The cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery factors in so many variables that it's unrealistic to search for meaningful "average" prices.
That established, here are some out-of-the-hat numbers for surgery performed by an expert:
For basic upper or lower blepharoplasty, expect to pay about $3,500-4,500 (surgery, facility, anesthesia, follow-up).
For all four lids (that is, uppers AND lowers) performed at the same time, expect to pay about 50-70% more.
If you get fancy and start adding on a brow lift, canthopexy, chemical or laser peel, and/or a midface lift, expect your charges to climb.
In most cases, you get what you pay for. Many patients discover (although sometimes too late) that employing the services of a proven expert is generally well worth any premium.
Average cost in different regions of the United States may vary by as much as 50%, being highest in the New England states and lowest in the south central states. Fees in cities where the price of beauty doesn't matter (Beverly Hills, New York City) are often double that of anywhere nearby and, in some cases, completely out of touch with reality.
However, don't expect too much for next to nothing. Despite the imaginary low numbers you may find on cosmetic surgery information sites listing average blepharoplasty prices at only slightly more than what it costs to have your car serviced, good plastic surgery does not come cheap.
Recently, a wide variety of promotions have emerged to capture the consumer out shopping for the lowest price -- for instance ads for $999 surgery, 50% member discounts, today-only Internet specials, exclusive Twitter discounts, secret online auctions, and even surgeons offering to negotiate on price.
Are these truly bargains? Really, craigslist is probably not the best place to buy your blepharoplasty.
Be aware that financing your surgery through a bank, credit union, or special surgery financing agency will increase the final total cost of your operation. Not that this is bad. Most of us still use this method to buy houses and cars and pay for all sorts of other major expenses.
Remember, too, that "cosmetic surgery" is a luxury service provided at a substantial price by practitioners in direct competition with one another for your business. All surgeons know this and have already given careful consideration to the price at which they are willing to provide services.
While it is certainly in your best interests to make the effort to become familiar with "going prices" in your community, trying to negotiate price with a quality surgeon is unlikely to work. Not only can this strain the relationship, but your chances of any meaningful reduction (or any reduction at all) are about next to zero.
Enough said? Not quite. Before you grow too comfortable with the subject of cost, be sure to read the next chapter.
Related Article: The $21,000 Eyelid Lift
