The True Cost of Blepharoplasty, Breaking Down the Expenses

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, has various costs that add up throughout the process. The total expense includes not only the surgical fees but also the initial consultation, any necessary medical tests, anesthesia, facility costs, and the care required after the surgery.

Dr. Shervin Naderi, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, wants patients to know exactly what they are paying for, and which of these costs are already included in his price, before they commit to eyelid surgery.

What Eyelid Surgery Really Costs

1. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can vary in cost depending on the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon’s experience.
2. Many quoted prices leave out anesthesia, facility fees and post-operative care. At The Naderi Center, the eyelid surgery price includes anesthesia, facility fees and all follow-up visits.
3. Eyelid surgery at The Naderi Center is cosmetic, so it is self-pay and is not billed to insurance. Cherry financing can spread the cost into monthly payments.
4. The geographic location of the clinic can significantly impact the total cost of the eyelid surgery.
5. Investing in a skilled surgeon for blepharoplasty may lead to better outcomes and help avoid additional costs from revision surgeries.

1. Initial Consultation Fees

The process starts with a consultation, which usually has its own fee. That fee covers the surgeon’s time examining you and going over your goals and the details of the surgery. At The Naderi Center, the consultation fee goes toward the cost of surgery if you go ahead.

A consultation with a board-certified surgeon may cost more than one with a less experienced provider, and it is usually worth it. Choose your surgeon on qualifications and safety, not on price alone.

Many surgeons, Dr. Naderi included, offer virtual consultations by video as well as in-person visits. When you book, ask whether the consultation fee is applied to the surgery or charged on top of it.

2. Surgeon’s Fees

The cost of eyelid surgery can significantly vary depending on the surgeon’s fees. Factors such as a surgeon’s experience and the location of their practice can affect fees. For example, highly regarded cosmetic surgeons in cities with high demand may charge more due to their specialized skills in plastic surgery.

Choosing the right qualified surgeon matters more than anything else in eyelid surgery. A board-certified facial plastic surgeon has met strict professional standards, and that is often reflected in the fee. An experienced plastic surgeon may charge more, but that expertise shows in the results of the surgery.

The procedure complexity is another factor that can influence the surgeon’s fees. More involved operations call for more specialized skill and usually cost more. Keep this in mind when planning for eyelid surgery, since the surgeon’s skill affects both the quality and the safety of the result.

3. Anesthesia Costs

Anesthesia fees are a significant part of the cost of surgery, and they depend mostly on the type of anesthesia:

• General Anesthesia: Leads to higher fees due to:
• The need for a dedicated anesthesia team, including an anesthesiologist and nurses.
• Extensive monitoring of the patient during surgery.
• Anesthesia with Sedation: Usually costs less because:
• The procedure requires less intensive monitoring.
• Fewer medical staff may be needed compared to general anesthesia.

Dr. Naderi performs eyelid surgery in the operating room under general anesthesia, given by board-certified anesthesiologists who supervise CRNAs. He prefers it because the patient stays completely still and he can work under the best operating conditions, and many eyelid patients have other procedures at the same time. The anesthesia fee is included in his quoted price.

4. Facility or Hospital Fees

Where the surgery is done also affects the price:

• Facility Fees: These differ widely from one facility to another, so ask what yours will be.
• Surgery Centers vs. Hospitals: Surgery centers are typically more affordable than hospitals, often without sacrificing quality.
• Surgical Facility Pricing: Each surgical facility has its own fee structure, which reflects the services and care they provide.
• Choosing an Average Facility: Selecting a facility that offers specialized care at a reasonable cost can provide a balance between quality and affordability.
• Quality of Surgical Care: Whatever the facility fee, the quality of care during surgery comes first.

For Dr. Naderi’s eyelid surgery patients, the facility fee is already included in the quoted price.

5. Pre-operative Medical Testing

Pre-operative testing is part of making surgery safe. These tests are done before surgery to confirm you are healthy enough for it and to identify any risks that could complicate the procedure. The types of tests administered are based on the individual’s health history and may include:

• Blood tests: To assess general health and the function of organs.
• EKGs: To monitor heart health.
• Chest X-rays: To examine lung health.

The cost depends on where the tests are done and whether your insurance covers them. For Dr. Naderi’s eyelid surgery patients, medical clearance and lab work are arranged and paid for by the patient, not the practice, so they are not part of the surgical fee.

6. Post-operative Care Expenses

Care after surgery can add to the overall cost, depending on how long recovery takes, which medications you need and how follow-up visits are billed. Planning for these ahead of time makes recovery less stressful.

