If you’re noticing sagging, drooping, or tired-looking eyes, you might be considering eyelid surgery. But as you research your options, you’ll likely come across two terms: blepharoplasty and oculoplastic surgery. While they sound similar, they serve different purposes and require different expertise. Knowing which procedure (and surgeon) is right for you could be the key to better vision, a refreshed appearance, or even insurance coverage.
We will break down the differences between blepharoplasty and oculoplastic surgery, explain how ptosis repair fits into the picture, and help you confidently take the next step.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, often called “eyelid lift surgery,” is primarily a cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. It’s one of the most common facial procedures in the U.S. and is popular among both men and women looking to rejuvenate their appearance.
Focus:
- Aesthetic improvement of sagging or puffy eyelids
- Removal or repositioning of excess skin, fat, and muscle
Goals:
- Reduce bagginess under the eyes
- Tighten loose or sagging upper eyelids
- Create a more youthful, alert appearance
Procedures Include:
- Blepharoplasty
- Brow Lifts
- Ptosis Repair
- Reshape Eye Shape
Insurance Coverage:
- Usually not covered unless the eyelid droop impairs vision (in which case ptosis may be diagnosed)
What Is Oculoplastic Surgery?
Oculoplastic surgery is a medical subspecialty within ophthalmology. Oculoplastic surgeons are eye doctors who go on to receive additional surgical training in procedures involving the eyelids, tear ducts, eye sockets (orbits), and nearby facial areas.
Focus:
- Medically necessary surgeries around the eye
- Highly specialized procedures involving function, anatomy, and aesthetics
Procedures Include:
- Ptosis repair (for droopy eyelids impacting vision)
- Tear duct surgery
- Orbital surgery
Performed By:
- Oculoplastic surgeons only (MDs with subspecialty training in ophthalmology + plastic surgery)
Insurance Coverage:
- Often covered if the surgery addresses a functional issue (e.g., ptosis repair, entropion correction, tear duct surgery)
What Is Ptosis Repair?
Ptosis refers to the medical condition where the upper eyelid droops over the eye, sometimes partially or entirely blocking vision. This can be caused by aging, muscle weakness, trauma, or neurological issues.
Ptosis Repair Surgery:
- Tightens or repositions the eyelid’s lifting muscles
- Can dramatically improve field of vision
- May be paired with a cosmetic blepharoplasty
Why It Matters:
- Ptosis repair is often medically necessary and may be covered by insurance
- Many patients elect to combine ptosis repair with blepharoplasty for both function and aesthetics
Blepharoplasty vs. Oculoplastic Surgery: Key Differences
Feature
Blepharoplasty
Oculoplastic Surgery
Primary Focus
Scope
Performed By
Insurance Coverage
Best For
Should You See a Plastic Surgeon or Oculoplastic Surgeon?
If your goal is purely cosmetic (such as treating mild puffiness or fine eyelid wrinkles), a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in facial procedures may be a suitable choice.
However, if you’re experiencing:
- Eyelid drooping that interferes with vision
- Asymmetry or complications from previous surgery
- Neurological or structural eyelid issues
- Concerns about both function and appearance
…then an oculoplastic surgeon is likely the better option. These specialists combine medical expertise in eye function with precision aesthetic skills, making them uniquely equipped for both routine and complex eyelid procedures.
Get Your Consultation Today
Give us a call today to schedule your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery.
What About Insurance Coverage?
Here’s where it gets interesting: if your eyelid condition qualifies as medically necessary, insurance may cover all or part of your procedure. For example:
- Covered: Ptosis repair, eyelid malposition correction, vision-impairing sagging
- Not typically covered: Cosmetic-only blepharoplasty, unless bundled with functional repairs
The team at Wave Plastic Surgery can help evaluate your condition, document any functional impairment, and work with your insurance provider to determine your eligibility.
Why Choose Wave Plastic Surgery?
At Wave Plastic Surgery, we blend medical precision with artistic excellence. Whether you’re pursuing cosmetic rejuvenation, functional correction, or both, our team is equipped with:
- Board-certified plastic and oculoplastic surgeons
- Experience handling both aesthetic and insurance-covered cases
- State-of-the-art surgical techniques
- Convenient locations throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco
We don’t just help you look better — we help you see better, too.
We’re here to help you look and feel your best—without anyone guessing you had anything done.
👉 Book your consultation today with our board-certified blepharoplasty expert at Wave Plastic Surgery.
📍Serving: Los Angeles, Arcadia, Orange County, Rowland Heights, San Francisco
📞 Ready to take the next step? Call 888-674-3001 or Book Online Here
Frequently Asked Questions
Only if it’s correcting vision impairment caused by sagging eyelids. Otherwise, it’s cosmetic.
An oculoplastic surgeon, due to their specialized training in functional eyelid disorders.
Yes! Many patients choose to combine both procedures for optimal visual and cosmetic results.
A consultation with an oculoplastic surgeon can determine if your condition qualifies. Visual field testing may be required for coverage.
How to Refresh Tired Eyes | Dr. Lee Explains Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery + Brow Lift
In this educational video, Dr. Lee from Wave Plastic Surgery explains how aging affects the delicate eye area — and the procedures that can restore a youthful, refreshed look.
Next Steps: Talk to a Specialist
If you’ve been wondering whether your eyelid concerns are just cosmetic — or something more — we’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation with Wave Plastic Surgery today to explore your options for blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, or a combined procedure.
Let’s help you look more alert, see more clearly, and feel more confident.
👉 Book your consultation today with our board-certified blepharoplasty experts at Wave Plastic Surgery.
📍Serving: Los Angeles, Arcadia, Orange County, Rowland Heights, San Francisco
📞 Ready to take the next step? Call 888-674-3001 or Book Online Here
Quick Take Aways:
- Blepharoplasty is typically a cosmetic eyelid surgery, while oculoplastic surgery addresses both aesthetic and functional issues involving the eyes and surrounding structures.
- If you have vision obstruction from droopy eyelids, you may qualify for insurance-covered ptosis repair — which can be paired with cosmetic eyelid surgery.
- Oculoplastic surgeons have specialized medical training in eye anatomy and are best suited for complex, functional, or combined eyelid procedures.
- Wave Plastic Surgery offers expert care across Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco with both cosmetic and insurance-supported surgical options.
