The Average Blepharoplasty Cost in 2023 - Eyelid Surgery Cost Guide

Blepharoplasty is a form of plastic surgery that removes excess skin from the eyelid. Many patients use this surgery to repair a droopy or sagging eyelid, which improves vision and gives the eyes a brighter, more alert appearance.

Blepharoplasty cost is a very important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to have surgery. The total cost of eyelid surgery can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including your location, the complexity of your surgery, your surgeon's reputation and experience level, and much more. 

The average cost of blepharoplasty in the United States is $4,120, but ranges anywhere from $2,000 to $7,500. Let's take a closer look at the factors that affect the cost of this surgical procedure and what to know beforehand. 

Factors that Affect the Cost of Blepharoplasty

There are a variety of factors that can affect the cost of a blepharoplasty. These include: 

• Type of blepharoplasty: There are a few different types of eyelid surgery, and some are more complex than others, which affects their overall cost. For example, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is typically cheaper than upper eyelid blepharoplasty. However, this all depends on the techniques the surgeon uses and the structure of your eyes. 

• Surgeon's experience level and reputation: Some surgeons charge higher fees based on their extensive experience and training. Surgeon's that are newly board-certified or haven't built up a reputation yet will likely be cheaper than a surgeon with decades of experience. 

• Location: Your geographic location will also affect the cost of your blepharoplasty procedure. The cost of living and operating a business varies by city, and this contributes to the overall cost of your eyelid surgery as well. 

• Facility fees: In addition to your surgeon's fee, you'll also need to pay the surgery center or hospital where the procedure is performed. The cost of these fees vary depending on the facility where you have the procedure.

• Anesthesia: Some eyelid surgery procedures need to be done under general anesthesia, while others can be done with a local anesthetic. The amount and type of anesthesia used will affect your overall eyelid surgery cost. 

Lower Blepharoplasty Cost

Lower eyelid surgery is done to reduce puffiness or drooping on the lower eyelid. This is usually done for cosmetic purposes rather than to correct vision problems. 

This procedure is slightly more complex to perform than upper lid surgery. Lower blepharoplasty procedures tend to cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,500. 

Upper Blepharoplasty Cost

Upper blepharoplasty or upper eyelid surgery is done to reduce sagging from the upper eyelid. Sagging upper lids can dramatically change the shape of your eyes and even result in obstructed vision. An eyelid lift can help correct these problems. 

The upper eyelid procedure typically takes less time to complete than a lower eyelid procedure, and can typically be done with local anesthesia. As a result, it's usually slightly more affordable, with average costs ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. 

Eyelid Surgery Costs By Major Cities

Pricing for blepharoplasty varies by location. Factors like the cost of living in your area and demand for the procedure will affect the total price of eyelid surgery. Here are some of the average costs of blepharoplasty in major cities.

Los Angeles

The average price of blepharoplasty in Los Angeles is $5,025. However, the maximum price of surgery can go up to $15,000, which is the highest in the nation. 

Las Vegas

Costs for eyelid surgery in Las Vegas are slightly more affordable, with an average of $3,650. 

New York City

NYC has the highest average cost for this procedure in the nation, at $5,475. 

San Francisco

The cost of a blepharoplasty procedure in San Francisco is lower than in southern California, with an average of $3,975. 

Miami

The average cost of blepharoplasty in Miami is $4,150. 

Austin

Average costs for Austin aren't currently available. However, Austin is known for its high cost of living, and cosmetic surgery prices tend to reflect this. 

Chicago

Costs for blepharoplasty in Chicago tend to be in line with other major metro areas, with an average of $4,150. 

Types of Blepharoplasty Procedures

There are many different types of blepharoplasty surgery. Depending on the structure of your eyelid, there are a variety of techniques your surgeon can use, which will affect the overall cost of the procedure. Some techniques are forms of cosmetic surgery, while others are done for functional reasons. 

We've already talked about upper and lower eyelid surgery, but within these categories, there are a variety of different approaches. For example, one common form of cosmetic eyelid surgery is Asian blepharoplasty. Many patients of Asian descent do not have a natural eyelid fold, and this procedure creates one.

Asian blepharoplasty is typically done very quickly under a local anesthetic. The cost for this procedure varies widely. Simple cases start at around $2,000, but costs can go up to $6,500. 

A common subtype of lower eyelid surgery is transconjunctival blepharoplasty. This surgery is performed to correct puffy eye bags. The incision is made on the inside of the eyelid rather than the outside, hiding the scar. It also tends to have a slightly faster recovery time. However, transconjunctival procedures are more expensive than transcutaneous procedures, where the incision is on the outside of the eyelid. 

