How Much Does Ptosis Surgery Cost?

The average cost of ptosis surgery is $3,850, but it can range up to $11,000.

Ptosis, also known as a droopy eyelid, is a condition in which your upper eyelid droops down and covers a portion of the pupil.

It can affect only one eye (unilateral ptosis) or both (bilateral ptosis).

A person can also have it from birth (congenital) or get it later in life (acquired).

The cost of ptosis surgery can vary depending on a number of factors.

Read on to understand what the fees cover, the factors that affect the cost, and if insurance can pay for your droopy eyelid surgery costs.

What Does the Cost Include?

The cost of ptosis surgery typically includes the following:

• Surgeon’s fee: consists of the payment for the surgeon performing your procedure. The price may vary depending on the surgeon’s experience and qualifications.
• Facility fee: This includes the cost of the operating room, equipment, and supplies used during the procedure.
• The anesthesia fee covers the cost of anesthesia during the procedure and the anesthesiologist’s fee.
• Pre-operative and post-operative care includes any medical evaluations or tests you need before surgery and any follow-up care or visits you may need after the procedure.
• Medications: The cost may consist of any medications required before, during, or after the surgery.

Is Ptosis Surgery Worth the Money?

Whether or not ptosis surgery is worth the money depends on each person’s situation, priorities, and point of view.

It is essential to understand that ptosis surgery is typically not a medical necessity but a cosmetic procedure for aesthetic reasons.

It can help improve your vision if your eyelid is getting in the way, make your eye and face look better, and boost your self-esteem and confidence.

However, it’s a surgery that involves risks and a long recovery time.

It is best to talk to your surgeon about the possible benefits and risks of the surgery, considering the cause of your ptosis, your overall health, and your preferences.

Additionally, consider the cost and whether or not you feel the surgery results will be worth the expense.

Talking to those who have undergone the operation and getting their feedback on the results is another smart move.

What Affects the Cost of Ptosis Surgery?

Ptosis surgery costs vary depending on a number of factors.

1. Your Surgeon’s Credentials and Level of Experience

The surgeon’s credentials and experience are significant in determining the droopy eyelid surgery’s cost.

A surgeon specializing in this type of eye surgery with a lot of experience and good credentials will often charge more for their work.

Make sure you choose a plastic or oculoplastic surgeon who is board-certified and has a good track record with ptosis surgery.

It will reduce the likelihood of problems or complications during or after surgery.

You should also check for the surgeon’s patients’ reviews and the gallery of before and after photos of patients with similar concerns.

Keep in mind that ptosis surgery is a delicate and precise procedure, and complications can occur.

Do not consider saving money by avoiding the costs of having quality surgery performed by an experienced surgeon.

Also, it’s worth noting that revision ptosis surgery can be more complex and costly than primary surgery.

Learn More: How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon for your Surgery.

2. Your Procedure’s Complexity

The type of ptosis repair surgery you need can also affect the cost.

There are three main types of ptosis surgery: external, internal, and frontalis suspension.

• External ptosis repair is done by making a small incision in the eyelid skin and repositioning the muscle that holds the eyelid up.
• Internal ptosis repair involves turning the eyelid inside out and shortening the affected muscle.
• Frontalis suspension is a less common procedure where a small silicone rod is attached from the eyelid muscle to the forehead muscle to help hold up the eyelid.

An experienced surgeon will determine which procedure is best for you.

Remember that the more complex and time-consuming the procedure is, the more it will cost.

Also, the cost can be affected by the number of eyelids treated.

Herring’s Law says that sometimes you need to operate on the other eyelid to get good results.

An experienced surgeon will be able to determine the best course of action.

3. Combining Ptosis Repair Surgery With Blepharoplasty

Eyelid lift surgery (blepharoplasty), which a surgeon performs to get rid of extra skin and fat in the upper and lower eyelids, is different from ptosis surgery.

Ptosis surgery corrects the drooping or sagging of the upper eyelid.

On the other hand, blepharoplasty addresses the excess skin and fat in the upper and lower eyelids.

Let’s say you have ptosis and the removal of extra skin on your eyelids.

Performing both surgeries simultaneously might be more cost-effective in this situation.

There may be a difference between enhancing your vision and improving your appearance.

Sometimes, lifting the eyelid higher can result in more extra skin.

If you don’t like the appearance of excess skin, you may have to pay more to get a better cosmetic result.

Combining the procedures into one surgery has some advantages.

It is less expensive than having them done separately since you only pay for one surgical facility and anesthesia.

Surgeons may also offer discounts for multiple plastic surgeries simultaneously, and you only have to go through one recovery period.

4. The Location of Your Surgical Procedure

The cost of ptosis surgery can also depend on the location of the procedure.

Generally, it tends to be more expensive in big cities, where the cost of living is higher.

The rent and other expenses for the surgeon’s clinic or office are higher in more expensive areas.

It’s worth mentioning that doctors frequently perform ptosis surgery in their offices.

It can save you the extra facility charge you’d have to pay if they had performed the procedure in a hospital.

If your surgery is more complex, the surgeon may perform it in a private surgery center.

These centers have lower facility fees than hospitals.

However, their costs are still more expensive than when your doctor performs your surgery in their office.

5. The Type of Anesthetic Administered

During ptosis surgery, the patient receives oral sedation and local anesthetic.

They help the surgeon place the eyelids correctly by allowing the patient to open and close their eyes during the surgery.

Usually, general anesthesia is not needed for ptosis surgery unless the patient, like a child, is uncooperative.

If your doctor recommends general anesthesia, be aware that the cost will be higher.

The cost may include both the anesthesia and the anesthesia provider’s fee.

Will Insurance Cover the Cost of Ptosis Surgery?

Insurance may cover ptosis surgery costs if they consider it a medical necessity.

If your ptosis is severe and is impairing your vision, resulting in daily issues like eye strain and headaches. In that case, insurance can pay a portion of the bill.

Alternatively, it may also cover if it’s a complication of cataract surgery.

In children, ptosis surgery is often covered by insurance because it can prevent vision problems like lazy eyes.

Suppose the main reason for the surgery is only to improve the appearance and not to fix a vision problem.

In that instance, insurance might not pay the bill as the surgery is considered an elective cosmetic.

The amount covered will depend on your insurance plan.

Before scheduling the procedure, it’s a good idea to call your insurance carrier to determine the out-of-pocket expenses.

Additionally, check whether further provider documentation is required to support your claim.