Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about their vision and general eye health issues. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
Click on a question below or post your question on my blog at
http://eyelidsurgeryquestionsandanswers.blogspot.com
Will My Insurance Cover My Eyelid Surgery?
A: Eyelid drooping (ptosis) or excess folding of the skin (dermatochalasis) can be caused by many things. With aging, skin and soft tissues lose their elasticity and volume, leading to the appearance of excess or drooping skin and muscles around the eye. In severe cases, this drooping or excess skin can block the vision by obscuring the superior visual field. In this instance, most insurance companies consider surgical repair by blepharoplasty or ptosis repair to be a medical necessity.
The assessment of medical necessity for eyelid surgery requires specialized testing and evaluation by a qualified physician. Dr. Becker is a specialist with eyelid surgery and will evaluate your particular case with relevant testing. As an oculoplastic surgeon, he is uniquely qualified to perform your eyelid surgery, since this is a primary focus of his training.
If you think your eyelids are drooping or are noticing excess skin on your eyelids, contact us today to schedule an exam!
How Long Should I Allow For Recovery After Having Eyelid Surgery?
A: In general, eyelid surgery is known for having a fairly quick recovery. Patients can often return to work in a day or two, although it is best to take a few days off and take it easy to allow proper healing. Most bruising and swelling resolves in approximately two weeks, and one should wait a week or two before recommencing strenuous activities.
Is Eyelid Surgery Safe?
A: It is important to realize that, like any surgery, eyelid surgery is not without risk. However, major complications are extremely rare. Minor complications occasionally occur, such as bleeding, bruising, and swelling. However, such problems are temporary and will resolve within a few weeks of the surgery. As oculoplastic surgeons, we are specifically trained to perform surgery in and around the eye, so we are uniquely able to better avoid serious problems that can occur with eyelid surgery.
Does Eyelid Surgery Hurt?
A: There is minimal pain associated with eyelid surgery. Local anesthesia is used on the skin, and this can be supplemented with mild relaxing or sedating medication. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pressure during the procedure. After the procedure, patients may experience minor irritation in or around the eyes, which is usually treated with over-the-counter analgesics. Any mild discomfort should fade within a few days.
