Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Blepharoplasty, Ectropion or Entropion Repair, and Eyelid Ptosis Repair are all reconstructive eyelid surgeries commonly performed by Dr. Goldstein. As a general rule, insurance companies will cover part of the costs of reconstructive eyelid surgery when the condition impairs your ability to see, results from tumor or trauma or causes secondary conditions such as eye infection or chronic irritation. We will perform the appropriate tests and submit the information to your insurance company to determine if the procedure would be covered.
Blepharoplasty - Excess upper eyelid skin hanging down over the eyelashes may interfere with vision, this is diagnosed as dermatochalasis. The droopiness of the eyelids leads to reflexive forehead wrinkling, headache from forehead muscle contraction, and eye fatigue. When the excess skin weighing down the lid interferes with your superior visual field it is considered medically necessary and insurance will be filed. However, if your vision is not significantly impaired, the surgery is considered cosmetic and insurance coverage is not applicable.
Ectropion – The lower eyelid turns outward causing redness, irritation, watery eyes, infection, crusting, vision impairment, and damage to the cornea (surface of the eye). This is usually a result of facial aging, although injury, tumor, or Bell’s Palsy can also cause ectropion. This is a procedure that is typically considered medically necessary by most insurance.
Entropion – The eyelid rolls in causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye. Entropion is caused by laxity of the eyelid and/or spasm of the eyelid muscle and may produce tearing, infection, vision impairment, and damage to the cornea (surface of the eye). This is a procedure that is typically considered medically necessary by most insurance.
Ptosis - Droopiness or sagging of the upper eyelid caused by injury to the muscle, congenital defect, muscle disorders, nerve disorders, or aging can obstruct vision when severe and create a tired or aged appearance. The weakened muscle must be repaired, this is also considered a medically necessary procedure by most insurances.
BOTOX® - is a protein that weakens muscles that wrinkle the skin. It is injected under the skin into areas surrounding the eyes, forehead and mouth to reduce "worry lines", "crow's feet" and "frown lines". The procedure is quick and usually done in an examination room.
If you are interested in learning more about eyelid surgery, please feel free to call and ask for our surgical coordinator at (404) 298- 5557 or email @ gaoa.com.