How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in 2026?
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) costs between $2,500 and $7,500 in the United States in 2026, with the national average falling around $4,100 for a single procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon's fee alone for blepharoplasty is approximately $4,120 — but total costs including anesthesia and facility fees push the real price higher.
Your final cost depends heavily on whether you're treating the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, as well as your geographic location and the surgeon's expertise. Upper blepharoplasty is generally the least expensive option, while combined upper and lower procedures can more than double the price.
When upper eyelid surgery is performed to correct vision obstruction (a condition called dermatochalasis), insurance often covers a significant portion of the cost. Purely cosmetic procedures, however, are paid entirely out of pocket.
Cost by Type of Eyelid Surgery
| Procedure Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Blepharoplasty | $3,500 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Lower Blepharoplasty | $4,200 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Combined Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty | $6,200 | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty (Lower) | $4,800 | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Asian Blepharoplasty (Double Eyelid Surgery) | $4,500 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Revision Blepharoplasty | $5,500 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
Lower blepharoplasty tends to cost more than upper because the technique is more complex, often involving fat repositioning or removal and sometimes skin tightening. Transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty — where incisions are made inside the eyelid — commands a premium due to the specialized skill required but leaves no visible scarring.
Eyelid Surgery Cost by State
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $5,200 | $3,500 – $7,500 |
| New York | $5,500 | $3,800 – $7,500 |
| Texas | $4,000 | $2,800 – $6,200 |
| Florida | $4,100 | $2,800 – $6,500 |
| Illinois | $4,300 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,900 | $2,700 – $5,800 |
| Ohio | $3,500 | $2,500 – $5,200 |
| Georgia | $3,700 | $2,600 – $5,500 |
| North Carolina | $3,600 | $2,500 – $5,300 |
| Arizona | $3,800 | $2,600 – $5,500 |
| Colorado | $4,000 | $2,800 – $5,800 |
| Washington | $4,600 | $3,200 – $6,500 |
Major metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco consistently command the highest prices due to elevated overhead costs and high demand. Patients in Midwest and Southern states can often save 25–40% compared to coastal cities.
Insurance vs. No Insurance
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance (Medically Necessary) | $500 – $2,000 | Upper blepharoplasty when visual field loss is documented; surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility |
| Medicare | $500 – $1,500 | Upper blepharoplasty with documented functional impairment; 80% of approved amount after deductible |
| Medicaid | $0 – $500 | Functional upper blepharoplasty if approved; coverage varies significantly by state |
| No Insurance (Cosmetic) | $2,500 – $7,500 | Nothing covered; patient pays all surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees |
For insurance to cover upper blepharoplasty, most carriers require a visual field test showing at least 12–15 degrees of superior visual field obstruction, along with clinical photographs documenting the excess skin. Your ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon typically handles the prior authorization process.
Lower blepharoplasty is classified as cosmetic by virtually all insurance providers and is not covered regardless of how severe the under-eye bags appear.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included
| Cost Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Anesthesia (Local with Sedation or General) | $500 – $1,200 |
| Facility/Operating Room Fee | $500 – $1,500 |
| Pre-Operative Testing (Visual Field, Labs) | $50 – $300 |
| Post-Operative Medications | $30 – $100 |
| Follow-Up Appointments | $0 – $300 (often included) |
| Compression/Cold Therapy Supplies | $20 – $50 |
The surgeon's fee represents the largest portion — typically 50–60% of the total cost. Many practices bundle anesthesia and facility fees into a single all-inclusive quote, while others itemize each component separately. Always ask for a comprehensive written estimate before scheduling.
Factors That Affect Eyelid Surgery Cost
Geographic Location
Cost of living directly impacts surgical pricing. A blepharoplasty in Manhattan can cost 40–60% more than the same procedure in Columbus, Ohio. Suburban practices often offer lower prices than downtown locations within the same metro area.
Surgeon Specialization and Experience
Board-certified oculoplastic surgeons (ophthalmologists with additional fellowship training in eyelid and orbital surgery) typically charge more than general plastic surgeons. Their specialized training can justify the premium, particularly for complex lower lid procedures or revision surgery.
