Blepharoplasty is just for people who want to look better or blepharoplasty can improve sagging eyebrows — these are just two examples of common misconceptions surrounding blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. By throwing your misconceptions out the window, you may find out if this surgical approach is right for you. Here are some common blepharoplasty myths and misconceptions.

Blepharoplasty Myth: Insurance Companies Do Not Pay for the Procedure

While many insurance companies view blepharoplasty as a cosmetic procedure – not a medically necessary one – there are exceptions. This is especially true if your surgeon has diagnosed you with ptosis. This is a condition that causes your eyelids to droop severely, impeding your vision. Because this increases your risk for falls and driving accidents, insurance companies may pay for the procedure.

Always check with your insurance company to determine if blepharoplasty is a procedure that could be covered. You may be asked to provide proof, such as photographs or a physician’s recommendations, which can indicate the procedure is medically necessary.

Blepharoplasty Myth: The Procedure Will Correct All Wrinkling

While blepharoplasty is a procedure that can help reduce eyelid sagging or puffy, baggy under eyes, it will not correct eye wrinkling, sagging eyebrows, or dark circles under your eyes. This is why many plastic surgeons may recommend performing additional procedures such as a brow lift or skin resurfacing to offer more dramatic results in addition to your eyelid lift.

Establishing realistic expectations is vital to your success in surgery. Always speak frankly with your physician and ensure you have a clear understanding surrounding what results you can expect. You also should discuss what role you can play in ensuring you have a speedy recovery.

Blepharoplasty Myth: Asian Patients Are Seeking “Western” Eyes

In addition to correcting sagging eyelids, blepharoplasty also can be used to help create an eyelid fold in Asian patients. Seeking this upper eyelid procedure does not mean the patient is seeking a more “Western” appearance. From providing a fold on which to apply makeup to reducing the feeling the eyelid is being weighed down, many reasons exist for seeking to add an upper eyelid fold.

Frequently when plastic surgeons create an upper-eyelid crease, the fold is not designed to be as large as a typical Western crease, but instead is a slightly smaller crease that provides a more natural appearance for the eye.

Blepharoplasty Myth: The Procedure Is Too Expensive

While the average cost for blepharoplasty can vary based on the surgeon’s expertise, anesthesia and facility charges, blepharoplasty typically costs about $2,480, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. However, some surgeries can cost up to $5,000.

Even if this number sounds initially unreachable, many physicians offer payment plans that allow you to pay the surgery costs in installments. If this is more feasible for your financial situation, talk to your surgeon about how blepharoplasty can be more affordable.

Blepharoplasty Myth: The Procedure Is Only for Women

Men represent about one-fifth of all blepharoplasty patients, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Although most patients are female, many men turn to the procedure to improve their vision or take years off their face. Men should not experience any shame or fear in pursuing blepharoplasty.

Blepharoplasty Myth: I Will Be in Extreme Pain Following Surgery

Blepharoplasty is not associated with extreme pain after surgery. While you may experience swelling, bruising and mild pain, the recovery process does not have to leave you sidelined. Many patients find they can manage their pain using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, according to the Mayo Clinic. You should not, however, take pain-relieving medications known to thin your blood such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Speak to your physician if you are taking herbs or other medications known to thin the blood.

Listening carefully to your physician’s post-surgery instructions can help to minimize pain and discomfort. This includes applying cool compresses and lubricating ointment to the eyes to prevent dry eyes and minimize infection. Taking these steps can help you recover quickly, leaving you to enjoy your refreshed appearance.