Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should an oculoplastic surgeon perform my eyelid surgery?
An oculoplastic surgeon is the only eyelid specialist with ophthalmology training. Our unique and specialized training gives you peace of mind - we know more about the complex structures of the eyelid and orbit than any other specialty, and take extra care to protect your eye and vision while you undergo treatment.
Does insurance cover eyelid surgery?
Your insurance will likely cover eyelid surgery if it is considered functional, rather than cosmetic, in nature. We evaluate every eyelid concern and submit all appropriate cases to insurance for coverage. If an eyelid concern is more cosmetic in nature, we will discuss your out-of-pocket costs with you in detail.
Can I have eyelid surgery to fix both functional and cosmetic problems at the same time?
We frequently treat combination functional and cosmetic concerns at the same time. In these cases, insurance will cover the functional part of the surgical cost.
Will my insurance cover all the costs?
We will ask your insurance to cover functional concerns. Co-pays, deductibles and cosmetic fees are not covered by insurance.
Where are the surgeries performed?
Our surgeries are performed in ambulatory surgery centers or procedure rooms, depending upon the type of case and the amount of anesthesia needed. All of our sites meet regulatory compliance and cater to eyelid needs.
If I have a chalazion (stye) or an eyelid lesion, will my oculoplastic surgeon be able to fix these problems during my first visit?
Most insurance requires prior authorization prior to coverage of any lid lesion or stye excision. For this reason, you will likely return for a procedure after an initial evaluation.
What should I do to prepare for my eyelid surgery?
For larger surgeries, you may be asked to obtain clearance for surgery from your internist, primary care doctor or cardiologist. In some cases, if you are on blood thinners (anti-coagulants), you might ask your prescribing physician whether it is safe to discontinue them immediately prior to surgery. They are typically restarted the next day.
It is always wise to have a few ice packs in the freezer to help with post-operative swelling. For larger eyelid procedures, you can assume you will have bruising and swelling for 2 weeks after surgery, and you will not be able to exercise during that time.
What can I do to prepare for my consultation with the oculoplastic surgeon?
If you have undergone any evaluation, surgery, imaging or labwork for your condition, bring the reports with you. In addition, please bring a disc of your imaging with you if it was performed at an outside hospital.
If you are going to undergo an upper eyelid consultation, try to avoid injections of botulinum toxin (i.e. Botox) for 3 months prior to your consultation.
In general, it is best to arrive without eyelid makeup on, so that we can fully evaluate your eyelids.
What can I do to minimize any bruising and swelling I might have from surgery and help my wounds heal well?
For minor eyelid surgery, keeping the procedure site moisturized helps the skin heal faster. You will do this with antibiotic ointment at first, and then transition to a gentle moisturizer afterwards as needed.
For major eyelid surgery, the most important way to minimize swelling and bruising is to ice after your surgery. Icing for several days afterwards (10 minutes on/10 minutes off while awake) will help you look and feel better faster. If you don't require blood-thinners for medical reasons, staying away from medications like advil or ibuprofen may help reduce bruising. It is critical to avoid any activity that makes your face red or your heart rate increase for 2 weeks after surgery.