there are plenty of alternatives to blepharoplasty, including laser skin resurfacing and Eyes by Thermage®. These less invasive treatments can often achieve results similar to eyelid surgery. Also, you may consider signing up for one of the many eyelid surgery financing options that are available to patients.

Eyelid Surgery Financing

The increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery has made available many new and convenient methods for financing treatment. For many, affording cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to enhance their appearance and improve their self-esteem is no longer an insurmountable obstacle. Today, traditional payment options, as well as financing, are offered by many surgeons to help ease the financial burden of many forms of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

When insurance will not provide the necessary coverage for your blepharoplasty procedure, and the cost is more than you are willing or able to manage out of pocket or with your pre-existing credit cards, financing may be an option. Many surgeons contract with various finance companies to provide patients the ability to pay for their procedure through the assistance of a qualified lender.

Most practices will be able to assist you in locating financial institutions that provide online applications or lenders you can contact by other means. Your surgeon may contract with one or more institutions and be able to accelerate the application process. Many lenders will accept borrowers with a wide range of credit histories.

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Though blepharoplasty may cost more than you think you can readily afford, a trustworthy doctor may be able to work with you to ensure the procedure is within your means. To learn more about the financial aspects of eyelid surgery, such as the cost of the procedure, financing options available, and the price of any post-operative care, find a plastic surgeon in your area who is willing to take the time to answer your questions.

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