Posted September 09, 2025 in Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery is often sought after for its ability to rejuvenate the eyes, but did you know it can serve a medical purpose in some cases? If drooping eyelids interfere with your vision, cause discomfort, or contribute to overall functional problems, surgery may be more than a cosmetic choice. This blog will discuss when blepharoplasty may qualify for insurance coverage, what’s involved in the process, and how to navigate the steps toward approval.
4 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- What Is Blepharoplasty?
- Functional Benefits of Blepharoplasty
- Does Insurance Cover Blepharoplasty?
- Getting Insurance Coverage for Blepharoplasty
- Why Choose Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa?
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty (also called eyelid surgery or an eye lift) is a plastic surgery procedure designed to address excess skin and ill-positioned fat pads on the upper and lower eyelids. Patients often choose upper and/or lower blepharoplasty to improve signs of aging and rejuvenate a tired or angry appearance. With eyes unobstructed by distracting skin redundancy and tissue ptosis, many patients feel renewed confidence after undergoing blepharoplasty.
Functional Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Not only does blepharoplasty impart a refreshed aesthetic to the eye area, but it also offers functional benefits. These might include:
- Opening up the field of vision by correcting upper eyelid ptosis
- Reducing eye strain or fatigue caused by the weight of sagging lids
- Alleviating headaches caused by compensating for droopy eyelids by raising the brows
- Addressing conditions like entropion and ectropion with lower lid tightening
If your day-to-day life is plagued by excess skin and fat on your upper lid or by malfunctioning lower lids, blepharoplasty can free your eyes from conditions that cause discomfort and negatively impact your quality of life.
Does Insurance Cover Blepharoplasty?
In short: sometimes. It depends on whether or not eyelid surgery is deemed medically necessary or if your case is purely cosmetic.
If you simply wish to remove undereye bags or achieve a more youthful appearance, you will likely not qualify for coverage. However, if drooping eyelids impair your vision or interfere with the proper functioning of your eyes, you may be able to obtain coverage for blepharoplasty. Examples of medical reasons that may qualify you include:
- Significant obstruction of the upper or outer visual field
- Difficulty reading or driving due to droopy eyelids
- Repair of a functional defect resulting from trauma, tumor, or surgery
Your primary care provider or an ophthalmologist can help you with a diagnosis and determine whether your situation would benefit from blepharoplasty.
Getting Insurance Coverage for Blepharoplasty
The specifics of the process will vary depending on the insurance company. You’ll need to check if your insurance provider offers coverage for eyelid surgery in the first place. From there, these are the general steps you would take:
- Consult with an ophthalmologist and plastic surgeon. The ophthalmologist can perform a comprehensive examination to assess the impact on your vision, including eyelid position, decreased visual field, and functional impairment. The plastic surgeon can explain the procedure.
- Gather documentation. This includes medical records, photos, and visual field test results.
- Submit a pre-authorization request to your insurance company. Make sure all the necessary documentation is included, and follow up on the request.
- Understand your costs. Even with insurance coverage, you may still be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays, deductibles, or additional fees.
Why Choose Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa?
At Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, our team is happy to help you streamline the insurance process to make your experience as smooth as possible and ensure you have access to the highest quality care.
Dr. Heath Charvet is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in specialized facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He offers the most advanced surgical techniques to his patients, whom he regards as family, as reflected in his exceptional bedside manner. It is with pleasure and pride that Dr. Heath, as his patients fondly call him, helps patients achieve their surgical goals and can move through life with improved confidence and quality of life.
Learn More About Blepharoplasty in New Orleans, LA
If you are thinking about eyelid surgery, for cosmetic or functional purposes, only trust this delicate procedure to the expertise of a highly qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Heath Charvet and his team are here to guide you through the journey with a vested interest in making sure that the experience is as positive as the result is outstanding!
Schedule a consultation today by calling (504) 571-5908 or by using our online contact form. We look forward to serving you.