- RAG rating
- n/a
- Document type
- Clinical policy
- Place
- Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB
- Output type
- Clinical Policies & Evidence-based Interventions
- Document
- Download
Blepharoplasty and Brow Lift
v1.1
Dysthyroid eye disease is covered in a separate guidance statement and is not included in this guidance.
Blepharoplasty (upper and lower lid) and brow lift will usually only be funded when there is a medical indication and not for cosmetic reasons.
Funding criteria (for adults only):
Blepharoplasty for excess lower eyelid skin as the sole procedure:
This will not normally be funded.
Blepharoplasty for dermatochalasis (excess upper eyelid skin):
Funding will be approved when:
1. Patient has documented complaints of interference with vision or visual field related activities such as difficulty reading or driving due to upper eye lid skin drooping, looking through the eyelids or seeing the upper eye lid skin;
AND
2. There is redundant skin overhanging the upper eye lid margin and resting on the eyelashes when gazing straight ahead - with photographic evidence to support this.
AND
3. Evidence from visual field testing that eyelids impinge on visual fields reducing field to 120° laterally and/or 20° or less superiorly.
Brow lift for brow ptosis (drooping of eyebrow):
Funding will be approved when:
1. Patient has documented complaints of interference with vision or visual field related activities such as difficulty reading or driving due to eyebrow drooping whereby patient must constantly raise eyebrows to see.
AND
2. In the resting position, there is significant eyebrow drooping affecting the upper eyelid position - with photographic evidence to support this.
AND
3. Evidence from visual field testing that eyelids impinge on visual fields reducing field to 120° laterally and/or 20° or less superiorly.For patients where they criteria are not met, but the surgeon believes there is significant functional disability that would benefit from blepharoplasty, a request for exceptional funding should be made to the ICB individual funding requests department.
Human Rights and Equalities Legislation has been considered in the development of this guidance.
Patients who are not eligible for treatment under this policy may be considered on an individual basis where their GP or consultant believes exceptional circumstances exist that warrant deviation from the rule of this policy. Individual cases will be reviewed as per the ICB policy.