E125: Is Eyelid Surgery Cosmetic or Medically Necessary? Oculoplastics w/ Dr. Jennifer Landy

Welcome to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller! This week, I’m joined by Dr. Jennifer Landy, a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in eyelid, tear duct, and orbital surgery. In this episode, we dive into eyelid surgery—what it is, when it’s medically necessary, and how it’s different from cosmetic procedures.Dr. Landy explains the three main causes of droopy lids, how to test for insurance coverage, and what recovery looks like. She also clears up myths about Botox and shares tips on determining whether this surgery is right for you. If your eyes feel tired, heavy, or you’re losing peripheral vision, this episode is for you!Dr. Jennifer S. Landy is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastic and reconstructive eyelid surgery. With over 15 years of experience, she combines advanced techniques—including radiofrequency surgery—with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.Dr. Landy earned her medical degree cum laude from the University of Maryland and completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of South Florida, where she served as Chief Resident. She completed her fellowship in oculoplastics at the Older and Slonim Eyelid Institute.She practices in Brandon (brandoneyeassociates.com), St. Petersburg (sight360.com), and has a cosmetic office in South Tampa (midtownaesthetics.com).Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her husband and two children.0:28 – Meet Dr. Jennifer Landy: Oculoplastics explained1:48 – What is eyelid surgery and why do people need it?2:56 – Symptoms: Tired eyes, vision issues, and when to worry4:40 – How droopy lids impact peripheral vision and driving5:20 – Who qualifies for surgery: Medical necessity vs cosmetic8:19 – Insurance coverage, testing, and approval process10:58 – What to expect: Surgery, anesthesia, recovery timeline13:40 – Risks, healing time, and how long results last16:43 – Conditions that mimic droopy lids (e.g. myasthenia gravis)20:07 – Nervous about surgery? What to expect at a consultationConnect with Dr. Brandybrandoneyeassociates.comsight360.commidtownaesthetics.comConnect with Dr. Kerry RellerPodcast website: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou... My linktree: linktr.ee/kerryrellermdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryrellermd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterFamilyMedicineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearwaterfamilymedicine/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kerryrellermdClearwater Family Medicine and Allergy website: https://sites.google.com/view/clearwa...Podcast: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou...Subscribe to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon music, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Pandora.