Brighten Your Eyes with Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in Boise, ID
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Many in Boise, Idaho, choose blepharoplasty to rejuvenate tired eyes or correct vision obstruction from excess skin or weak levator muscles. Also called an eye lift, eyelid lift, or eyelid surgery, this procedure enhances both appearance and function. Patients interested in blepharoplasty in the Treasure Valley and beyond should consider Dr. Mark Boerner and Dr. Chad Jackson, our experienced board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeons.
Dr. Boerner, with over 25 years of experience and 12,000+ procedures, is a top expert in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery and other facial procedures. Dr. Jackson, an ASOPRS-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, specializes in both aesthetic and complex reconstructive procedures, including eyelid surgery, facial rejuvenation, and orbital conditions.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the aesthetic appearance and function of the eyelids. It involves removing excess skin, fat, and muscle to address sagging or drooping eyelids and under-eye bags. Not only does this procedure enhance your facial appearance, but it can also improve peripheral vision for those whose eyelids obstruct sight. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your specific goals.
Types of Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Blepharoplasty encompasses several types of procedures, each focused on different aspects of the eyelids. Here’s what you need to know about the various options available:
- Upper Eyelid BlepharoplastyUpper eyelid blepharoplasty addresses excess skin and fat in the upper eyelids, creating a more youthful and alert appearance. This procedure can improve the eyelid’s contour and help reduce sagging, making the eyes look brighter and more open.
- Lower Eyelid BlepharoplastyLower eyelid blepharoplasty targets bags and wrinkles beneath the eyes, giving a smoother and fresher look. This surgical procedure addresses common signs of aging by removing excess fat and tightening the skin.
- Asian BlepharoplastyAsian blepharoplasty is specifically designed for individuals of Asian descent who seek to create a defined eyelid crease. This technique is tailored to consider the unique anatomy of the eyelids in this demographic, ensuring natural and aesthetically pleasing results.
Blepharoplasty with Filler, Fat Transposition, or Fat Transfer
This approach combines traditional blepharoplasty surgeries alongside additional techniques that restore volume loss:
- Synthetic fillers help smooth out hollows beneath lower lids.
- Fat transposition repositions existing fat from nearby areas into hollowed regions.
- Fat transfer relocates abdominal fat into under-eye areas, achieving similar results naturally.
By utilizing one of these three procedures, our patients can achieve a more rejuvenated appearance.
The Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty offers a number of benefits:
- Improves visual field
- Tightens droopy eyelids
- Smooths away fine age lines and wrinkles
- Reduces eyelid puffiness
Blepharoplasty results in a more youthful, energetic, and friendly appearance and also improves the visual field obstructed by eyelid skin.
Is Eyelid Surgery Functional or Cosmetic?
Eyelid surgery can be functional, cosmetic, or both, depending on the patient’s goals. A procedure is considered functional when it removes or tightens drooping skin that obstructs vision. When performed to refresh the eyes and face, it is classified as cosmetic.
Insurance coverage for blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, or both varies by provider. Key factors include:
- External photographs – Most insurers require images showing the eyelid at least partially covering the pupil.
- Pupil-to-eyelid measurement – Determines severity.
- Visual field test – Conducted by our experienced medical assistants.
- Pre-authorization & documentation – Required for approval.
- Lifestyle impact – A list of daily activities affected by droopy lids.
If vision obstruction meets insurance criteria, the procedure is covered as a “functional” repair. Otherwise, it is considered “cosmetic,” and patients must pay out of pocket. Costs depend on procedure time, technique, and anesthesia.
Misunderstandings can occur when referring providers assume a patient qualifies for functional blepharoplasty without confirming insurance criteria. To ensure eligibility, an in-person consultation with our physicians in Boise, Idaho, is required.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are patients who are in overall good health, non-smokers, and do not have eye infections or other health issues affecting the region. Smokers must quit at least two weeks before the date of the surgery and avoid smoking during their recovery process.
What is the Difference Between Functional and Cosmetic Blepharoplasty?
What Happens During Blepharoplasty?
Many of our patients are injected with local anesthesia, so they are awake for the entire procedure. Some opt for general anesthesia if they prefer to be asleep. Following this, Dr. Boerner or Dr. Jackson uses a laser to remove excess skin and access the underlying tissues.
For an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the incision will be made at the natural crease at the top of the eyelid. For the lower lids, there are two options: transcutaneous and transconjunctival. The former incision is made at the lash line, whereas the latter is made inside the lid and is best when no sagging skin is present, only bulging fatty tissue.
Incisions allow our surgeons to tighten the drooping muscles, remove excess skin, and remove/reposition excess fat. Once this is complete, the incisions are carefully closed.
Eyelid Lift Healing and Recovery
Once the eye lift surgery is finished, you will not be able to drive for the rest of the day. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home and help around the house, so arrange this in advance.
The recovery timeline after blepharoplasty varies depending on individual circumstances and the extent of the surgery. Most patients experience swelling and bruising for the first week but can typically return to light activities within a few days. Full recovery usually takes about four to six weeks.
An important aspect of the blepharoplasty healing process is ensuring your eyes and eyelids do not dry out. Dr. Boerner or Dr. Jackson may prescribe eyedrops or ointments to help avoid dryness.
Because the already-thin tissues of the eyelids will be temporarily weakened during healing, they will be more prone to sun damage. Always wear proper sunscreen, avoid heavy sun exposure, and wear sunglasses.
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost?
Many patients have been surprised at how affordable blepharoplasty surgery is, even if it’s elective. In cases where the procedure is functional, your healthcare provider may cover part or all of the blepharoplasty cost. When it is purely cosmetic, patients generally pay out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty
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Is blepharoplasty painful?
Most patients report only mild discomfort after the procedure, which can usually be managed with prescribed pain medications. Swelling and bruising may occur, but these are part of the normal healing process. -
Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, blepharoplasty is commonly combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts, brow lifts, or laser skin resurfacing, to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. -
What is the age requirement for blepharoplasty?
While there is no specific age requirement, many patients are typically in their 30s or older. However, younger individuals with hereditary eyelid issues may also be considered candidates for the procedure. -
What type of anesthesia is used during blepharoplasty?
Many of our patients receive local anesthesia so they remain awake during surgery; others opt for general anesthesia if they prefer to be asleep throughout the procedure. Dr. Boerner or Dr. Jackson will discuss your options during your consultation to determine what works best for you. -
How long can I expect the results of blepharoplasty to last?
Most patients enjoy long-lasting results from eyelid surgery—typically ten years or more—though aging will continue naturally over time.
Why Choose Idaho Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery
Choosing Idaho Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery for your blepharoplasty means trusting your care to experienced professionals who prioritize your needs and desired outcomes. Our skilled plastic surgeons are renowned for their expertise in eyelid surgery and are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized care.
Our facility offers a welcoming, patient-centered environment to make you feel comfortable and supported throughout your journey.
Schedule Your Blepharoplasty Consultation
At Idaho Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mark Boerner and Dr. Chad Jackson regularly perform blepharoplasty for patients from all over Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Schedule your eye lift consultation – contact us today.
Featured Testimonial
“My sister in law referred me to Idaho Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery for droopy eyelids. I went to Dr. Boerner and learned about the blepharoplasty surgery to correct my problem. I really like the results as my eyes look so much brighter! I have sent other patients his way. This surgery was totally worth it, and I would do it again even though I didn’t like the darned anesthetic shots”
