Blepharoplasty
Eyelid Surgery at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa
The delicate skin around the eyes is often one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Droopy eyelids, puffiness, and excess eyelid skin can make you look tired or older than you feel. In some cases, upper eyelid heaviness can even impact vision.
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a refined surgical procedure that refreshes the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids by smoothing, tightening, and removing unwanted tissue. At Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Kalispell, our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in blepharoplasty surgery that preserves a natural-looking aesthetic, helping patients look more rested while preserving their personal expression. Whether you’re noticing hooded upper lids or persistent bags under the eyes, we’ll guide you through your options with experience and care.
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Blepharoplasty is a specialized cosmetic surgery that enhances the appearance and function of the eyelids by correcting excess skin, removing or repositioning orbital fat, and tightening the surrounding tissue. It may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your needs and goals.
There are two primary types of blepharoplasty:
Also called upper lid blepharoplasty or upper eyelid surgery, this procedure removes excess eyelid skin and fat from the upper lids that may cause heaviness, shadowing, or eyelid ptosis (sagging). Many patients also experience improved vision and comfort.
Lower blepharoplasty, or lower eyelid surgery, addresses puffiness, lower eyelid fat, and wrinkled or sagging skin beneath the eyes. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can dramatically improve under-eye hollows and the transition from the eye to the cheek.
Eyelid blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the amount of correction needed and the patient's preference. Our surgeons make small incisions hidden in the eyelid crease for the upper lids or along the lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty) for the lower lids.
Using precise techniques, we reposition puffy or herniated fat, tighten tissue, and remove excess fat or extra skin without disrupting the natural contour of your eyes. The goal is to enhance, not change, your appearance. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours to perform. Patients return home the same day with clear aftercare instructions and post-op appointments scheduled. In some cases, blepharoplasty surgery is combined with a brow lift or laser skin resurfacing to address texture, fine wrinkles, or crow’s feet. Your plastic surgeon will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
Blepharoplasty is used to treat both cosmetic and functional concerns. Common conditions include:
For patients with upper eyelid hooding caused by sagging eyebrows, we may recommend combining blepharoplasty with a brow lift to provide more comprehensive rejuvenation of the forehead, brows, and eye area.
A well-performed blepharoplasty procedure offers powerful yet subtle rejuvenation that can improve the overall appearance of the face. By lifting the upper eyelids or smoothing the lower lids, blepharoplasty helps restore a more rested, alert expression that looks natural to you.
Precision removal of excess skin and, in some cases, orbital fat, can reduce heaviness in the upper lids or smooth out puffiness or shadowing in the lower lids. Beyond its cosmetic benefits, upper eyelid blepharoplasty can improve vision in cases where excess skin begins to interfere with the visual field. The blepharoplasty procedure can also improve symmetry, enhance definition in the eyelid crease, and create a more youthful transition between the eyes and cheeks. These changes are understated, but they can make a significant impact, not just in how others see you, but in how you see yourself.
You may be a candidate for blepharoplasty if you:
We’ll conduct a physical examination, evaluate your medical history, and review any medications, including blood thinners or herbal supplements, to ensure that cosmetic surgery is a safe option for you. For patients with circulatory disorders, dry eyes, or previous eye surgery, adjustments may be needed.
After blepharoplasty surgery, most patients can return to work and light activities within 7 to 10 days. You may experience temporary swelling and bruising, dry or teary eyes, or sensitivity to light. Your surgeon will provide thorough aftercare instructions and techniques for managing discomfort, including medication, cool compresses, and keeping your head elevated to reduce swelling.
Blepharoplasty incisions are designed to be discreet and fade significantly over the following months. As swelling subsides, you will see your final results take shape. Understanding that recovery is a vital part of any treatment, our team provides attentive guidance and care for every step of the healing process.
Results from blepharoplasty are subtle yet impactful. Most patients describe looking brighter, less puffy, and more energized. The changes are long-lasting, especially when paired with good skincare, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle.
Upper blepharoplasty results typically last 10–15 years, and the results of lower eyelid blepharoplasty may last even longer. Incisions are discreet and fade well over time, becoming virtually imperceptible. After eyelid surgery, many patients report a boost in both their vision and their confidence. Because eyelid tissue is delicate, selecting an experienced plastic surgeon is essential to achieving a balanced, natural-looking result. Our team combines expertise with personalized care, helping you achieve rejuvenation that looks and feels authentic to you.
At Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, your blepharoplasty procedure is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in facial plastic surgery. We understand the fine balance between form and function and approach every case with precision, personalization, and aesthetic intuition.
Whether you need upper eyelid blepharoplasty, lower eyelid surgery, or a combined approach, we offer treatment in an accredited facility built for comfort and safety. From your consultation to your last follow-up, we’re here to guide you toward a more confident, refreshed you.
Post-op discomfort is usually mild and short-lived. We use advanced anesthesia and provide thoughtful post-op care to keep you comfortable throughout recovery.
This lower eyelid blepharoplasty technique hides the incision inside the lower lid. It is typically used for patients who need fat removal without skin tightening.
Laser skin resurfacing can provide visible improvements in the eyelid skin and is a good choice for patients with minimal sagging or fine lines in the skin around the eyes. It can also be performed as an adjunct to eyelid surgery to enhance your results. However, laser treatments will not correct more advanced sagging or puffiness under the eyes. We'll provide personalized recommendations based on a physical exam and discussion of your cosmetic goals and preferences.
Like any surgery, blepharoplasty carries certain risks, including infection, dry eyes, visible scarring, lid lag, or asymmetry. These risks are rare when eyelid surgery is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this procedure.
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