306-244-4111 Book Your Consultation
Book Your Consultation

What is the difference?

The same type of surgery can be done for different reasons:

  • Medically necessary surgery treats a problem with how the eye works or stays healthy. Examples are eyelids that block your vision, lashes rubbing the eye, an eyelid that turns out, or a lump that needs testing.
  • Cosmetic surgery is done only to change how the eyelids or brows look, when vision and eye health are not affected.

Signs eyelid surgery may be medically necessary

  • Droopy lids or extra skin blocking your upper or side vision
  • Raising your eyebrows all day to see
  • An eyelid turning in or out
  • A lump that may be cancer, or that affects vision

How medical need is assessed

Dr. Conlon examines your eyelids and may take photos. A visual field test measures your side and upper vision, often with the eyelids in their usual position and then taped up. This shows whether the eyelids block your vision and by how much.

Saskatchewan Health coverage

  • Saskatchewan Health generally covers procedures when they are medically necessary. These include:
    • Ptosis (droopy eyelid) repair
    • Ectropion and entropion repair
    • Eyelid lesion or lump removal and biopsy
    • DCR and other tear duct procedures
    • Thyroid eye disease surgery
  • Dr. Conlon will confirm at your consultation whether your procedure is medically necessary.
  • Cosmetic surgery is private pay. Saskatchewan Health does not cover it.
  • Sometimes one surgery has both a medical part and a cosmetic part. In that case, the cosmetic part is private pay. Dr. Conlon will explain this before surgery.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery at CEI

Fees for cosmetic blepharoplasty and browpexy are listed on our Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery page. You will get a written quote at your consultation.

Recovery and risks

Recovery and risks are the same whether surgery is insured or private pay. They include swelling, bruising, dry eyes, uneven results and scarring. Dr. Conlon will go over them with you.

Frequently asked questions

Will Saskatchewan Health pay for my eyelid surgery?

Saskatchewan Health generally covers eyelid surgery when it is medically necessary. Cosmetic surgery is private pay. Dr. Conlon can tell you at your consultation whether your surgery is likely to qualify.

What if my insurance does not cover it?

Cosmetic surgery is private pay. Some private health plans may help. Check with your plan.

Can I combine medical and cosmetic surgery?

Sometimes. The medically necessary part may be covered, and the cosmetic part is private pay.

Does a visual field test hurt?

No. You look into a machine and press a button when you see small lights.

Book a consultationCall 306-244-4111

Conlon Eye Institute, Medical Arts Building, 341-750 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon SK S7K 3H3. Fax 306-244-9904.

You can book without a referral. Referrals from your optometrist or family doctor are also welcome.