What is the cost of  eyelid surgery?

          There are three factors which contribute to the cost of eyelid surgery:  1) the surgeon's fee, 2) the anesthesiology fee, and 3) the hospital or outpatient surgery fee.  The fees vary from one region of the country to another.  The cost usually ranges from 2,000 to 6,000 dollars.

What type of anesthesia is used for eyelid surgery?

          Eyelid surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia (you are completely asleep) or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.

Where is the surgery performed?

          The surgery can be performed in a hospital, outpatient surgery center, or office surgical facility.  Most patients can go home the same day.  However, an overnight stay may be needed in some situations (i.e.  multiple procedures performed at the same time).

How long does eyelid surgery last?

          Eyelid surgery is permanent.  However, it does not stop the aging process.  The length of time that eyelid surgery last varies with your individual skin texture and tone.

Is there anything I need to do prior to my surgery?

          Two of the most important things to do prior to your surgery is to avoid smoking and medication which can cause you to bleed (aspirin, ibuprofen, advil, motrin).  Smoking has been shown to increase your chance of poor wound healing.  This can lead to necrosis (death) of the skin edges and consequently unsightly scars and skin loss.  As for medications which cause you to bleed freely, you must be off all aspirin containing medications for two weeks prior to your surgery and two weeks after your surgery.  It is also prudent to avoid medications like ibuprofen, advil, or motrin.  These medications can also affect your body's ability to stop bleeding.