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Eyelid Surgery

At our Idaho Falls clinic, eyelid surgery is one of our most frequently performed cosmetic procedures. Statistics show that more individuals choose eyelid surgery each year than facelifts or rhinoplasty. This is because even minor adjustments to the eyelids, known as blepharoplasty, can significantly enhance your appearance and confidence with minimal recovery time. When the eyes appear bright and alert, the signs of aging on the rest of the face become less noticeable.

Discover firsthand what sets Dr. Freeman and Dr. Hagan apart from other surgeons in the Northwest. Schedule an appointment online with one of our surgeons, who are eager to guide you through your cosmetic options. We serve Twin Falls, Boise, Pocatello, and other surrounding Idaho communities.

Understanding Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty aims to remove excess skin or fatty tissue to reshape the eyelid, resulting in a more refreshed and youthful look. Eyelid surgeries are categorized into two main types: upper and lower eyelid procedures. Both can be customized to suit your unique needs, enhancing your eyelid aesthetics. It’s essential to remember that quality plastic surgery focuses on restoring your natural appearance without altering the eye’s fundamental shape or risking an unnatural look.

Upper Eyelids

Two common issues affect the aging upper eyelid: excess skin that droops and obscures the lash line, and excessive soft tissue or fat that gives the eyes a puffy appearance.

Sagging Skin

Over time, stretched or lax skin can droop over the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Losing this natural feature can result in an older or harsher appearance. Conversely, a defined line above the lashes imparts a more alert and youthful look. In some cases, the excess skin becomes so heavy it weighs down the eyelid, potentially obstructing your peripheral vision.

Puffiness

The eyeball sits within the orbital socket cushioned by fatty tissue, facilitating smooth movement. As we age, the ligaments holding this fatty tissue can weaken, causing the fat to protrude through the lids and resulting in a “puffy” look. This protrusion blurs the youthful contour of the upper eyelid, often associated with a tired or fatigued expression.

Surgery for the upper eyelid should be customized to address your specific concerns. While some may consider it a generic procedure, a skilled plastic surgeon understands that optimal results come from catering to individual needs. Dr. Freeman prides himself on collaborating with you to identify your particular concerns and restore the youthful contour of your upper eyelid crease in the most conservative way possible.

Lower Eyelids

The lower eyelid presents three common concerns that differ significantly from the upper eyelid. Fat herniation creates a pronounced pouch or “bag” under the eye, along with an indentation known as a “tear trough.” The skin in this region can stretch over time, often displaying fine lines rather than sagging. The most crucial issue is the laxity of the eyelid itself.

Bags

Protruding fat can stretch the orbital retaining ligament, creating a noticeable crease beneath the eye called a tear trough, while the bulge above is commonly referred to as a “bag.” Stretched skin in this area can darken or discolor, leading to dark circles associated with a fatigued appearance.

Crepey Skin

Loose skin under the lower eyelids may develop numerous fine lines resembling crepe paper. This delicate skin covers essential muscles that support the lower eyelid. Achieving quality results relies on smoothing these fine lines while preserving structural support.

Lower Lid Laxity

When the tone of the lower eyelid diminishes, the lid can start to droop downward, much like a clothesline overloaded with laundry. This sagging may cause the lower lash line to descend, exposing more of the white part of the eye (sclera).

Treating the lower eyelid requires meticulous attention due to the various issues that may need addressing in each case. Remarkable results can often be achieved with minimal procedures—from a targeted peel to smooth fine lines to minor fat grafting in the tear trough. During a comprehensive examination, our surgeons will assess whether a minimalistic approach suffices or if deeper structures need attention, which might involve a small incision beneath the lower lash line.

Meet Our Surgeons

Mark E. Freeman, MD Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Meet Dr. Freeman

Matthew Hagan, MD Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Meet Dr. Hagan

Credentials You Can Trust

Personalized Eyelid Surgery

While eyelid surgery is often considered a minor procedure, it requires the expertise of those familiar with the eyelids’ intricacies and their impact on overall facial aesthetics. A “one size fits all” approach can result in outcomes contrary to your expectations. Choosing the right plastic surgeon is crucial, as suboptimal results can make the entire face appear older or unnatural.

When Dr. Freeman performs eyelid surgery in Idaho Falls, he meticulously plans the procedure with your goals in mind. By focusing on restoration rather than excessive tissue removal, the surgery can rejuvenate your appearance, making you look more youthful and rested. The aim is for you to resemble a younger, refreshed version of yourself—not someone entirely different.

How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?

Our surgeons tailor your procedure to your unique concerns with an emphasis on minimizing scarring and producing natural-looking results:

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation. A discrete incision is made along the natural eyelid crease to conceal scarring. Excess skin and fat are removed, and muscles may be tightened before the incision is carefully closed.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower blepharoplasty usually requires general anesthesia vs local sedation. A transconjunctival incision inside the lower eyelid may be used to remove or reposition fat to diminish under-eye hollows. Alternatively, a transcutaneous incision is placed just below the lash line to address sagging skin and under-eye bags.

Each approach is performed as a stand-alone procedure, or they may be combined for comprehensive upper and lower eyelid rejuvenation.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Recovery after eyelid surgery is typically smooth and manageable, with most patients returning to their daily routines sooner than they expect. While every person heals at their own pace, understanding the general timeline can help you feel prepared and confident. Most swelling and bruising improve quickly, and discomfort is usually minimal with proper aftercare.

General Healing Milestones

• First 24–48 hours: Mild swelling and bruising develop; cool compresses help minimize early inflammation.

• Days 3–5: Bruising begins to fade, and tightness around the eyes starts to improve. Many patients feel comfortable working from home.

• End of week 1: Stitches (if not dissolvable) are typically removed. Swelling is noticeably reduced, and light activities can resume.

• Weeks 2–3: Most bruising has resolved. You can usually return to work, social activities, and light exercise. Makeup can often be worn to conceal residual discoloration.

• 1 month: The eyelids look more refined, and swelling continues to subside. Most normal activities, including more strenuous exercise, can be resumed.

• 3–6 months: Final results begin to take shape as incision lines fade and the eyelids settle into their long-term appearance.

Every recovery is unique, but following Dr. Freeman or Dr. Hagan’s aftercare instructions closely—such as protecting your eyes from sun exposure and avoiding strenuous activity early on—helps ensure smooth healing and beautiful results.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Idaho Falls?

The cost of eyelid surgery varies depending on whether you undergo upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both. Our surgeons provide an exact quote during your personalized consultation. Factors influencing the cost include the surgeon’s expertise, operating room fees, and anesthesia fees. While cost is an important consideration, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety by choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with the skill and expertise to deliver natural-looking results. Many patients take advantage of our convenient financing options.

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