Dr. Kostick’s Team Answers Patient Questions About Droopy Eyelid Evaluations And Surgery

close up of woman getting injection under eye brow, eye closed

Blepharoplasty, Ptosis Repair and Brow Lift

 

I’m tired of my drooping eyelids, how can I fix them?

Please call our office to schedule an eyelid surgery evaluation. We have a whole clinic dedicated to eyelids with over 25 years of experience. During your evaluation, we will discuss the causes of your eyelid problems and the procedures that will help you restore your appearance and functioning position. Every person’s face and eyelids are at various stages of aging and have a unique genetic inheritance. We will create a surgical plan that is safe and right for you. 

 

How do I know I’m a candidate? Will my insurance company cover my procedure?

Your eyelid evaluation will include two office visits. During the first visit, we will begin to determine if there is a “Medical Need’ for eyelid surgery, and if your insurance company might cover it. We make the initial determination based on eyelid measurements, evaluate photos, and assess the severity of your symptoms (ie., eyelid heaviness and blockage of vision). 

If we feel that you would benefit from a procedure and make a good surgical candidate, then we will schedule an appointment for visual field testing. Your evaluation will be covered by your insurance.

 

What is a Ptosis Visual Field Test?

A Ptosis Visual Field Test is a test designed to measure how much your eyelids are interfering with your vision. This is done for insurance qualification only. We will test both the right and left eyes 2 times. The first time will be with the eyelids in their normal droopy position, then we will tape up with a gentle tape safe for the skin both eyelid and brow, then retest again to measure the difference in your vision.

It is perfectly fine to ask for a break during the test or ask for lubricating drops. Testing takes about 20 minutes. Your visual field testing will be covered by your insurance. 

 

Visual Field Testing Tips

Un-taped Testing

Do NOT lift your eyebrows. We want to measure your vision without lifting up your brows. 

Taped Testing

Now is the time to lift up your eyebrows and eyelids as high as you can! We also apply a gentle surgical tape to assist with the testing. We want to mimic what your vision would be like without the skin in the way.

 

What will my out of pocket costs be?

We will review your estimated out-of-pocket costs for surgery. This will include any deductible, coinsurance, and/or copays due for any procedure covered by insurance as well as any cosmetic add-on procedures you may be interested in. You will be given an estimate at your initial consultation.

 

I’m not a candidate for insurance coverage, can I still have an eyelid procedure?

Yes, you can. Blepharoplasty is the #1 performed cosmetic procedures for people over the age of 45. Insurance authorizations, Visual fields, or further testing is not required. We can discuss the procedures that are best for you, talk overpricing, and schedule your surgery. 

We accept all major credit cards as well as Care Credit® and Wells Fargo Health Advantage® financing options.

*Care Credit® and Wells Fargo Health Advantage® cannot be used towards deductibles, coinsurance or co-pays.

*The cost for a Cosmetic Consultation is $150, but will be applied towards any surgery scheduled

 

How do I prepare for eyelid surgery?

  1. See your Primary Care Physician 30 days prior to surgery for a “Pre Op” examination. This is your medical care provider’s permission for you to have anesthesia. The visit may include an EKG and possibly bloodwork (varies from patient to patient). We will provide an instruction sheet that you will take with you to your Pre Op appointment. 
  2. Stop taking any over-the-counter blood-thinning medications 2 weeks prior to surgery. There are many but the most common are aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oils. 

*Any PRESCRIPTION blood thinners such as Eliquis, Plavix, Warfarin, and Pradaxa MUST be stopped at some point prior to surgery according to your prescribing physician’s instructions. 

  1. Arrange to be absent from work from your Covid 19 test until 1-week post-op. You will need a trusted driver for surgery, a 1-day post-op appointment, and a post-op caregiver for 72 hours after surgery.
  2. You will need to have a Covid 19  test prior to surgery 2-6 days prior to surgery and then quarantine after your test until surgery to ensure you remain negative for COVID 19.
  3. We will also have you use a special eyelid cleanser and encourage the use of preservative-free tears beginning 1 week prior to surgery for the best outcome and a speedy recovery.

 

What should I expect after surgery?

To have the best possible results and quickest recovery time, you will be required to limit your activity, to include no watching TV, computer work, or other activities that would cause eyelid movement or cause eye strain for 72 hours after surgery. Also, keep your head elevated at all times with no lifting or straining. Cool / Ice compresses to your eyelids for a MINIMUM of 20 minutes every waking hour. (the more often the better!)

We will prescribe an eye ointment to use twice per day. This will protect the eyes and help heal incisions. Usually, over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®) and oral antihistamines (Benadryl®)  are all that is needed to help with any discomfort. Most complaints are headache, soreness, watery irritated eyes, light sensitivity, and itching. 

You will have stitches and/or staples that will be removed at your 1-week post-op visit. Bruising varies from patient to patient but may persist for 2-3 weeks and swelling will be present 6-8 weeks after surgery. 

Avoid examining or tugging at any incisions after your surgery. Do not use eye makeup or contact lenses for 2 weeks after your surgery. The results of your surgery will begin to emerge within several weeks after surgery. The final results, however, may take up to 6 months to complete final healing. 

Incisions may appear pink for months after surgery but will lighten over time. Sunscreen and sunglasses will need to be worn to protect your incisions when outdoors. Although your surgery is expected to be “permanent”, one will continue to age naturally. 

Please call our office at 904-564-2020 to request a consultation or if you have any questions. We look forward to meeting you! 

—Sandra Dunlap, Oculoplastics Consultant

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