Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid, a condition that may occur in children or adults to varying degrees. Dr. Dustin Heringer and Dr. William McLeish perform surgery for ptosis repair at their Scottsdale, AZ, practice, allowing patients to experience better vision, an enhanced appearance, and a higher quality of life.
Full Answer
Is ptosis covered by Medicare?
Reduction of Over-Correction Ptosis (CPT code 67909) Medicare does not have a National Coverage Determination (NCD) for upper lid blepharoplasty, brow ptosis repair and upper eyelid blepharoptosis repair.
What kind of doctor corrects ptosis?
Your ophthalmologist determines the type of ptosis based on your medical history and the results of the comprehensive eye exam the doctor may have performed. You may then be referred to an oculoplastic specialist—an ophthalmologist with advanced training in plastic surgery of the eyes and surrounding areas.
How much does a ptosis surgery cost?
An average cost of Ptosis Surgery in India is approximately Rs. 28,370. The maximum cost of Ptosis Surgery in India can be up to Rs. 48,990.
Is ptosis medical or cosmetic?
About Ptosis Repair Eyelid ptosis is a medical condition that occurs when the levator muscles weaken and fail to lift the upper eyelids properly. There are many causes of eyelid ptosis including congenital, hereditary and certain muscular-neurological disorders.
How do you fix ptosis in the eye without surgery?
Certain prescription eye drops are available, which can serve as a temporary solution to address the condition of ptosis. The effect of the treatment can last for about eight hours, and can be repeated for maintain the look. Botox may be used in some cases to treat the muscle that is causing the eyelids to close.
Can a plastic surgeon fix ptosis?
It is caused by dysfunction of the muscle and aponeurosis which insert on the eyelid margin and open the eye. There are a number of different procedure to correct ptosis, all of which can be performed by a plastic surgeon.
Does Medicare pay for droopy eyelid surgery?
Medicare does not offer coverage for cosmetic surgery. But the program does pay for eyelid lifts, known as blepharoplasty, when a patient's sagging eyelids hinder their vision. Medicare reimbursement for eyelid surgery ranges from $574 to $640 per eye—not exactly a big ticket item.
How painful is ptosis surgery?
Most patients report the procedure is painless or only mildly uncomfortable. Post-surgical discomfort is usually manageable with an over the counter Tylenol. Recovery usually takes place in stages. During the first one to two weeks, it is normal to have some bruising and swelling.
How do you qualify for eyelid surgery?
One can qualify for eyelid surgery, covered by medical insurance, if it is deemed medically necessary. The main reason cited is impaired vision is caused by excess upper eyelid skin which can make everyday activities such as driving, reading and using telecommunication devices much more hazardous.
Can laser fix ptosis?
Although results of eyelid surgery can be very good using a blade to make the incisions, Dr. Silbert believes that the laser provides for a more exacting surgery with less black and blue, and quicker healing. Ptosis or droopy eyelid, also known as Blepharoptosis, is when your eyelid margin sits lower than normal.
Are you awake during ptosis surgery?
Ptosis surgery is performed under local anesthesia with sedation (the patient is awake but does not feel the procedure). The types of surgery to repair the droopy lid include the following: The surgeon makes an opening in the skin of the upper eyelid.
Why does ptosis surgery fail?
The reasons why an upper eyelid blepharoplasty can fail in the female patient is that typically there are two other issues at hand: either laxity and descent of the brow (pseudo-ptosis) or a droopy upper eyelid (ptosis).
What is Ptosis Surgery (Droopy Eyelid Surgery)?
Some people opt to undergo ptosis repair surgery to correct the issue. However, not everyone benefits from ptosis repair surgery. A thorough ophthalmological exam is needed beforehand.
Who Performs Ptosis Surgery?
Although some people consider ptosis repair surgery cosmetic, it is usually not performed by a plastic surgeon. The surgery is highly specialized and poses a risk to the eye. It requires more than just tightening or cutting droopy eyelids.
What to Expect During Ptosis Surgery
Surgeons use local or general anesthesia in both types of ptosis surgeries, depending on whether the external or internal procedure is used. They might also consider the patient’s comfort level with the procedure.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Ptosis Surgery?
It can take up to three months to fully recover from the eyelid surgery procedure. The recovery process occurs in stages, which helps someone determine if they are having a healthy recovery.
How Much Does Ptosis Surgery Cost?
The out-of-pocket cost for ptosis surgery varies based on how much your insurance provider is willing to cover. In most cases, they only offer coverage when surgery is deemed medically necessary. This means the drooping of the upper eyelid impedes vision.