Blepharoplasty surgery is a common eyelid procedure that can help with the appearance of drooping eyes. The total cost of this surgeon depends on the oculoplastic surgeon you choose, the hospital they work out of, and what kind of treatment you want. Here are the top things to know if you’re thinking about this kind of procedure.
Types of Blepharoplasty Surgery
As we age, the fine skin around our eyes stretches and becomes less elastic. This stretchy skin creates a hooded effect on our top eyelids and a sagging effect on the bottom eyelids. Hooded lids can impact your field of vision. Many people also find that sagging lids detract from the beauty of their eyes.
There are two types of blepharoplasty that target the top lid and bottom lid. You can also combine these surgeries and have them done at the same time. The surgeries only differ slightly from top lid to bottom lid. The upper eyelids are done with tiny incisions along the crease, and the lower eyelids are done with a completely invisible incision or less commonly one just under your lash line.
Fixed Price Surgery Costs
There are some general costs for all surgeries. This may include the cost of use of the operating room (theatre), the cost of anesthesia, pharmacy costs, and the costs of post-op care.
Location is a large factor in the total cost. Urban hospitals treat more people and have a greater demand for their equipment. They also spend more on new technology and skillful staff. Expect to pay more if you seek treatment in London versus the provinces. The experience of your doctor may also influence the cost of your treatment. A tenured surgeon will come at a higher cost than a junior plastic surgeon.
Contracts differ from hospital to hospital. One hospital may include all follow-up appointments and pharmacy costs, others may only cover costs incurred within hospital walls. Make sure that you read the fine print to find out about any hidden fee-per-service charges.
Average Cost
The average cost varies hugely in the UK with promotional fees and very economical rates offered by non-specialist clinics. By and large, lid surgery carried out by oculoplastic surgeons tends to be somewhat pricier due to the expertise involved. Having both upper and lower eyelids done at the same time will be more expensive than just the top or bottom lid but one can usually expect a four eyelid blepharoplasty to cost them less that having the uppers and lowers done separately due to economies of scale.
Insurance Coverage and Private Pay
The NHS does not usually cover blepharoplasty surgery. It is considered a cosmetic procedure, and these are generally not covered. Exceptions may be made for drooping eyelids that significantly impact your vision or quality of life. You’ll need to work with a doctor to demonstrate this impact. Otherwise, expect to self-pay for this procedure.
Other Procedures
Some people use the chance while already under anesthesia to get multiple procedures. As long as this is approved by your doctor and tolerated by your health, there is no problem performing multiple procedures. Some treatments that people commonly combine with eyelid lifts are Anti-Wrinkle Injections and eyebrow lifts. Adding more procedures will increase the total cost of your surgery. However, this may be less than choosing to have a separate operation later and pay hospital fees again.
How to Decide on an Oculoplastic Surgeon
You have lots of freedom to choose your surgeon when paying privately for your operation. At ClinicLoop, your experience starts with the first phone call to our office.
You will feel warm and welcomed by our office staff. You can expect to be greeted by Elaine, Florence, or Vicky when you call.
Dr. Koutroumanos is a surgeon with the experience to back up his credentials. You can expect better results from a doctor with an excellent track record than one fresh from college. They may come at a higher cost, but you should not compromise on the quality of your oculoplastic surgeon. Dr. Koutroumanos was awarded three scholarship fellowships all around the world before settling down in his London office.
Each surgery is unique to the person it is being performed on, so be wary of one size fits all treatment plans. Dr. Koutroumanos believes that the best kind of cosmetic procedure is one that complements your natural features and is minimally invasive, saving you recovery time and preserving your natural beauty.
The professionals at the London Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Plastics clinic believe that the best outcomes for plastic surgery are those that enhance your existing natural beauty. Dr. Nick Koutroumanos is an oculoplastic surgeon that works with each patient to understand their vision and plans together to make it a reality.
