How Much Is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery can refresh the eyes by reducing sagging upper eyelid skin, under-eye puffiness, or both. For many patients, one of the first questions is simple: how much does eyelid surgery cost?

The answer depends on the type of blepharoplasty you need, the complexity of your procedure, anesthesia, facility fees, and whether you choose to combine eyelid surgery with another rejuvenation treatment. This blog explains what can affect the total cost of eyelid surgery and what to consider when planning for your procedure.

Table of Contents

What Are the Different Types of Blepharoplasty?

What Is Included in the Cost of Eyelid Surgery?

The “Hidden” Costs of Blepharoplasty

How to Determine the Total Cost of Your Eyelid Surgery

How to Finance Eyelid Surgery

Does Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?

Interested in Eyelid Surgery in Washington, D.C.?

What Are the Different Types of Blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, can address different concerns around the eyes depending on your anatomy and goals. There are three common approaches.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

An upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper eyelids. This can help open the eyes and create a more rested appearance.

In some cases, upper eyelid surgery may also improve vision if sagging skin hangs low enough to block your line of sight.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

A lower blepharoplasty targets under-eye bags, puffiness, and tired-looking eyes. During this procedure, your surgeon may remove or reposition fat deposits to create a smoother lower eyelid contour.

Combined Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

Some patients benefit from simultaneous upper and lower eyelid surgery. This approach can achieve more complete eye rejuvenation by addressing concerns above and below the eyes in a single procedure.

The type of eyelid surgery you choose affects your total cost. Upper eyelid surgery typically costs less than lower eyelid surgery, while combined procedures cost more because they involve a more comprehensive treatment plan.

What Is Included in the Cost of Eyelid Surgery?

When you receive a quote for blepharoplasty, it usually includes several important parts of your surgical care. Understanding each one can help you compare pricing more accurately.

Surgeon’s Fees

According to the most recent statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon/physican fee was $3,000 to $5,000 for an upper blepharoplasty and $3,709 to $6,500 for a lower blepharoplasty.

The surgeon’s fee reflects your surgeon’s training, skill, experience, and approach to care. Choosing a highly qualified surgeon is one of the most important parts of planning eyelid surgery. 

At Center for Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons are known for providing high-quality, natural-looking results in a safe environment.

Facility Fees

Facility fees cover the use of the operating room, surgical equipment, and related resources. An accredited surgical facility helps support a safer, more controlled surgical experience.

Procedures at CPS are performed at our QUAD A-accredited surgery center in Northern Virginia.

Anesthesia Fees

Anesthesia helps keep you comfortable during surgery. Depending on your treatment plan, your blepharoplasty may involve local anesthesia with sedation or another anesthesia option recommended by your surgeon.

Center for Plastic Surgery is staffed by board-certified anesthesiologists who monitor you throughout your blepharoplasty procedure, keeping you safe and comfortable.

Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up visits allow your surgeon to monitor your healing and answer questions during recovery. These appointments are an important part of your overall surgical care, not an extra detail to overlook.

At Center for Plastic Surgery, we pride ourselves on making our pricing as transparent as possible. On average, eyelid surgery costs start at around $3,500, with price variation based on your individual needs and personalized treatment plan.

The “Hidden” Costs of Blepharoplasty

Beyond the surgical fees, there may be a few additional costs to plan for during recovery. These are usually smaller expenses, but preparing for them can make the process smoother.

Additional costs may include:

• Prescription medications for pain management or infection prevention
• Special eye drops or ointments to support healing
• Cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Extra pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping
• Childcare or pet care during the early recovery period
• Meal delivery services or prepared meals so you can rest
• Time off work if you do not have paid time off

Most patients need about one to two weeks off work, depending on the type of blepharoplasty performed, the amount of bruising or swelling, and the nature of their job.

Planning ahead can help reduce financial stress during recovery. Some patients choose to prepare meals in advance, arrange help from family or friends, or schedule surgery around a lighter work period.

How to Determine the Total Cost of Your Eyelid Surgery

The best way to get an accurate cost estimate is through a personal consultation. During this visit, your surgeon evaluates your eyelids, reviews your concerns, and recommends the approach that best fits your anatomy and goals.

Your total cost may depend on:

• The complexity of your procedure
• Whether you need upper, lower, or combined blepharoplasty
• Whether additional rejuvenation treatments, such as laser resurfacing, are recommended
• Your unique anatomy
• The type of anesthesia used
• The surgical facility

You can visit our pricing page to see general cost ranges for eyelid surgery and other cosmetic procedures. These ranges are helpful for planning, but they are still estimates. Your final quote will depend on your personalized surgical plan.

How to Finance Eyelid Surgery

Financial planning is an important part of feeling ready for surgery. Many patients choose financing because it allows them to move forward with blepharoplasty while spreading the cost into monthly payments.

Center for Plastic Surgery partners with CareCredit® to offer flexible payment solutions.

This option can make eyelid surgery more manageable by allowing you to schedule your procedure sooner and pay over time based on your financial situation.

Does Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?

In some cases, insurance may cover upper eyelid surgery if drooping eyelid skin interferes with your vision. This is usually considered only when blepharoplasty is medically necessary rather than purely aesthetic.

If you have severe upper eyelid sagging, it may be worth asking whether visual field testing or insurance documentation is appropriate. Your surgeon can explain what may be required based on your symptoms and exam.

Lower eyelid surgery is typically considered aesthetic and is less likely to be covered by insurance.

Interested in Eyelid Surgery in Washington, D.C.?

Eyelid surgery can create a brighter, more refreshed appearance, but the cost depends on your specific needs and surgical plan. During your consultation, the experienced surgeons at Center for Plastic Surgery can explain your options, review pricing, and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after blepharoplasty.

Schedule your consultation today by calling our Chevy Chase office at (301) 652-7700 or our Tysons Corner location at (703) 560-2850. You can also fill out our online contact form.