Expected Post-Surgical Costs:

• Follow-up Visits: Monitoring healing and catching problems early. At The Naderi Center, all follow-up visits after eyelid surgery are included in the surgical fee.
• Medications: Required for pain management and infection prevention.
• Recurring Costs: These may arise multiple times throughout the recovery period.

Factors Affecting Post-Surgical Expenses:

• Surgery Type: Different surgeries have varying associated post-care costs.
• Recovery Time: Extended recovery may lead to increased expenses from longer medication use and additional appointments.
• Frequency of Care: At practices that charge per visit, more follow-ups mean higher total costs.

Here is how post-surgical expenses typically line up with the stages of recovery:

Recovery Stage	Expense Type	Description	Frequency
Immediate Post-Op	Medications	Required for pain and infection control	Daily/As prescribed
First Follow-Up	Appointments After Surgery	Assess early recovery progress	1-2 weeks post-surgery
Ongoing Care	Follow-Up Visits	Check-ups to monitor long-term healing	Varies
Long-Term Recovery	Medications	Possibly required for extended pain/inflammation	As needed

At some practices these expenses come on top of the surgical fee, so ask exactly what your quote includes. Dr. Naderi’s eyelid surgery price includes anesthesia, the facility fee and all follow-up visits.

7. Potential Additional Costs

Other costs can come up, and it helps to know about them in advance:

• Additional Costs: Expenses that were not initially included in the surgery quotation.
• Revision Surgery: Costs related to further corrective procedures if the initial surgical results are not satisfactory.
• Treatment of Complications: Expenses that arise from handling any post-surgery complications.
• Additional Surgeries: Costs associated with unforeseen issues that require more surgical intervention.

Ask your surgeon how each of these is handled before you schedule.

8. Insurance and Financing for Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery at The Naderi Center is cosmetic, so it is self-pay and is not billed to insurance. Upper eyelid surgery is $8,000 to $15,000, and lower eyelid surgery is $8,000 to $15,000, including anesthesia and surgical facility fees.

To spread out the cost, you can apply for Cherry financing, with flexible monthly payment plans and 0% APR options. Applying does not affect your credit score.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does eyelid surgery cost at The Naderi Center?

Upper eyelid surgery is $8,000 to $15,000, and lower eyelid surgery is $8,000 to $15,000. Both prices include anesthesia, the surgical facility fee and all follow-up visits, while pre-operative medical clearance and lab work are arranged separately by the patient. Eyelid surgery is cosmetic, so it is self-pay, and Cherry financing is available.

What type of anesthesia is used for eyelid surgery?

Dr. Naderi performs eyelid surgery in the operating room under general anesthesia, given by board-certified anesthesiologists who supervise CRNAs. General anesthesia keeps the patient completely still, and many eyelid patients have other procedures done at the same time.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

Upper eyelid surgery takes 60 to 90 minutes. Upper and lower eyelid surgery together take about 2 hours.

How much time off work will I need after eyelid surgery?

Plan on 1 to 2 weeks off work. Most patients look presentable about 10 to 14 days after surgery, avoid strenuous exercise for a month, and see their final result at 3 to 6 months.

How many follow-up visits are there after eyelid surgery?

Follow-up visits are usually at 1 week, 1 month and typically 3 months after surgery. All of them are included in the price of the surgery.

Summarizing the Full Scope of Blepharoplasty Expenses

An accurate estimate for blepharoplasty should cover every related cost, not just the surgeon’s fee. The price mostly reflects the surgeon’s expertise, how complex the surgery is and where it is done.

Included in the total cost of this cosmetic surgery procedure are several key components often overlooked:

• Surgical Fees: Payment for the surgeon performing the blepharoplasty.
• Facility Charges: Costs associated with the location where the surgery is conducted.
• Postoperative Care: Following major surgery, resources for recovery play a part in the overall costs.

Facial surgery takes specialized skill, and that is reflected in the price. To avoid surprises, ask for an estimate that spells out exactly what it includes.

The most reliable way to learn what your eyelid surgery will cost is a consultation. Dr. Shervin Naderi is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon whose practice is devoted to surgery of the face, including eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty and facelifts. He sees patients at The Naderi Center’s offices in Reston, Virginia, and Chevy Chase, Maryland, which are convenient for patients across the Washington, DC area.

Dr. Naderi’s approach to eyelid surgery is conservative. He removes skin only where it is needed and often restores lost volume with fat, so patients look rested rather than tight, and he will tell you honestly if surgery isn’t the right choice for you. At your consultation, you will get a clear price for the procedure you actually need.