Upper Eyelid Surgery and Insurance Coverage
Everyone ages differently. For some, the most apparent sign of aging is sagging of the skin and folds of the upper eyelid, leading to a tired look and even covering part of the field of vision. If your upper eyelid skin is loose, you may be considering blepharoplasty, specifically upper eyelid surgery, to remove that sagging skin and restore a more youthful appearance.
Of course, everyone has questions before surgery. One of the most crucial questions that a prospective patient can ask is: is this procedure covered by my insurance? Minneapolis plastic surgeon Gregory Mesna understands that his upper eyelid surgery patients may have questions about insurance and whether or not the procedure will be covered.
Is Upper Eyelid Surgery Covered By Insurance?
Before confirming your upper eyelid surgery procedure, you will definitely want to know for sure whether you are covered by your insurance. But every health insurance provider has different rules and parameters for what they will and will not cover, which can make figuring out if your particular treatment plan is covered a complicated task.
One of the most common requirements is that any surgery to be performed is deemed medically necessary - purely cosmetic surgery procedures are not normally covered, and require the patient to pay the full cost of treatment out of pocket. But like many plastic surgery procedures, upper eyelid surgery has medical as well as cosmetic applications. Upper eyelid skin that droops and sags are more than just a trivial or superficial complaint - they can obscure your vision, hindering your ability to perform everyday tasks like reading and driving.
How Can I Prove That My Upper Eyelid Surgery is Necessary?
In order to secure insurance coverage for a procedure like blepharoplasty, it is likely that you will have to prove that the procedure is being done to correct a medical concern rather than just a cosmetic concern. Unlike lower eyelid surgery, however, upper eyelid surgery is frequently considered for insurance coverage.
In order to prove that your upper eyelid surgery is for medical reasons, you will need to show your insurance provider that your upper eyelids in their current state are obstructing your vision and making it difficult to live your life as you normally would. If your upper eyelid sagging is severe enough to conceal your peripheral vision, for example, it can be shown that this procedure will significantly improve your quality of life. An experienced plastic surgeon and an optometrist can work together to assess the position of your eyelids and your current field of vision, and help you in determining whether you are a good candidate for insurance coverage.
Learn More about Your Upper Eyelid Surgery Options Today
Blepharoplasty can open up your eyes for a rejuvenated look, but it’s so much more than just a cosmetic procedure. Upper eyelid surgery can also restore your full range of vision and give you your life back. Don’t let a fear of insurance coverage stand between you and the brighter eyes you desire - our cosmetic surgery practice is dedicated to working with you to achieve your goals. Contact Dr. Gregory T. Mesna at Mesna Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation and discuss your blepharoplasty options today.