What can you do about sagging eyelids?
Blepharoplasty San Diego
As people age, the skin loses elasticity. This happens because a protein called collagen breaks down in the skin. The body does make some extra collagen, but it’s not enough to replace what’s being lost. Over time, there is less and less collagen in the skin. Because the skin’s structure is maintained by collagen, having less of it means that the skin has much less structural support, and it begins to droop or sag. This happens to the skin all over the body, including in the eyelids.
Many people begin to notice sagging of their upper eyelids as they age. For some people, this is primarily a cosmetic concern, as it may make people look older or more tired. However, for others, it’s more than just an aesthetic issue. Sagging eyelids can fall into the visual field, partially obscuring a person’s vision. At this point, the problem becomes a medical issue rather than just a cosmetic one.
Eyelid surgery can help to restore the visual field
In order to address the problem of sagging eyelid skin and restore the visual field, a procedure called blepharoplasty may be used. During this procedure, a surgeon removes excess tissue from the upper eyelid, and tightens the remaining tissue. The resulting scar is placed along a natural skin fold, so that it will be discreet after healing.
Dr. Chen performs this upper eyelid surgery here at our office. It can be done under local anesthesia, although the patient usually takes a sedative to keep them comfortable. Although it may sound simple, it actually takes a significant amount of surgical skill to perform this procedure well. The surgeon must remove just the right amount of tissue to create a good result. If too much is removed, then it may be difficult for the patient to fully close the eyes afterward. If too little is removed, then there will still be excess tissue interfering with the visual field. Dr. Chen uses his extremely detailed knowledge of the anatomy of this region, along with the surgical skills that he’s developed over many years of training and experience, to remove the right amount of tissue to create the best result.
Will insurance cover this procedure?
If blepharoplasty is performed purely as a cosmetic procedure, then it will generally not be covered by health insurance. However, when the sagging eyelid skin is interfering with the patient’s vision and causing a functional problem, then the cost of the procedure will sometimes be partially or even fully covered by health insurance.
In order for blepharoplasty to be covered by health insurance, you will need an eye exam. This will allow us to determine whether your sagging eyelids are interfering with your vision, and how much of your visual field is being obscured by the eyelid problem. Documentation of this in your medical chart will be necessary in order for insurance to cover the procedure.
Blepharoplasty San Diego
If you have sagging eyelids that are interfering with your vision, then blepharoplasty may be a useful procedure for you. We invite you to schedule an appointment here in our office for a detailed evaluation. After examining you and testing your visual field, Dr. Chen will advise you on whether eyelid surgery might be able to help you. As a highly trained eye surgeon, Dr. Chen has the knowledge and experience necessary to perform this procedure with a high level of skill.
