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.
If you have loose skin that impacts your vision, you may be eligible for the blepharoplasty Medicare rebate. To qualify for blepharoplasty Medicare you must seek an opinion from an Ophthalmologist. You will need to do a test that checks how your loose skin affects your vision.
You experience at least 30% or 12 degrees of obstruction of the visual field caused by the excess skin on your eyelids. You have photographs and documentation of visual problems as proof that can be submitted to Medicare. Medicare-approved physicians must state the surgery is medically necessary.
Medicare will only cover your surgery if you have: Physical signs of upper eyelid skin excess. Proof of a minimum of 12 degrees (or 30 percent) of visual field obstruction as demonstrated on a visual field test (performed by an ophthalmologist)
You can expect treatment costs to fall within the following ranges: Cost of upper eyelid blepharoplasty – $2,500 – 4,500 (AUD) Cost of lower eyelid blepharoplasty – $2,500 – 4,500 (AUD) Cost of combined upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty – Between $4,500 – 8,000 (AUD)
People who get eyelid surgery are usually in their mid-30s at least. This is because the aging process visibly affects the eyelids in most people by this time. However, if you are at least 18 years old and concerned about the appearance of your eyelids, this procedure may be right for you.
Results vary, but you should see tighter, brighter, more open eyes in the mirror. The results are often subtle but striking. You'll look natural but more rested and alert and younger. You will probably see a difference in your eyelids after surgery.
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.
Some patients are ready for eyelid surgery in their 30s, while others won't need it for a few decades more. There is no upper age window for blepharoplasty. Patients in good health can get eyelid surgery even in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.
Blepharoplasty won't stop your eyes from aging. But the results usually last a long time. Upper eyelid surgery can last anywhere from five to seven years to an entire lifetime, while lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be done more than once.
Your eyelid may be swollen and bruised for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. The appearance of your eye may continue to get better for 1 to 3 months. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in about 10 to 14 days. This may depend on your job and how you feel about people knowing about your surgery.
No, Medicare doesn't typically cover laser eye surgery since it's considered a cosmetic procedure (i.e. you want to remove your need for glasses). However, if you have a certain eye disease and require medically necessary treatment, the cost of your surgery may be covered or subsidised.
The average cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery is $4,120, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
If you're aiming to remove these extra folds to restore a more natural eyelid appearance, you are likely an ideal candidate for an eyelid lift. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the vast majority — roughly 91% — of eyelid surgery patients are over 40, and more than half of that 91% is over 55.
In general, insurance companies will cover blepharoplasty or ptosis repair if the eyelids cause a “visually significant” obstruction of the upper visual field that “affects activities of daily living”.
People who are not ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are those who suffer from chronic dry-eye, hypertension, circulation disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes or heart disease.
Eyelid surgery is not recommended for people with hypothyroidism, Grave's disease, dry eye syndrome, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma or retinal detachment. Your surgeon will evaluate any excess skin or fat around your eyelid area, the position of your eyebrows and the muscles around your eyelids.
Look Younger with a Blepharoplasty
In some cases, it can even make you look older than you are. By improving the appearance of droopy or sagging skin, your eyes will look younger. In addition to this, your entire face will look more youthful.
Medicare requires that eyelid surgery procedures meet specific criteria to be covered byMedicare Part B. This criteria includes: The excess eyelid skin is diagnosed by physical examination. There must be proof of at least 30% or 12 degrees of obstruction of the visual field caused by the underlying medical condition.
Once the puffiness under the eyes is reduced, it often never returns. It is important to remember, however, that every patient is different. Should someone develop recurrent puffiness under the eyes after several years, a revision blepharoplasty can help to restore their original results.
It cannot make your eyes bigger than they naturally are, but by removing excess skin and fat, it can make them appear larger. It will rejuvenate your eyes and give you the youthful look you've been dreaming of.
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. General anesthesia keeps you asleep throughout the entire procedure.
A blepharoplasty can improve the appearance of the eyes, but it does not reposition the eyebrows. Alternatively, a brow lift surgery lifts the eyebrows and improves the appearance of the upper eyelids without removing any skin and fat from the eyelids.
Your eyes may appear bigger, brighter, or more awake after your upper, lower, or double blepharoplasty. Many people find that blepharoplasty works well to erase visible signs of aging and increase youthful radiance. Discuss your anti-aging goals with Dr.