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What is dermatochalasis?

Dermatochalasis is a medical term doctors use to describe excess eyelid skin.  Excess eyelid skin can accumulate on or over your eyelashes, potentially acting like a shade blocking your vision.  Excess eyelid skin accumulates as we age, because the skin and muscles of our faces fall slowly with time.  If the excess eyelid skin is severe enough to block your vision, you may find it difficult to see things above you, such as elevated road signs when you drive.  People with excess eyelid skin often find themselves trying to compensate for this sagging tissue by raising their eyebrows to help pull the extra tissue out of their vision.  In some people, this can lead to fatigue, eyestrain and headaches.  The excess skin can also interfere with people’s ability to read, drive or work comfortably.  Excess eyelid skin can give people an aged - or even unhappy - appearance.  Surgery may help restore and rejuvenate your eyelids. 

Will I need any testing to know if eyelid surgery would help?

If you have symptoms of excess eyelid skin [clicking on it brings people to the test above], we recommend you meet with Dr. Repp to determine if you are a candidate for an eyelid lift.  If you are a candidate, some of the cost of surgery may be covered by your health insurance.  Depending on your insurance company, you may require a series of tests prior to surgery, such as a test of your peripheral vision.  Not all patients will qualify for their health insurance to assist with the cost of surgery, but you may still be able to proceed with an eyelid lift even if your insurance will not pay for your surgery.  In this case, your insurance company considers your surgery cosmetic, with the cost covered by you.