Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery in Bellevue, WA

Restore Your Field of Vision with Specialized Functional Eyelid Surgery

Heavy upper eyelids can do more than make you look tired. For many patients, excess upper eyelid skin gradually begins to interfere with everyday activities by limiting peripheral vision, causing eye fatigue, and making routine tasks such as reading or driving more difficult.

Functional upper eyelid surgery is performed to improve vision and relieve the symptoms caused by excess eyelid skin that obstructs the visual field. Unlike cosmetic blepharoplasty, which is performed to enhance appearance, functional eyelid surgery addresses a documented medical condition and may be covered by insurance when specific medical criteria are met.

With more than 30 years of specialized surgical experience, Dr. Kristin Tarbet is a triple board-certified, double fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon who has devoted her career exclusively to the eyelids, orbit, and surrounding facial structures. She carefully evaluates each patient to determine whether their symptoms represent a functional medical concern and develops a personalized treatment plan focused on restoring both vision and comfort.

If heavy eyelids are interfering with your daily activities, a comprehensive evaluation can determine whether functional upper eyelid surgery may be appropriate.

Functional upper eyelid surgery, also known as functional upper blepharoplasty, removes excess skin from the upper eyelids when it interferes with normal vision or eyelid function.

Over time, the upper eyelid skin may lose elasticity and begin to droop, a condition known as dermatochalasis. In some patients, the excess skin becomes heavy enough to rest on the eyelashes or obstruct the upper and peripheral visual fields.

Unlike cosmetic eyelid surgery, which focuses primarily on improving appearance, functional surgery is performed to restore normal eyelid function and improve quality of life.

Patients often notice meaningful improvement in everyday activities after surgery, including reading, driving, working on a computer, and other tasks that require a full field of vision.

Many patients assume heavy eyelids are simply a normal part of aging. However, excess upper eyelid skin can gradually create functional problems that affect daily life.

You may benefit from an evaluation if you experience:

• Heavy or drooping upper eyelids
• Excess skin resting on your eyelashes
• Difficulty seeing objects above or to the side without lifting your eyebrows
• Forehead fatigue from constantly raising your brows
• Reduced peripheral vision
• Difficulty reading or driving because of heavy eyelids

If these symptoms are present, functional upper eyelid surgery may be medically appropriate and insurance coverage may be available following a comprehensive evaluation.

Although both procedures involve the upper eyelids, their goals are different.

Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery

• Improves visual obstruction caused by excess eyelid skin
• Addresses symptoms that interfere with daily activities
• Requires documentation of medical necessity
• May be covered by insurance if eligibility criteria are met

Cosmetic Upper Blepharoplasty

• Improves the appearance of the upper eyelids
• Addresses aesthetic concerns such as hooding or signs of aging
• Is performed by personal choice rather than medical necessity
• Is typically not covered by insurance

During your consultation, Dr. Tarbet will determine whether your concerns are primarily functional, cosmetic, or a combination of both and recommend the treatment approach that best meets your needs.

Every patient begins with a comprehensive evaluation.

If functional upper eyelid surgery is being considered, Dr. Tarbet performs a detailed examination to determine whether excess eyelid skin is affecting your vision and whether your condition meets commonly accepted medical criteria for insurance consideration.

Your evaluation may include:

• A comprehensive eyelid examination
• Review of your symptoms and medical history
• Clinical photographs
• Visual field testing
• Documentation required for insurance preauthorization

If your findings support medical necessity, our team will assist in submitting the required documentation to your insurance provider for review.

Every patient’s anatomy and symptoms are unique, which is why functional upper eyelid surgery begins with careful evaluation and individualized treatment planning.

The procedure is performed to remove excess upper eyelid skin that obstructs the visual field while preserving the natural contour and function of the eyelids. Incisions are carefully concealed within the natural upper eyelid crease, allowing them to become increasingly discreet as healing progresses.

Depending on your individual needs, surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation in a comfortable outpatient setting. Throughout the procedure, Dr. Tarbet’s meticulous surgical technique is focused on improving visual function while maintaining a natural, balanced appearance.

Before surgery, she will review your personalized treatment plan, explain what to expect during recovery, and answer any questions you may have.

Most patients experience a smooth recovery and notice gradual improvement in both comfort and vision as swelling subsides.

First Week

• Mild swelling and bruising are expected
• Cold compresses may be recommended
• Patients should rest and avoid strenuous activity
• Follow postoperative instructions carefully to support healing

One to Two Weeks

• Swelling and bruising continue to improve
• Many patients return to normal daily activities
• Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Tarbet to monitor healing and recovery

Following Weeks

• Eyelid contours continue to soften
• Vision often feels less obstructed as healing progresses
• Scars continue to mature and become increasingly subtle over time

Every patient heals differently, and Dr. Tarbet provides detailed postoperative guidance and personalized follow-up care throughout your recovery.

Functional upper eyelid surgery requires a detailed understanding of both eyelid function and facial anatomy. While the procedure is performed to improve vision, achieving an excellent outcome also requires preserving the natural appearance of the eyes and maintaining proper eyelid function.

As a triple board-certified, double fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Tarbet has devoted more than 30 years to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the eyelids, orbit, and surrounding facial structures. Her specialized training allows her to carefully evaluate functional eyelid concerns, determine whether surgery is medically appropriate, and develop individualized treatment plans that prioritize both visual function and natural-looking results.

Patients throughout Bellevue and the greater Seattle area trust Dr. Tarbet because of her:

• Triple board certification
• Double fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery
• More than 30 years of specialized surgical experience
• Exclusive focus on the eyelids, orbit, and face
• Extensive experience evaluating functional eyelid disorders
• Personalized treatment planning
• Commitment to preserving both eyelid function and natural facial appearance

If heavy upper eyelids are interfering with your vision or making everyday activities more difficult, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether functional upper eyelid surgery is right for you and whether insurance coverage may be available.

With more than 30 years of specialized experience in oculofacial plastic surgery, Dr. Kristin Tarbet provides individualized care focused on restoring eyelid function, improving visual comfort, and preserving the natural appearance of your eyes.

Schedule your functional eyelid evaluation today to learn whether your symptoms may qualify for treatment and whether insurance coverage may be available.