The cost of eyelid surgery depends on the type of procedure, the surgeon’s experience, and whether you need upper or lower eyelid surgery. Most procedures range from approximately $3,000 to $10,000. These estimates do not include anesthesia, facility fees, or other expenses.
Eyelid surgery is commonly called blepharoplasty. This procedure removes or repositions excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids to improve their appearance and, in some cases, your field of vision. Upper blepharoplasty addresses sagging eyelid skin, while lower blepharoplasty helps reduce under-eye bags and puffiness. If your eyelid droops because of a weakened eyelid muscle, a different procedure called ptosis surgery may be recommended.
To qualify for eyelid surgery, you should be in generally good health and have concerns such as drooping eyelids, excess eyelid skin, or under-eye bags. If you’re seeking medically necessary eyelid surgery, your oculofacial surgeon must determine whether sagging skin or drooping eyelids interfere with your vision.
Nonsurgical treatments such as laser skin resurfacing, radiofrequency treatments, and certain cosmetic procedures may help tighten mild eyelid skin laxity and improve fine lines. However, these treatments cannot remove significant excess skin or fully correct drooping eyelids. For moderate-to-severe sagging, upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may provide more noticeable and longer-lasting results. An eyelid specialist can help determine which option is appropriate for you.
Eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance when it is medically necessary to improve vision or eyelid function. For example, upper eyelid surgery may qualify if excess skin obstructs your field of vision and affects daily activities such as reading or driving. Your eye doctor may perform visual field testing and take photographs to document the condition. Cosmetic eyelid surgery, including most lower eyelid procedures performed to reduce bags or wrinkles, is generally not covered.
Eyelid surgery results can last for decades, although they are not permanent because the skin and surrounding tissues continue to age. Longevity depends on your skin elasticity, genetics, aging, and the type of procedure performed.
