How Upper Eyelid Surgery May Improve Your Vision
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is one of several plastic surgery procedures that can yield both cosmetic and functional benefits, depending on a patient’s needs. At Frisco Plastic Surgery & Medspa in Dallas, upper eyelid surgery is often performed to improve vision while simultaneously - and often dramatically - rejuvenating a patient’s facial appearance.
Dr. Ken Smart, our esteemed and highly experienced plastic surgeon, has a wealth of experience in performing eyelid surgery to restore vision and to restore beauty to the eye area. As with all plastic surgery procedures performed by Dr. Smart, you can expect the results of your upper eyelid surgery to look completely natural and to enhance your facial beauty, whether you are undergoing the procedure to correct your vision, improve your appearance, or both.
What Is Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery is a procedure in which excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed from the upper eyelid. These excess tissues may accumulate due to the passage of time or may simply be a matter of heredity, which is why upper eyelid surgery is often performed on relatively young patients. When upper eyelid surgery is performed primarily to correct obstructed vision, it is referred to as functional blepharoplasty. However, because such vision problems are the result of heavy, drooping eyelids, the functional blepharoplasty generally offers equally impressive cosmetic benefits.
Does Insurance Cover Functional Blepharoplasty?
Depending on the individual patient’s insurance policy, it certainly may. In order to justify the medical necessity of upper eyelid surgery to insurance companies, Dr. Smart must administer a visual field exam prior to performing the procedure. Patients take this exam, in which they must push a button whenever they see a flashing light, twice. During the second time they take the exam, tape will be used to lift the eyelids, simulating the results of functional blepharoplasty. If the patient’s field of vision is superior during the second test, then there is a good chance that his or her insurance company will cover at least part of the upper eyelid surgery.
Candidates for Upper Eyelid Surgery to Improve Vision
If you have noticed a reduction in your field of vision due to bulging or drooping eyelids, you are almost certainly a good candidate for upper eyelid surgery. You must also:
- Be in good enough general health to undergo a minimally invasive surgical procedure
- Have reasonable expectations of the surgery, including the fact that the results of upper eyelid surgery may subside over time and that the procedure may therefore need to be repeated in five to ten years’ time
- Be willing to follow all of the post-surgical instructions provided to you by Dr. Smart, as doing so is necessary to proper healing
Even if you are unaware of a reduction in your field of vision, if you have drooping eyelids, your vision may be affected without your even knowing it. During your initial consultation with Dr. Smart, he will evaluate your condition and determine whether upper eyelid surgery may help to improve your vision.
For further information about upper eyelid surgery to improve vision, please contact Frisco Plastic Surgery & Medspa today.