Cosmetic Surgery and Special Procedures Can Reduce Eye Droopiness

Blepharoplasty procedure diagram

As we age, gravity takes its inevitable hold on the delicate skin around the eyes. The skin loses elasticity and muscles weaken, producing bagginess, wrinkles, puffiness and drooping. This can make us look much older than our age or tired even when we feel well-rested. It’s time to look as good as you feel! The board-certified eye surgeons of Missouri Eye Institute want to help you with the following common cosmetic issues:

Southwest Missouri’s Center for Cosmetic Eyelid Lifts

The surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid tissue, tighten muscles and reduce wrinkles is called blepharoplasty–also commonly referred to as an eyelid lift or eyelift. As we age, eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken and deposits of protective fat around the eye may begin to bulge. This causes droopiness or produces an appearance of puffiness. Blepharoplasty can be performed to minimize these signs of aging on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid or both.

Eyelid lifts sometimes are performed for medical or functional reasons when excess upper eyelid tissue obstructs vision or weighs down the eyelid. For aesthetic reasons, patients often choose blepharoplasty to improve their appearance by making the area around their eyes firmer and more youthful looking. To completely rejuvenate the eye area, your surgeon may also recommend BOTOX® injections for the eye area to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet.

Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?

If your vision is being impaired by drooping or puffiness of the upper eyelid, the surgery may be covered by insurance. The surgery will not be covered by insurance if it is being done purely for cosmetic reasons. Blepharoplasty for the lower lid removes large bags under the eyes, but because it doesn’t obstruct vision it is unusual for this to be covered by insurance. Consult with your Missouri Eye Institute surgeon to see if you’re a candidate for blepharoplasty and if your surgery might be covered by insurance.

Blepharoplasty Before and After

Before and after Blepharoplasty