Some patients also get combination eyelid lift procedures, which address both the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid at the same time. These procedures are inherently going to be more expensive because they are more complex and take more time to complete. 

Is There A Good Age for Blepharoplasty? 

Most blepharoplasty patients are over the age of 30. This is often when the muscles, skin, and fat around the eyes start to droop or look puffy. When this happens, many patients seek out surgery to restore a more youthful appearance and even expand their visual field. 

While most patients who get eyelid lift surgery are older adults, it's possible to get this procedure at any age if you're unhappy with the structure of your eyelids. Most surgeons will require you to be at least 18 years old before getting this surgery. 

Does Insurance Cover Blepharoplasty?

Insurance may cover the surgery if you have ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) that affects your vision or if there are medical issues with your lower eyelids that require surgery. Your doctor will typically perform a visual field test to determine if the procedure is medically necessary. If it is, your insurance may cover all or a portion of the cost of the surgery.

It's important to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered under your plan. Some insurance plans may have specific requirements or limitations for coverage of blepharoplasty. Your doctor's office can also help you navigate the insurance process and determine if the procedure is medically necessary. However, if you're having a cosmetic procedure to change the way your eyes look, you'll need to pay for the procedure out of pocket. 

Financing Options for Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty can be expensive, but there are financing options available to make costs more manageable. During your initial consultation with the surgeon, they will provide you with a cost estimate. This is a great time to discuss your financing options and see what options may be available for you. 

There are some surgeons who offer in-house payment plans for these procedures, which allow you to pay in installments. Be sure to ask your surgeon if this is an option for you. 

Many surgeons will also allow you to pay using a medical credit card like CareCredit. Third-party financing options like this will allow you to break the cost into monthly payments with interest. 

Another option is to take out a personal loan for the procedure. Many banks offer loans for medical procedures with lower interest rates than a typical credit card. If you opt for a third-party financing option, make sure that the monthly payment amount and interest rate are manageable in your current financial situation. 

Risks and Complications for Blepharoplasty

Like any surgery, blepharoplasty does come with some possible risks and complications. Some of the biggest risks of the procedure include visible scars around the eyelids, dry eyes, and difficulty opening and closing the eyelids. In rare cases, you might also experience infection, bleeding, blurred vision, or damage to eye muscles. 

If you encounter any of these complications during or after your surgery, you're going to need ongoing medical care to correct them. This is ultimately going to result in additional costs. 

Because of this, it's very important to choose a qualified surgeon to reduce the chances of these complications happening. Your surgeon should have extensive education, training, and experience, and they should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. You can reference the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a qualified surgeon near you. 

Is Blepharoplasty Painful?

Contrary to what you might think, eyelid surgery is not a particularly painful procedure. The incisions made during the procedure are very shallow and heal quickly. 

You also won't be able to feel anything during the procedure, as you'll be given either a local or general anesthetic in the operating room. You'll also receive pain medication afterwards as needed. 

How to Choose A Qualified Surgeon for Blepharoplasty

It's very important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon that you know you can trust. There are many factors to look at when selecting a surgeon for your procedure. 

The first step is to look at the surgeon's credentials. They should have completed a medical degree and plastic surgery residency at accredited institutions. Additionally, your surgeon should have extensive experience with blepharoplasty procedures. 

A good way to assess potential surgeons is to look for reviews from previous patients. This will give you an idea of what to expect throughout the process. You'll also want to look for before and after photos of their eyelid lift procedures and make sure that you're satisfied with the results. 

Is Blepharoplasty Surgery Costs Worth The Money? 

Whether you're unhappy with the appearance of your eyelids or are even struggling with a reduced field of vision, blepharoplasty can help you correct these problems. The procedure is minimally invasive with a relatively quick recovery time - most patients are back to their regular routines in just a day or two. 

If the appearance or function of your eyelids is affecting your quality of life, this eyelid surgery is worth considering. It's hard to put a price on the confidence and peace of mind that blepharoplasty can bring you. 

Final Thoughts - Should I Get Eyelid Surgery?

If you are considering blepharoplasty, it's important to consider more than just the cost. You'll also need to consider how the surgery will affect your life, and make sure to choose a reputable surgeon. 

If you're interested in blepharoplasty in Las Vegas, schedule a consultation with Dr. Troell today. We're here to help you build a bespoke treatment plan that meets your unique needs.