Will my eyes look different after cosmetic blepharoplasty?

Your eyes look like you—simply more refreshed.

How long does swelling last after blepharoplasty?

Most swelling improves in 5–7 days.

When can I wear makeup again?

Most patients resume gentle makeup after 7–10 days.

The Complete Guide to Blepharoplasty
Upper and Lower, Costs, Recovery, and What to Expect

A Luxury Cosmetic Eyelid Rejuvenation Resource by Dr. Chris Thiagarajah

Q: How long do results last?

Many enjoy 8–15 years of improvement.

BOOK A CONSULT

Eyelid Surgery Book

Blepharoplasty At-A-Glance

Procedure time: 45–90 minutes
Anesthesia: Local anesthetic alone to general anesthesia depending on procedure
Down time: 7 days on average
Longevity: 8–12+ years
Best for: Droopy eyelids, excess skin, under-eye bags, tired appearance
Cost in Denver: $3,500–$11,000 (cosmetic)
Insurance: May apply for functional issues (ptosis/visual obstruction)

Introduction

The eyes are the most expressive and defining feature of the face—and for many people, the first place where signs of aging appear. Blepharoplasty, or cosmetic eyelid surgery, is a refined, highly specialized procedure that restores a bright, well-rested, elegant appearance without changing the natural character of your eyes.

In Denver, where sunlight, altitude, and dryness accelerate eyelid aging, blepharoplasty has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures among women and men seeking a refreshed but effortlessly natural look.

As a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon who has performed over 12,000 eyelid procedures, Dr. Chris Thiagarajah brings a level of expertise, artistry, and specialization that sets the foundation for truly elevated, boutique-level aesthetic results. This comprehensive guide was created to help Denver patients understand every aspect of cosmetic blepharoplasty—from goals and technique to recovery, longevity, and outcome expectations.

What Is Cosmetic Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a precision eyelid procedure that refines the contours of the upper or lower eyelids for a more youthful, rested, and aesthetically balanced appearance. It involves:

removing excess skin
repositioning or sculpting eyelid fat
smoothing natural contours
enhancing crease definition (upper lids)
softening puffiness and shadows (lower lids)

Eyelid surgery is especially common in Denver

due to altitude-related skin changes.

When performed by a dedicated oculoplastic surgeon,

blepharoplasty achieves a subtle, harmonious

enhancement—never a “pulled” or artificial look.

Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty

Denver patients often choose one or both procedures depending on their goals.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Ideal for:

Hooded lids
Makeup smudging
Sagging skin
Loss of crease definition
A heavy or “closed-off” appearance

Upper blepharoplasty creates:

a clean, smooth upper eyelid
elegant contouring
more space for makeup
a refreshed, awake look

Lower Blepharoplasty

Ideal for:

Puffy under-eye bags
Fat protrusion
Wrinkled or loose skin
Hollowness or shadowing
“Tired eyes” despite rest

Lower blepharoplasty:

smooths puffiness
softens shadows
blends the lid-cheek junction
restores youthful fullness
refines texture

Two approaches are used depending on anatomy:

Transconjunctival (scarless) – best for fat repositioning
Skin-muscle approach – best when skin tightening is also needed

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be an excellent candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery if you want:

A brighter, more awake appearance
A softer, smoother under-eye
Subtle rejuvenation that still looks like you
High-end, refined cosmetic improvement without obvious signs of surgery
Results that last years, not months
A procedure performed by a surgeon who specializes ONLY in eyelids

Blepharoplasty is ideal for women and men in their 30s–70s who desire natural improvement, not transformation. Cosmetic blepharoplasty is among the most popular aesthetic procedures in Denver, Colorado.

How Cosmetic Blepharoplasty Is Performed (Step-by-Step)

1. Consultation & Aesthetic Planning

Dr. Thiagarajah evaluates:

upper and lower lid anatomy
fat pad position
brow height and shape
muscle support
skin elasticity
symmetry and facial proportions

You will discuss aesthetic preferences—subtle, refreshed, lifted, or more open.

