Is blepharoplasty normally covered by insurance companies?

No, but can be: Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be considered medically necessary and covered if the excess skin is blocking your vision. An ophthalmologist can do visual field studies to document this.

No: Blepharoplasty is usually considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance. In some instances if the skin of the upper eyelid interferes with vision it may be covered but this usually has to be preauthorized and documented with photos and visual field testing.

Rarely: In some cases insurance will cover upper blepharoplasty. Usually the skin needs to be hanging over the eyelashes to qualify. You also need formal visual field testing to demonstrate that the extra skin causes a functional problem. I hope this information is helpful. Stephen weber, M.D. Lone tree facial plastic surgeon.

Usually not: If the eyelid skin is lax and is cascading so that it is blocking the visual field, this is eyelid excess. Visual field cuts must be documented to try and get it covered. Insurance companies have their own criteria. Ask your surgeon. They will guide you through the process...

Good luck!: In the past 15 years, i've never had a blepharoplasty covered by insurance...Even when the visual field tests show significant visual obstruction by the extra skin.

Usually not: Your doctor must demonstrate functional problems such as loss of the field of vision, neck strain from having to tilt up the head to see, or some associated underlying condition like thyroid disease.