How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?

Last Updated on May 2, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

As we age, drooping eyelids and under eye bags can make us appear tired, stressed, and older than our actual age. For many, eyelid surgery, medically termed blepharoplasty, offers a proven way to rejuvenate the eye area by removing excess fat and sagging skin for a more refreshed, youthful appearance. But because it’s considered cosmetic, what does a procedure like this cost out of pocket?

In this article, we’ll provide an extensive overview of the many factors impacting eyelid surgery costs, including surgeon fees, facility charges, extent of the corrections performed, geography, insurance coverage scenarios, and ways to save. Read on for advice on budgeting and planning for this transformative procedure.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?

Eyelid surgery in the United States typically range from $2,500 for upper eyelid surgery only to $10,000+ for eyelids plus brow lift, with combined upper and lower eyelid surgery falling between $4,500 and $7,500.

These costs cover various options for correcting drooping upper lids, under eye bags, and wrinkles, with additional enhancements like a brow lift for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

The typical total costs for blepharoplasty procedures in the United States are:

• $2,500 to $4,500 for upper eyelid surgery only: This corrects drooping upper lids for improved vision and appearance.
• $2,500 to $5,500 for lower eyelid surgery only: This reduces under eye bags, wrinkles, and sagging lower lids.
• $4,500 to $7,500 for combined upper and lower eyelid surgery: Many patients choose to have both upper and lower lids done simultaneously for complete facial rejuvenation.
• $5,000 to $10,000+ for eyelids plus brow lift: A brow lift performed in tandem further elevates the brows and forehead for a refreshed look.

Plastic surgeons frequently offer financing programs to make the costs more affordable through low monthly payments.

Howarth Plastic Surgery notes that eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty costs on average $4,120.

At Eyelid Center Utah, eyelid lift or blepharoplasty ranged from about $3,700 to $7,200 depending on the city. In Salt Lake City, the average price was $4,400 for a blepharoplasty.

The average cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is $3,339, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons noted on the plasticsurgery.org website.

The estimated total cost for eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, at Williams Center, is approximately $4,600 to $7,500, depending on the type of eyelid surgery.

Introduction to Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, known medically as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure aimed at rejuvenating the upper and lower eyelids. Through meticulous excision of loose, sagging skin and removal of fat deposits, blepharoplasty provides several aesthetic and functional improvements:

• Tightens and eliminates droopy, wrinkled eyelid skin that obscures vision.
• Removes under eye “bags” that create a tired, aged appearance.
• Tightens and strengthens the supportive muscles surrounding the eyes.
• Results in a more open, vibrant, well-rested eye aesthetic.

This outpatient surgery is performed under local anesthesia with sedation. It takes 1-3 hours depending on the extent of the corrections. Typical recovery lasts about 2 weeks as swelling and bruising resolve. Candidates are people in good health with sagging eyelids causing aesthetic concerns or visual obstruction. Now that we’ve reviewed the procedure itself, let’s delve into the pricing factors.

Itemization of the Total Costs

The overall price patients pay for eyelid surgery is composed of several itemized charges including:

Surgeon’s Fee

This fee for the plastic surgeon accounts for 50-70% of the total costs, typically ranging from:

• $2,000 to $3,500 for upper OR lower eyelid only
• $3,500 to $5,500+ for combined upper and lower blepharoplasty
• $4,500 to $7,500+ when including brow lift

The surgeon’s reputation, expertise, and local demand influence fees.

Anesthesia Expenses

Anesthesia administered by a qualified anesthesiology provider averages:

• $600 to $1,000 for monitored IV sedation.
• $100 to $200 for just local numbing injections.

The extensive training and liability coverage required of anesthesiologists contributes to their fees.

Surgical Facility Charges

The operating room, equipment, and nursing care averages:

• $500 to $1,500 for outpatient surgical center facility fees.
• $2,000 to $3,000+ for hospital-based operating room charges.

Hospitals are pricier for identical procedures versus outpatient clinics.

Medications and Post-Procedure Care

Antibiotics, pain relievers, and follow up appointments cost:

• $50 to $150+ for medications and supplies.
• $100 to $200 per follow up visit, with 1-2 visits typical.
• $300 to $500+ for labs, imaging, or additional interventions if complications arise.

Follow-ups ensure proper healing and identify the need for any revision procedures.

Factors That Impact Eyelid Surgery Costs

Many variables affect the final price a patient will pay for blepharoplasty:

Surgeon Expertise and Reputation

• Board-certified surgeons with 10+ years experience command pricing 25-50% above average rates. Their expertise and natural results are in high demand.
• Likewise, surgeons renowned in a community for their artistry and positive patient outcomes will price at the higher end of the spectrum.

Extent of Correction Needed

• More complex procedures like upper AND lower blepharoplasty combined with brow lift cost 50-100% more than single eyelid surgery.
• Severely sagging or hooded eyelids requiring more extensive skin and fat removal also increase fees.

Geographic Location of the Practice

• In major metropolitan areas like New York City or Los Angeles, costs run 25-50% above suburban regions or small cities. Geographic demand causes a pricing premium.
• Rural, southern, and midwestern suburban areas feature the lowest overall costs for procedures like blepharoplasty.

Surgical Facility Options

• Hospital ORs range from $2000 to $4000 – a 50-75% premium over outpatient surgical centers.
• Accredited outpatient clinics keep fees lower with efficient flow and processes.

