Eyelid Region
With age, the delicate skin around the eyes can appear puffy or saggy. Eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and the normal deposits of protective fat around the eye bulge. The surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid tissues (skin, muscle, or fat) is called a blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. The surgery is performed for either cosmetic or functional (medical) reasons. Sometimes excess upper eyelid tissue obstructs the upper visual field or can weigh down the eyelid and produce tired–feeling eyes. When blepharoplasty is performed to improve vision, rather than for cosmetic reasons only, it may be covered by insurance.
Blepharoplasty for the lower lid removes the large bags under the eyes. It is unusual for insurance to cover lower lid blepharoplasty.