Eyelid Surgery FAQs

  • Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?
    Health insurance typically works with patients to cover part, or all, of medically necessary surgery. Because eyelid procedures fall in between healthcare and cosmetic necessities, patients of Dr. Tanenbaum will usually have to undergo a pre-approval review with their insurance. Our office is equipped to help you complete this process.
  • How do I get to your office?
    You can find directions to our office here.
  • How can I best prepare for my first consultation?
    Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow yourself time to complete our new patient forms; these will inquire about your pertinent medical history including allergies, prior surgeries, and any currently prescribed medication. Please bring a valid photo I.D. and your health insurance card(s). We accept cash, credit (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), and checks.
  • What can I expect from my initial consultation?
    The goal of the first consultation is for Dr. Tanenbaum to get to know you. Traditionally, he performs a thorough new patient evaluation that includes an analysis of your eyes’ functional and aesthetic qualities. Dr. Tanenbaum will then explain his surgical recommendations to you, and answer any questions that you might have.
  • Are procedures performed at the clinic?

    Dr. Tanenbaum performs all procedures, with a few exceptions, on an outpatient basis at the Baptist Medical Arts Surgery Center, on the Baptist Hospital campus in Kendall. During your final consultation, Dr. Tanenbaum will give you a packet of information to help you prepare for your surgery, with details including notes on your specific procedure, where it will be performed, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and an appropriate expected recovery.
  • Will I have to undergo general anesthesia?
    For the vast majority of eyelid or tear duct surgeries, general anesthesia isn’t required. Typically, patients undergo local anesthesia injections, combined with mild intravenous sedation to keep them comfortable. At all times, the patient’s vitals (blood pressure, oxygen levels, EKG heart monitor, and fluids) are fully monitored during the procedure to ensure maximum safety.
  • How long does recovery take?
    The average eyelid procedure requires 1-2 weeks of at-home rest to achieve a full recovery (sometimes longer, depending on any important upcoming events like a wedding or a reunion). As such, we provide each patient with written instructions (in English or Spanish) with instructions on how to recover from their specific surgery as quickly as possible.
  • Will I have a scar after my surgery?

    Any time a patient elects to undergo a surgery that involves an incision, a scar will form. Dr. Tanenbaum, however, is very adept at performing these procedures with as few incisions as possible and only in places that would naturally hide a scar. These include creases in the skin and above the hairline.
  • What types of cosmetic surgery does Dr. Tanenbaum perform in Miami?
    Dr. Tanenbaum’s medical practice specializes wholly in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive procedures, with special emphasis on eyelid surgeries such as blepharoplasty. For over 40 years, patients have relied on him to resolve all types of skin conditions around their eyes, such as sagging, puffy, and overturned lids, benign growths, and epidermal diseases. You can browse the complete list of his services (with before and after photos) here.
  • Does Dr. Tanenbaum perform general eye exams?
    Dr. Tanenbaum specializes in ophthalmic plastic surgery, and examinations tailored to eyelid, tear duct, and orbital surgery. He does not perform general optology exams for eyeglasses, contact lenses, cataracts, glaucoma, etc.
  • Does Dr. Tanenbaum examine children?
    Dr. Tanenbaum accepts patients of all ages who suffer from an ophthalmic malady, including:

     

    • Newborn/early childhood (blocked tear ducts, droopy eyelid from birth)
    • Teenager/Young Adults (styes, eyelid cysts)
    • Ages 45 – 55 (cosmetic eyelid surgery)
    • Ages 65-80 (droopy lids, skin cancers, tear duct problems)
    • Ages 75-100+ (eyelashes turning-inward, tumors, facial palsy, etc)
  • What is the cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery?
    The cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery is subject to multiple factors, namely which surgery or group of surgeries is recommended. Once the consultations have been completed, the recommendations have been given, and the decisions have been made, the patient will be provided with an exact written price quotation. This quote will be all-inclusive and will contain information on itemized fees.