Medical insurance does not cover surgery where the main goal is to improve your appearance. Insurance will sometimes pay for upper blepharoplasty surgery, but only in patients who have so much excess eyelid skin that it is blocking a significant portion of their vision. In these instances, the surgery is termed functional blepharoplasty and the goal of the surgery is to improve vision. While the appearance of the eyelids often does improve after a functional procedure, this is not the main goal of the surgery. Several steps of a cosmetic procedure which improve the appearance of the eyelids, such as removal of excess eyelid fat or formation of an eyelid crease, are not typically performed. Insurance never pays for lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

When we look at a person’s face, the largest part of our attention is subconsciously focused on the eyes. As a person ages, excess skin and fat accumulate around the eyes and result in a “tired” appearance, often many years before significant signs of aging are visible on the rest of the face. Rejuvenation of the eyelids not only makes a person look younger, but more awake and energetic. See the before and after eyelid surgery photos on this website for examples.

It depends. If there is a medical reason why you think you need surgery, you should schedule a medical consultation and may need a referral from your primary care physician. If your main interest is in improving your appearance, you are encouraged to come in for a cosmetic consult.

Oculofacial plastic surgeons, also known as ophthalmic plastic surgeons, complete a three-year residency in ophthalmology followed by one to two years of specialized training in plastic surgery. They primarily focus on eyelid surgery. In contrast, general plastic surgeons often concentrate on surgeries like liposuction or breast surgery, while facial plastic surgeons specialize in facelifts and rhinoplasty. For more information, visit the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Most plastic surgeons and some other physicians perform cosmetic eyelid surgery, but ophthalmic plastic surgeons receive the most comprehensive training in this area. They are also equipped to manage complications, making them uniquely qualified to perform cosmetic eyelid surgery.

Dr. Kapadia performs a large number of eyelid surgeries each year and is uniquely qualified to treat patients who are unhappy with prior surgery.

Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by fat accumulation, hollowness, or a combination of both. Treatments vary from lower lid blepharoplasty for fat removal to injectable fillers like Restylane for hollowness. Some cases may benefit from lid-tightening procedures like canthoplasty. Learn more in the articles section.

Yes, Dr. Kapadia has a robust practice in functional surgeries, including ectropion repair, entropion repair, and functional ptosis repair. Medical consultations are recommended for these procedures.

Periocular skin cancers are treated with Mohs micrographic surgery by a dermatologist, followed by reconstructive surgery by Dr. Kapadia on the same day. Sentinel node mapping may be performed for aggressive cancers like malignant melanoma or sebaceous cell carcinoma.

Surgical experiences vary depending on the procedure. Some surgeries are performed under local anesthesia in-office, while more extensive ones are conducted in the hospital with sedation or general anesthesia. Most patients go home 1-2 hours after surgery.

Discontinue all blood-thinning medications with your primary care physician’s permission. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and herbal supplements. Medications can usually be resumed 1-2 days after surgery.

Recovery varies but typically involves significant swelling peaking within 1-2 days, with improvement each day. Most patients take two weeks off work, though some return after 7-10 days. Full results may take months to appear.

Arnica montana is an herbal supplement that may reduce bruising and swelling. However, it is optional and not essential for recovery.

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Ready to take the next step? Consultations are available in our Wellesley office on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. For patients living more than three hours away, video consultations are available for cosmetic services.