Extent of Anesthesia Required

• Monitored IV sedation costs approximately $500-1000 more compared to just using local lidocaine injections to numb the area.

Assessing multiple surgeons’ costs based on these factors can yield significant savings.

Insurance Might Cover The Costs

For blepharoplasty to be covered by health insurance, clinical criteria must be met:

• Severely drooping lids obstructing vision confirmed by visual field testing.
• Clear dermatochalazia, or loose, hanging upper eyelid skin touching lashes.
• Ptosis, a drooping upper eyelid margin with the eye more than 2mm smaller than the other side.

Purely cosmetic enhancement procedures are not covered. Verifying clinical need through an ophthalmologist helps secure prior authorization. Otherwise, costs are out-of-pocket.

Payment and Financing Options

Because blepharoplasty is elective, patients need to prepare financing:

• Plastic surgeons routinely offer extended payment plans at 0% interest over 6-24 months. Applying is simple with fast approval.
• Medical credit cards like CareCredit offer promotional periods of 12-24 months interest free as well. Minimum monthly payments apply.
• Personal bank, credit union, or credit card loans amortized over 1-5 years help secure necessary funding, but have interest charges.
• Friends and family gifts or loans provide another avenue for financing costs over time.

Payment plans help break the costs into affordable monthly amounts.

How to Select the Right Surgeon

Choosing where to undergo blepharoplasty involves balance. Seek:

• Board certified facial plastic surgeons (look for certification credentials like FACS – Fellow of American College of Surgeons).
• 10+ years of specialized eyelid surgery experience (view before/after galleries to judge skill).
• A clinic with an onsite accredited operating room for safety.
• Pricing in the middle range – high enough to reflect expertise, but not the most expensive. Value matters.
• Warm rapport – a surgeon focused on understanding your aesthetic vision.

An ideal surgeon candidly educates on costs and expected outcomes so patients can budget realistically.

Pre-Surgery Steps

Finalizing details ahead helps patients prepare for surgery day:

• Have finances secured through savings or medical loans before scheduling a date.
• Make travel arrangements for the day of surgery and early recovery period. Plan for a caregiver to assist for 1-2 days.
• Arrange for icy compresses, gauze, ointments, and soft foods to have on hand during early healing.
• Pre-pay any co-pays or out-of-pocket fees with the surgeon’s office to finalize booking.
• Take 1-2 weeks off work; protect eyes from strain.

Checking tasks off a preparedness list minimizes stress.

Budgeting and Cost Saving Tactics

Cost-conscious patients can reduce overall blepharoplasty expenses in multiple ways:

• Have only upper OR lower eyelids done initially if both aren’t imperative. Stagger procedures over two budget cycles.
• Choose local numbing shots over IV sedation anesthesia.
• Have surgery at an accredited outpatient surgical center instead of a hospital if possible.
• Negotiate modest discounts for paying fully upfront rather than financing.
• Use Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) pre-tax funds to pay costs.
• Combine with another procedure like a facelift or rhinoplasty for potential bundled pricing.

Seeking qualified surgeons in mid-size cities or suburban areas also brings cost advantages.

You might also like our articles on the cost of facial fat transfer, brow lifts, or threading.

The Long-Term Benefits

While not inexpensive, the improvements from blepharoplasty make it a worthwhile investment:

• Visual field opens up as obstruction from droopy lids is eliminated. This benefits driving ability and prevents strains.
• Wrinkles, under eye bags, and sagging are dramatically reduced for 5-7 years or longer, postponing an aged appearance.
• Eyes appear larger, more vibrant, conveying energy and youthfulness. Self-confidence grows.
• Makeup applies more smoothly onto tighter lids and wears longer through the day.

Consider the value of looking 10 years younger and vibrant lasting half a decade or more from a single procedure. Eyelid surgery represents a meaningful investment in your appearance and self-image.

Final Words

In weighing the costs of rejuvenating eyelid surgery, use this detailed breakdown of price ranges and factors for budgeting realistically based on your specific objectives. Seek just the right balance of affordability with a surgeon whose expertise inspires confidence in achieving the best possible outcome.

Avoid fixating solely on the bottom-line price, and instead focus on excellent value. With some diligence and planning, a blepharoplasty procedure can produce transformative aesthetic renewal with enduring benefits that make your investment 100% worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eyelid surgery worth the money?

For individuals bothered by sagging eyelids and under eye bags, blepharoplasty can provide dramatic improvements in appearance and vision that renew self-confidence. In the hands of a skilled surgeon, the $4,000 to $7,000 cost represents an excellent value relative to the benefits gained by most patients.

What are the cons of eyelid surgery?

Potential downsides of blepharoplasty include risks inherent in any surgery like infection, vision changes if nerves are damaged, and scarring. Some patients dislike the sudden drastic change in appearance. And rarely, a patient may require revision surgery if they are unsatisfied with results.

Can I watch TV after blepharoplasty?

After a blepharoplasty procedure, it’s recommended to refrain from visually intensive activities like watching TV during the initial 24 hours. This allows the earliest healing and recovery to proceed without visual strain. After 1 day, light TV viewing is generally fine as long as it doesn’t cause discomfort.

How long should you rest after eyelid surgery?

Expect to need 5-7 days of relatively restful recovery after eyelid surgery. This allows incisions to begin healing and swelling to resolve. Most patients feel ready to return to non-strenuous daily activities after about a week. Strenuous exercise should wait 1-2 weeks. Full recovery takes 2-4 weeks for most individuals.