Upper vs. Lower vs. Combined Procedure
Upper blepharoplasty is the simplest and least expensive procedure. Lower blepharoplasty involves more complex anatomy and techniques like fat transposition. Combining both saves money compared to separate surgeries but increases the single-session cost.
Anesthesia Type
Upper blepharoplasty performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation costs significantly less than procedures requiring IV sedation or general anesthesia. Many upper lid procedures can safely be done in an office-based setting, eliminating facility fees entirely.
Facility Type
Hospital operating rooms carry the highest facility fees ($1,000–$1,500+), while accredited ambulatory surgery centers charge $500–$1,000. In-office procedure rooms, appropriate for many upper blepharoplasties, may cost $200–$500 or be included in the surgeon's fee.
Complexity and Revision Status
First-time procedures are generally less expensive than revision blepharoplasty, which requires greater surgical skill to correct prior results. Additional techniques like canthopexy (tightening the lower lid) or fat grafting add $1,000–$2,500 to the total cost.
How to Save Money on Eyelid Surgery
- Get multiple consultations. Prices vary widely between surgeons even within the same city. Obtain at least three detailed quotes to understand fair market pricing in your area.
- Pursue insurance coverage for functional cases. If your upper eyelids impair your vision, work with your ophthalmologist to document the impairment. A successful prior authorization can reduce your cost from $3,500+ to under $1,500.
- Choose local anesthesia when appropriate. Ask your surgeon if your procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. This can save $500–$1,000 in anesthesia and facility fees.
- Consider an office-based procedure. Many upper blepharoplasties can be safely performed in an accredited office surgical suite, eliminating separate facility fees.
- Look beyond major metro areas. Surgeons in mid-size cities and suburbs often deliver excellent results at significantly lower prices than their counterparts in major urban centers.
- Combine procedures strategically. If you need both upper and lower eyelid surgery, doing them simultaneously saves on anesthesia and facility fees. You can also save by combining blepharoplasty with a brow lift or other facial procedure.
- Use HSA or FSA funds. If your procedure qualifies as medically necessary, pre-tax health savings account dollars can effectively reduce your cost by 20–35% depending on your tax bracket.
Financing Options for Eyelid Surgery
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Medical credit card accepted by most plastic surgeons | 0% APR for 6–24 months; 26.99% variable APR after promo period |
| Alphaeon Credit | Healthcare financing with higher credit limits | 0% APR for 6–24 months; credit limits up to $25,000 |
| Surgeon Payment Plans | In-house financing offered by some practices | Varies; often requires 50% deposit with balance due before surgery |
| HSA/FSA | Pre-tax dollars for medically necessary procedures | Tax savings of 20–35%; must qualify as medical expense |
| Personal Loan | Fixed-rate loans from banks or online lenders | 6–15% APR; 12–60 month terms; fixed monthly payments |
| PatientFi | Newer aesthetic-focused financing platform | Monthly payments starting at ~$100; soft credit check for pre-approval |
Apply for promotional 0% APR financing before your consultation so you know your approved amount. Pay off the balance within the promotional window to avoid retroactive interest charges, which can be substantial.
Pro Tips from Experts
Choose your surgeon by specialty, not price. For eyelid surgery specifically, board-certified oculoplastic surgeons have the most specialized training. The eyelid area is delicate — a few hundred dollars saved isn't worth a suboptimal result that may require costly revision surgery.
Request the visual field test even if you think your case is cosmetic. Many patients with "cosmetic" concerns about droopy upper lids are surprised to learn they have measurable visual field loss. This documentation can convert an entirely out-of-pocket expense into an insurance-covered procedure.
Ask about all-inclusive pricing in writing. The quoted "surgeon's fee" is never the total cost. Request a written estimate that includes anesthesia, facility fees, pre-op testing, and all follow-up visits. Reputable practices provide this without hesitation.
Plan your timing strategically. If you've already met your insurance deductible for the year, scheduling a medically necessary blepharoplasty before December 31st can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Some practices also offer modest discounts during slower months (January–March).