What is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery or a blepharoplasty can correct bags and bulges around the eyes as
well as drooping eyelids. The result is a more rested and youthful appearance. Upper
eyelid surgery is performed by making an incision in the natural crease of each
eyelid. Excess skin and fat are removed through these incisions, which are closed
with fine sutures. Over time, the scars fade and are hidden in the creases of the
eyelids.
In lower eyelid surgery, the incisions are made either in the lash lines or on the
inside of the eye lids. Excess fat that causes puffiness is removed though an incision
made inside the lower eyelids. Minimal to no visible scars result from this procedure.
Will I be able to see blepharoplasty before and after pictures of your patients?
During your consultation visit, your surgeon will show you before and after photos
of patients who underwent eyelid surgery. You will be able to see firsthand the
difference the procedure made for these people.
What is the average cost of eyelid surgery?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, MO, the average cost of
an upper and lower eyelid surgery is $3175 each when performed separately. When
performed together, the total price is $5195. This includes operating room cost
and anesthesia services. (Effective June 1, 2009) During your consultation, your
eyes will be evaluated to see if you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery. If
you qualify for insurance coverage, the consultation fee will be submitted to your
insurance company and only your co-pay will be collected that day. If the procedure
is deemed cosmetic, the consultation charge is deducted from the price of the procedure
if you decide to schedule your surgery within 6 months. After 6 months a new consultation
may be scheduled to review any changes in your medical history.
Will insurance cover eyelid surgery? Do you offer financing?
There is a possibility commercial insurance could cover your upper eyelid surgery
if your vision is impaired by the overhang of skin. A visual field study test will
need to be performed by your eye doctor and brought to your consultation. This test
will measure the degree of vision loss. A predetermination letter, visual field
study and photos will then be sent to your insurance company to determine if you
have coverage. Surgery to the lower eyelids is always considered cosmetic.
Our office at Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, MO accepts several
types of payment options. They are cash, credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover
and American Express), money order, cashier checks and financing with an outside
agency. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is not covered by commercial insurance and will
need to be paid in full before surgery. Financing arrangements must be made in advance
with a financing company of your choice.
Do I have to stop smoking prior to eyelid surgery?
Yes. We would like for the patient to stop smoking 1 month before surgery and 1
month after surgery. Nicotine in cigarettes decreases the blood supply to the skin
and blood supply is a very important factor to the healing process. We hope our
Cape Girardeau eyelid surgery patients can decrease their exposure not only to first
hand but also to second hand smoke.
On average, how many eyelid surgeries do you perform in a year?
Dr. Deisher performs an average of 30 to 50 eyelid surgeries per year at his practice
in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Is it possible to go blind?
There are risks associated with eyelid surgery and one of them is blindness. Dr.
Deisher has never had a patient with this complication and is not personally aware
of anyone who had this side effect. The risk is extremely low and Dr. Deisher will
address the issue during your consultation.
Is there a better time of year to have eyelid surgery performed?
You should make it a time when you can allow yourself time to heal. After eyelid
surgery, you will have a 10-15 pound lifting restriction for at least 2 weeks. (That
will include lifting children.) You also have to make adjustments at work due to
pain, swelling, bruising and being on pain medication. On average, patients take
a week to 10 days off work. Some patients have more physically demanding jobs or
their job requires them to be in the public eye, and they might need to take off
more time. Patients on average will have bruising for 1-2 weeks.
Is there anything I need to do to get myself ready for eyelid surgery?
To reduce bruising and the risk of hematoma, you must stop taking blood thinners
and vitamin E at least one week before and after surgery. If you are on prescription
blood thinners, you may need to get medical clearance from your family doctor as
well as instructions on how to stop these medications. We also want all herbal medication
and diet pills (prescription and over-the-counter) stopped at least two weeks before
surgery and one week following.
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, cosmetic surgeries
are elective procedures. Therefore, the patient must be in overall good health before
the surgery can be performed. If there are questions regarding your health, medical
clearance from your family doctor may be required.
What is the next step?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, David Deisher,
MD and J. Stewart Humphrey, MD are board certified by The American Board of Plastic
Surgery. They offer plastic and hand surgery to patients across Missouri including
Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Sikeston. Call our office in Cape Girardeau to schedule
your initial eyelid surgery consultation! Bring all your questions and concerns
to your consultation so your surgeon can address them. Call us now. Make this important
step today and start working on a better looking you!
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