Functional eyelid surgery is a medical procedure that helps people see better and feel more comfortable when their eyelids droop. At Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York City, patients get expert care focused on safety and natural-looking results.
What Is Functional Blepharoplasty?
Functional blepharoplasty is a type of eyelid lift done to fix vision problems, not just for looks. Unlike cosmetic blepharoplasty, which is for appearance, functional eyelid surgery treats issues like sagging skin or extra skin and fat that block your peripheral vision.
In many cases, upper eyelid blepharoplasty is needed when the upper lids hang low enough to cover the natural crease or sit near the lash line. This can cause eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with everyday tasks. A board-certified specialist usually recommends this surgery when the problem clearly affects daily life.
If you’re wondering the difference between eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty, both terms are often used similarly. However, blepharoplasty refers to removing or moving skin, fat, or muscle around the eyelids, while eyelid surgery can include other eye-related procedures.
Am I a Candidate for Surgery?
You might be a good candidate for functional eyelid surgery if you feel eye fatigue, have less side vision, or feel discomfort while reading or driving. One common reason is sagging skin of the upper eyelids, which can block your view.
To qualify, you may need an eye exam to show how the drooping eyelid affects your vision. You’ll also be asked about daily struggles. Knowing what to say to qualify for eyelid surgery means sharing real examples, like how the excess skin or fat makes it hard to see.
Dr. Joel E. Kopelman, a board certified oculoplastic surgeon, carefully checks if your condition meets the medical rules for surgery.
Blepharoplasty Options and Techniques
There are several types of blepharoplasty based on what you need. Functional blepharoplasty helps improve vision and comfort. Cosmetic blepharoplasty improves appearance by reducing wrinkles or shaping the eyelids.
A common surgical technique is upper eyelid surgery. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut in the natural crease of the eyelid to remove excess skin and fat. Sometimes, they adjust the fat muscle under the skin too.
In other cases, transconjunctival blepharoplasty is used for the lower lid. This method goes through the inside of the eyelid, so there’s no visible scar. It’s often used when fat needs to be moved but no skin is removed.
There are different types of eyelid surgery based on the problem. Some treat the upper and lower eyelids, while others focus on function or looks. The right choice depends on your goals and the shape of your eyelids. For patients seeking alternatives, here’s more about eyelid lift without surgery.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
A cosmetic eyelid lift is not usually covered by insurance. But functional eyelid surgery might be if it shows that sagging skin, fat, or drooping eyelids block vision or affect the function of the upper and lower eyelids.
Doctors may need to send vision test results, photos, and notes to your insurance company. At Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, the staff helps patients gather what’s needed for insurance approval.
The cost depends on the surgical technique, how complex the case is, and whether one or both eyelids are treated:
- Upper eyelid surgery is performed under local anesthesia and takes about one hour. It’s a simple procedure with low risk. The average cost, including the facility fee, is around $8,500.
- Lower eyelid surgery is more complex and is done under sedation or general anesthesia. It may include extra steps like fat grafting or laser resurfacing. The price in the New York area ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. It is rarely covered by insurance.
- Combined upper and lower blepharoplasty can be more cost-effective. The average total cost is about $17,000, though this can vary. This includes surgery, facility, and anesthesia fees. Consultation fees and medications may be extra.
Cosmetic procedures are paid by the patient, but they can sometimes be done along with functional surgery when appropriate.
What to Expect During Recovery
After surgery, it’s normal to have swelling or bruising around the eyelid skin. This usually gets better in one to two weeks. Using cold packs and keeping your head up can help you heal faster.
Most people return to normal activities in about 10 to 14 days. Full healing takes longer. It’s important to follow all care instructions to avoid problems and get the best results. For more on what to expect, read how long eyelid surgery lasts.
If you’re concerned about pain during the procedure, see this article: Is eyelid surgery painful?.
The results can last a long time. Functional eyelid surgery helps you see better and feel more comfortable. It can also give a slight boost to your appearance by lifting the natural crease and improving the shape of your upper lids.
Dr. Kopelman uses his years of experience to ensure every patient gets safe and effective treatment.
Ready to improve your vision and comfort?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kopelman today to see if functional eyelid surgery suits you.
