Blepharoplasty price in Paris: complete guide to costs and reimbursement
Written and reviewed by Dr Bernard Hayot, ophthalmologist, RPPS 10003926226.
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the most commonly performed procedures in aesthetic eye surgery. In France, more than 30,000 blepharoplasties are carried out each year, which shows the growing demand for correction of drooping or puffy eyelids.
As an ophthalmologist specialising in oculoplastic surgery, I fully understand your interest in the price of a blepharoplasty, which is an important factor in your decision, though not the only one. The cost of a blepharoplasty in Paris varies with many factors, including whether the procedure involves the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids or both, and whether it is performed alone or combined with other procedures such as a forehead lift or temporal fat grafting.
My team and I take great pride in offering you premium care, combining medical expertise with attentive listening to your expectations. At our first consultation, we will draw up together a personalised quotation that reflects your needs and the complexity of your procedure exactly.
That quotation will include not only the surgical fees but also the cost of the anaesthetic, the operating theatre fees and the pre-operative and post-operative consultations. Please note that aesthetic surgery is generally not covered by the French national health insurance, except in very specific cases where a functional impairment can be demonstrated.
What sets our eyelid surgery practice apart is our dual expertise in ophthalmology and in eyelid and oculoplastic surgery.
This training allows us to assess the health of your eyes accurately and to propose solutions that improve appearance while also preserving the function of the eyelids. Whether you have skin laxity, unsightly under-eye bags or ptosis, we will adapt our technique so as to obtain natural, lasting results. The quality of our care also shows in our post-operative follow-up, which is essential to an optimal recovery and a harmonious result.
What does a blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, involve?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct drooping eyelids or under-eye bags. This aesthetic surgery rejuvenates the eye area by removing excess skin and fat.
The cost of a blepharoplasty varies with several factors. The price depends on the extent of the procedure and on the reputation of the oculoplastic surgeon.
Upper blepharoplasty
This procedure targets the upper eyelid specifically. It corrects heavy eyelids that droop and may even obstruct vision.
Upper eyelid surgery lasts approximately one to two hours. Recovery is generally mild, with swelling for about one week.
Lower blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty treats under-eye bags and wrinkles. It can be performed through an external incision or through a transconjunctival approach.
The latter technique leaves no visible scar. The results become visible after about two weeks.
Combined surgery
When both eyelids need correcting, combined surgery is often recommended. This approach gives a harmonious, comprehensive result. The oculoplastic surgeon will adapt the technique to your particular needs.
As for the reimbursement of aesthetic surgery, please note that it is rarely covered by health insurance.
There is an exception where the eyelid obstructs vision. A detailed quotation for the blepharoplasty will be provided at your consultation. This document sets out the surgical fees, the cost of the anaesthetic and the clinic’s charges.
What is the price of a blepharoplasty in Paris?
The cost of eyelid surgery varies considerably with several factors.
This range may seem wide, but it reflects the diversity of needs and of the techniques used. Your oculoplastic surgeon will give you a personalised quotation after a thorough consultation. That document will detail each item of expenditure, for complete transparency.
Factors that influence the price
The complexity of your procedure plays a major part. Eyelid surgery in Paris may involve the upper eyelids only, the lower eyelids only, or both.
Upper blepharoplasty corrects drooping eyelids, while lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags. Each area treated slightly increases the overall cost. The technique used, conventional surgery or laser, and the length of the procedure, approximately 1 to 2 hours, also affect the final bill.
Comparing the techniques and their prices
The type of anaesthetic influences the price. A local anaesthetic is less expensive than a general anaesthetic. The latter is often necessary for combined procedures or for anxious patients.
The reputation of the clinic and the experience of the oculoplastic surgeon are key factors. A recognised specialist usually charges higher fees, but this is intended to ensure valuable expertise.
Cosmetic surgery is generally not reimbursed when it is performed for purely aesthetic reasons.
Public health cover only applies where medical problems are documented, such as a reduced visual field due to drooping eyelids. In that case reimbursement is partial and covers only a fraction of the costs. A supplementary insurance plan may add to that cover, but be sure to check the terms of your contract.
