Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Cost and Financin

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.

Average Eyelid Surgery Price

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.

Blepharoplasty 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.

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.

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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.