Eyelid Examination
The amount and position of excess skin are evaluated along with eyelid position, brow position, and the surrounding anatomy.
Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts
Functional Upper Blepharoplasty
When excess upper eyelid skin interferes with vision or daily activities.
Upper blepharoplasty may be performed for functional reasons when excess upper eyelid skin causes medically significant obstruction. Evaluation may include eyelid measurements, clinical photographs, and visual field testing when appropriate. Insurance coverage varies by plan and generally requires documentation demonstrating medical necessity.
Functional vs. Cosmetic
When upper eyelid skin affects vision
Excess upper eyelid skin can sometimes extend far enough to interfere with the superior or peripheral visual field. Patients may notice heaviness around the eyes, difficulty seeing above them, or the need to raise the eyebrows to improve their field of vision.
Functional upper blepharoplasty removes the excess tissue responsible for the obstruction while preserving normal eyelid function and a natural appearance.
Evaluation
Determining whether surgery is medically necessary
Clinical Photography
Standardized photographs may be obtained to document the degree of upper eyelid obstruction.
Visual Field Testing
When appropriate, visual field testing can help document whether excess upper eyelid tissue is interfering with vision.
Important Distinction
Excess eyelid skin, ptosis, or brow position?
A heavy or drooping upper eyelid does not always have the same cause. Excess upper eyelid skin, true eyelid ptosis, and brow descent can occur independently or together.
Identifying which structures are responsible is important because each condition requires a different treatment.
Insurance Coverage
When insurance may cover upper blepharoplasty
Functional upper blepharoplasty may be covered when excess upper eyelid skin causes a medically significant visual obstruction and the requirements of the patient's insurance plan are met.
Coverage criteria vary by insurer. Documentation may include examination findings, photographs, visual field testing, and other information required by the individual plan.
Meeting medical criteria does not guarantee coverage, and our office can help patients understand the documentation required by their insurance plan.
Functional + Cosmetic Concerns
What if I also have cosmetic concerns?
Some patients have both functional and cosmetic concerns. During the consultation, these concerns can be evaluated separately and the available treatment options discussed.
Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance and remain the patient's financial responsibility.
Patient Result
Functional upper blepharoplasty patient result
Actual patient. Individual results vary.
Before
After
Upper Blepharoplasty
Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts
Is Functional Upper Blepharoplasty Appropriate for You?
A careful examination can determine whether excess eyelid skin, eyelid position, brow position, or a combination of factors is contributing to your symptoms.
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