Questions to Ask Before Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Although eyelid lift or blepharoplasty is a relatively minor cosmetic surgery, it is still a sensitive procedure as it involves the delicate eye region. 

At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the patient should freely ask questions and educate themselves on various aspects of the procedure and the surgeon’s background prior to making a final decision.

Ideally, the patient should make a list of all their questions beforehand and carry it to the consultation. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides blepharoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities. 

Do you have a board certification in plastic surgery?

Ideally, the eyelid surgeon should have a board certification in plastic surgery. plastic surgeons usually invest in top-notch quality standards and best practices, pursue continuing education, and follow the latest safety protocols. 

What number of years of training and experience do you possess in such procedures?

The patient should be clear on how much medical and surgical training the surgeon has as well as the actual hands-on experience that they have in the field of plastic surgery. It is vital to choose a surgeon with requisite expertise and skill, particularly for an intricate procedure such as blepharoplasty.

Have you undertaken eyelid lift or facial surgery previously?

Some plastic surgeons may have extensive expertise in the area of breast and body surgeries. But they may not be as proficient in facial, or particularly, eyelid related procedures. It is advisable for the patient to choose a surgeon with a detailed understanding of the facial and eye anatomy and has performed face and eye rejuvenation procedures previously. 

Which surgical venue would you recommend for blepharoplasty?

The surgeon will usually have an option to undertake blepharoplasty at a hospital, an accredited surgical center, or a private surgical suite. The plastic surgeon should offer the patient these options and recommend the most appropriate venue, depending on the patient’s needs.  

Would you use general or local anesthesia? 

The surgeon may recommend the blepharoplasty procedure to be performed either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The patient should understand whether an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist will administer the anesthesia and remain in the operating room throughout the procedure. 

What are the potential risks and complications? 

The patient should understand the possible risks and complications associated with eyelid surgery ahead of the procedure to make a judicious decision. 

Questions about the Costs

• What will be the estimated cost of the blepharoplasty at your practice?

• Does the estimated cost include the expenses for the anesthesia and surgical venue?

• What would the cost of the post-operative necessities such as medical tests and prescription drugs be?

• Are the expenses associated with post-operative appointments included in the estimate?

• Will I be eligible to receive insurance coverage for a portion of the eyelid surgery in specific situations?

• Will your office be able to give me information on the potential health care financing options?

The patient should make a final decision on the eyelid surgery only after they are completely satisfied with the surgeon’s answers to their questions. They may make a list of questions in advance and carry this list to the surgeon’s office to make sure that they do not miss out on any vital questions. 

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for blepharoplasty.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.