2. Precision Marking

Before surgery, measurements ensure:

symmetry
natural crease location
appropriate skin removal
hidden incision placement
balanced, elegant contours

3. In office versus Local Anesthesia versus General Anesthesia

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed in the office or at the surgery center under IV sedation. The selection is based on the patient and their candidacy.

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is performed under general anesthesia

4. Refined Surgical Technique

Depending on the procedure:

Upper Eyelids:

excess skin is removed conservatively
fat is sculpted or repositioned
the eyelid crease is refined to appear natural

Lower Eyelids:

fat pads are smoothed, repositioned, or reduced
hollows are softened
skin is tightened when needed

The focus is always on preserving your natural anatomy, avoiding hollowing, and maintaining eyelid function.

5. Micro-Suture Closure

Fine sutures are used to create an invisible healing line hidden in natural eyelid contours.

6. Immediate Recovery

You return home shortly after the procedure. Usually patients are restaurant ready in 3 weeks though full healing takes 6 months.

Blepharoplasty Recovery — What to Expect

Day 1–2

Mild tightness or swelling
Ice compresses recommended
Minimal discomfort

Day 3–4

Swelling decreases significantly
Bruising appears lighter

Day 5–8

Sutures removed
Most patients feel more social and confident

Week 2–3

Makeup blends easily
Eyelid contour appears more defined

3 Months

Final refined results
Smooth, natural-looking contours
Surgical lines fading away

How Natural Will My Results Look?

Ultra-natural, boutique-level results are the core of Dr. Thiagarajah’s practice philosophy. Many of our Denver and Colorado patients seek a natural, refreshed look.

His technique emphasizes:

subtle improvement
preservation of eyelid identity
minimal skin removal
maintaining eyelid shape
smoothing—not hollowing—the lower lids
harmonious facial balance
long-term longevity

Risks & Safety

When performed by an experienced oculoplastic surgeon, cosmetic blepharoplasty is safe and predictable.

Possible risks include:

swelling & bruising
dryness or irritation
asymmetry
small contour irregularities
very rare complications such as vision loss or double vision.

Dr. Thiagarajah’s specialization reduces risk significantly because he focuses exclusively on eyelid procedures.

How Long Do Results Last?

Most patients enjoy 8–12 years of improvement, depending on:

genetics
skin quality
sun exposure
lifestyle

Even as aging continues, eyelids almost always look better than if surgery had not been performed.

Cost of Cosmetic Blepharoplasty

Upper Blepharoplasty:

$3,500 – $6,500

Lower Blepharoplasty:

$5,500 – $9,000

Combined Upper + Lower:

$8,500 – $14,000

Your investment reflects:

an oculoplastic surgeon’s expertise
natural, bespoke results
minimal downtime
long-term longevity
artistic refinement

Premium cosmetic work is measured not in millimeters—but in mastery.

Blepharoplasty Before and After Photos (Click here to go to the page with 100s)

Why Choose Dr. Chris Thiagarajah for Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

Oculoplastic Surgeon (Not a Generalist)

Dr. Thiagarajah trained exclusively in the delicate anatomy of the eyelids and orbit—expertise few cosmetic surgeons possess.

12,000+ Eyelid Procedures Performed

Repetition and specialization create dependable, consistently natural results.

Luxury, Natural Aesthetic Style

Your results will never look “done.”
They will look refreshed, youthful, and refined.

Denver’s Eyelid Specialist

Patients travel across Colorado and out of state for his eyelid expertise.

Meet your surgeon, Chris Thiagarajah MD

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my eyes look different after surgery?

Your eyes will look like you—simply more refreshed.

How long does swelling last?

Most swelling resolves within 10 days.

When can I wear eye makeup again?

Usually after sutures are removed at 7 days.

Does blepharoplasty hurt?

Most patients describe mild pressure and tightness, not pain.

Will people know I had surgery?

Most describe their results as “I look less tired,” not “you look different.”

The Complete Guide to Blepharoplasty Upper and Lower, Costs, Recovery, and What to Expect A Luxury Cosmetic Eyelid Rejuvenation Resource by Dr. Chris Thiagarajah