Blepharoplasty is the cosmetic or therapeutic removal of excess skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids. As they get older, many people will find that their upper eyelids will begin to droop. They will become so heavy that the skin will visibly cascade over the eyelashes causing a loss in the visual field. For people experiencing this sort of visual defect, insurance will often cover upper eyelid surgery. In order to determine whether a significant visual field defect exists an optometrist or opthalmologist can perform a simple test which will determine how much can be seen by the patient. The results of this test along with other factors of the physical examination will usually determine whether a medical condition exists for insurance coverage of this type of corrective surgery.

Surgery of the lower eyelids is usually determined to be cosmetic only; however, a physical examination is necessary to make a determination.

Whether eyelid surgery is cosmetic or corrective, the procedure is done in the same manner. The surgery is performed at an outpatient surgery center under a general anesthetic. Patients go home the same day and are seen at one and two week intervals for follow up. Patients are followed for 6 months to a year afterward