As one gets older, muscles around the eyelids weaken and lose their shape. So, older adults may notice that their eyelids are beginning to sag, affecting their peripheral vision. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses this issue by removing the excess skin from the eyelids. The cosmetic procedure is performed by a plastic surgeon or an ophthalmologist who specializes in such plastic surgery. Below one can learn more about finding the best blepharoplasty surgeons.

Tips for finding blepharoplasty specialists
Seek recommendations
One can first see if they know friends or family members who have undergone blepharoplasty and seek recommendations from them. Such referrals can make one feel confident in approaching the doctor, as they are recommended by people one trusts. Ophthalmologists or plastic surgeons who are certified in ophthalmic plastic or reconstructive surgery can perform blepharoplasty. The higher the number of surgeries they have performed, the better it is, as more experience and practice can ensure satisfactory results.

Use online tools
Many third-party doctor finder tools and websites can help one locate the best specialists and clinics nearby. One can look up “blepharoplasty specialist near me” or “blepharoplasty clinic near me” to shortlist top-rated local doctors. Further, one should read reviews and patient testimonials on these websites to pick positively reviewed healthcare professionals. The websites can also help one find in-network providers that offer the best services. Most general healthcare insurance plans cover the cost of blepharoplasty surgery if the condition is affecting the field of vision. The bottom line is insurance will be applicable here only if the eyelid surgery is deemed necessary by the specialist. In other cases where the surgery is intended for cosmetic appearances, the cost might not be covered by healthcare insurance.

Check credentials
Blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery that is performed by specialists. So, it is imperative to narrow down doctors based on their qualifications and experience. Blepharoplasty surgeons should be registered with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Board of Ophthalmology, or the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. These are the key credentials to verify. The information can be accessed in the public registry maintained by the hospital employing the doctor. Verifying credentials is merely the first step; one should look up the kind of surgery that the shortlisted doctors perform—from a simple eyelid lift to vision corrections as part of the procedure. So, checking doctor qualifications makes it easy to narrow down top surgeons.

Look at the before and after pictures
Clinics will post before and after pictures of their former patients who have undergone various treatments. It is a common practice among healthcare facilities to showcase their wide range of treatments, successful results, and satisfied patients. One should use the pictures to understand if this is the result they want. In most cases, blepharoplasty is a voluntary cosmetic procedure, and it is up to the patients to outline the outcomes they seek. Doctors can then offer pictures to explain the possible outcomes of the surgery.

Check for access to accredited facilities
Plastic surgeons working for state-licensed organizations have to ensure strict compliance with patient safety standards for a particular region. For example, one can check if the healthcare facility is certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. The Joint Commission also offers accreditation to certain facilities that employ blepharoplasty surgeons. Additionally, plastic surgeons who are members of professional organizations like the America Society of Plastic Surgeons have advanced training and ensure the highest safety standards for daily practice.

Get a second opinion
Doctors are supposed to clearly explain the pros and cons of a surgical procedure and outline the risks. The ultimate decision of proceeding with any surgery lies with the patient. So, to be completely sure about the cosmetic eyelid lift, it is better to seek a second opinion and understand the available options. If multiple shortlisted specialists promise similar outcomes and risks, then one can determine if they need the surgery and if the doctor they are considering can be trusted.

Additionally, one of the tips for finding the best blepharoplasty surgeon is looking for ease of communication. One should never hesitate to ask questions while discussing the procedure with doctors. So, it is crucial to bring up any concerns one has, regardless of how trivial they seem, and discuss the cost, insurance coverage, and details about the surgery. A good doctor should be able to address all concerns and make the patient feel comfortable with the process. Based on the ease of communication, one can choose a healthcare professional who is passionate about providing the best patient care and offering desired results.