To obtain an accurate quotation for a blepharoplasty, book a consultation with a qualified oculoplastic surgeon. The quotation will include the surgeon’s fees, the cost of the anaesthetic, the clinic’s fees and the cost of post-operative follow-up.
Do not hesitate to compare several quotations in order to make the best choice. Bear in mind that the cheapest is not always the best. Give priority to the skill and the safety of the practitioner. Eyelid surgery is a precise procedure that requires proven expertise. Good preparation will allow you to approach this step with confidence.
Blepharoplasty reimbursement: is cover possible?
Reimbursement is an essential question for many patients considering eyelid surgery.
The price of a blepharoplasty varies considerably with the complexity of the procedure and with the location.
Cases covered by the French social security system
In certain specific cases, the social security system may cover part of the cost. This applies mainly to an upper or lower blepharoplasty performed for medical reasons.
Prior authorisation request
To benefit from this cover, a prior authorisation request is compulsory.
It must be submitted by your oculoplastic surgeon and accompanied by detailed medical documentation, such as photographs, visual tests and an ophthalmology report. The process takes approximately 3 to 6 weeks. Without this authorisation, the surgery will be considered purely cosmetic and will not be reimbursed.
The quotation provided at your consultation will always state whether your procedure qualifies for cover.
Please do not hesitate to ask for detailed explanations of the fees, which usually include the oculoplastic surgeon’s fees, the cost of the anaesthetic and the clinic’s charges. A complete quotation will allow you to anticipate the amount left to pay, according to your supplementary health insurance cover.
Blepharoplasty techniques and their prices
The price of a blepharoplasty varies with several factors. It depends on the technique used, on the oculoplastic surgeon’s experience and on the complexity of the procedure.
Conventional blepharoplasty
The conventional technique remains the most commonly performed. It involves removing excess skin and fat.
The procedure takes approximately 1 to 2 hours and is performed under local or general anaesthetic.
Laser blepharoplasty
The laser technique allows greater precision. Its main advantage is reduced post-operative swelling. Recovery is often smoother with this method.
Pinch blepharoplasty
The pinch technique is minimally invasive. It treats the under-eye bags alone, without incisions.
It is ideal for younger patients who have fatty bags only. Recovery is faster, with only a few days of downtime.
As regards the reimbursement of cosmetic surgery, it is rare for the health insurance system to cover a purely cosmetic blepharoplasty. A personalised quotation for the blepharoplasty is essential and is drawn up at a consultation. The oculoplastic surgeon will assess your needs and give you an exact fee.
Consultation and procedure
Before the procedure
The crucial first step is the medical consultation. Your oculoplastic surgeon will meet you to discuss your motivations and your expectations. He will examine the area around your eyes and assess the quality of your skin. This consultation allows us to establish an accurate diagnosis and to determine whether an upper blepharoplasty, a lower blepharoplasty or both are needed.
It is also the ideal moment to ask any questions about the cost of a blepharoplasty. The surgeon will explain that the price varies with the extent of the procedure and with the technique used. A personalised quotation will be provided after this consultation, detailing each item of cost.
The day of surgery
Surgery is performed under local or general anaesthetic, depending on the extent of the procedure. For an upper blepharoplasty, the oculoplastic surgeon makes an incision along the natural crease of the eyelid. For the lower lid, the incision is placed just below the lashes or inside the eyelid. The procedure usually lasts 1 to 2 hours.
You can return home the same day, accompanied by a responsible adult. The surgeon will give you specific instructions: apply ice to reduce swelling, take painkillers if needed, and avoid any intense physical activity for about ten days. As regards cover for cosmetic surgery, please note that it is considered a purely aesthetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance.
After surgery
The first few days after the operation are marked by swelling and bruising around the eyes. This discomfort gradually subsides within one to two weeks. You may resume light social activities after 7 to 10 days.
Protocols, dosages and fees are never published here: they are determined at the consultation, after examination, and provided in writing in the quotation.
This page is for information only. It does not replace a consultation: every situation is assessed on examination.