Upper lid blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is performed for both cosmetic and functional (to improve field of vision) reasons. When surgery is performed for vision improvement (if you have private insurance) it requires pre-authorization with your insurance company prior to surgery. If you have Medicare there is no pre authorization and you must understand that surgery may be denied. The pre-authorization for upper lid blepharoplasty (eyelid) surgery requires photographic documentation of the heavy lids and a field of vision test. This information is sent to the insurance company. The insurance company will then notify the physician and patient of the decision.
If approved – blepharoplasty (eyelid) surgery can proceed. Upper blepharoplasty surgery for vision improvement is the same procedure as is performed for cosmetic surgery – bit often times more conservative as the goal is improvement in vision not appearance. However, surgery is performed in an aesthetically pleasing manner.