Functional vs Cosmetic Eyelid Surgeries
The question of functional versus cosmetic surgery arises often. Here is the difference between the two:
More than 170,000 people in the US each year get some form of eyelid surgery. Most of those people average around 57 years of age. Sometimes , the need is more cosmetic and others, it’s more so for medical purposes like cancer and uncomfortable situations.
What Does “Functional” Surgery Mean?
Functional (or reconstructive) oculoplastic surgery is considered medically necessary and is usually covered by health insurances. It is designed to help with the function of the eyelid or periorbital areas. Examples include ptosis (droopy eyelid), eyelid malpositions (ectropion, entropion), eyelid retraction, eyelid tumors or skin cancer reconstruction, lacrimal tear duct (DCR) surgery, orbital tumors, bulgy eyes, thyroid eye disease, trauma (eyelid laceration, orbital fractures), orbital tumors, eye socket surgery, facial or eyelid paralysis, and facial or eyelid spasms.