​Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a popular procedure that helps patients rejuvenate their appearance by lifting drooping eyelids and removing excess skin or fat around the eyes. Whether you're undergoing the procedure for cosmetic reasons or to improve vision, knowing what to expect on the day of surgery can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.

 

This guide is specifically written for patients considering eyelid lifting in Denver, and it outlines what the day of your blepharoplasty will look like, depending on whether you’re scheduled for surgery at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) with anesthesia or having a less invasive procedure done in-office under local anesthetic.

 

Part 1: Blepharoplasty with Anesthesia at an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)

 

If Dr Thiagarajah determines that your upper or lower eyelid blepharoplasty requires sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll likely have your procedure done at an accredited ASC. This is a safe, outpatient setting designed for same-day surgeries.

 

Arrival and Check-In

 

On the morning of your surgery, you’ll arrive at the ASC usually 60–90 minutes before your scheduled procedure. Make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions, such as fasting (no food or drink for at least 8 hours), stopping blood thinners if directed, and wearing loose, comfortable clothing. You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

After checking in, you’ll be guided to a pre-operative area where nurses will review your medical history, confirm your procedure details, and start an IV line. Your anesthesiologist will speak with you about the type of anesthesia being used and answer any last-minute questions.

 

During the Procedure

 

Under anesthesia, you’ll be completely asleep or sedated and relaxed. The surgeon will make small incisions along the natural creases of the upper eyelid or just below the lower lash line (depending on your treatment plan). Excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle are carefully removed or repositioned to restore a more youthful, open-eyed look.

 

A typical blepharoplasty takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you're having one or both eyelids treated and whether additional procedures (like brow lifting or fat grafting) are included.

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Recovery at the ASC

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After the procedure, you’ll be moved to a recovery room where nurses will monitor your vital signs as you wake up. Most patients feel groggy and slightly disoriented but typically do not experience significant pain. You may have cold compresses applied to the eyes to reduce swelling and bruising.

 

You’ll be discharged once you're alert, stable, and able to sit up and drink fluids—usually within an hour or two. Dr Thiagarajah and the surgery center will provide you with aftercare instructions and any necessary prescriptions.

 

What to Expect Post-Surgery

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• Swelling and Bruising: Expect puffiness, mild discomfort, and bruising for the first 7–10 days.

• Vision: Your vision may be temporarily blurry from ointments or swelling.

• Return to Activities: Most patients return to non-strenuous work within 7–10 days. Avoid heavy lifting or bending for two weeks.

• Follow-up: You'll return to your surgeon's office within a week to check healing and possibly remove sutures.

 

For patients in Denver seeking blepharoplasty, ASC procedures provide a safe, efficient option for more extensive or combined eyelid surgeries, especially when anesthesia is required.

 

Part 2: In-Office Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Under Local Anesthesia

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For many patients, particularly those only needing an upper eyelid lift, the procedure can be safely performed in the comfort of the surgeon’s office using local anesthesia. This approach avoids the need for general anesthesia and allows for a quicker recovery and lower cost.

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Arrival and Preparation

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You’ll arrive at Dr Thiagarajah's office about 30–45 minutes before your scheduled procedure. No fasting is typically required, but it’s still important to avoid any medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk as advised.

After check-in, you’ll be escorted to the procedure room. Dr Thiagarajah will clean your eyelid area with antiseptic and may mark your upper eyelids with a skin marker while you're sitting up. These marks help guide precise skin removal and symmetry.

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Local Anesthesia

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A numbing injection will be administered into the upper eyelids. This can cause a brief stinging sensation, but once the anesthesia takes effect, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Some patients may be given oral medication to help them relax if needed.

 

During the Procedure

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You will be awake, but comfortable and relaxed. The surgeon will make small incisions in the natural eyelid crease and remove or adjust excess skin, fat, and tissue. Precision is key to ensuring a natural eyelid contour and minimal scarring.

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The in-office upper blepharoplasty typically takes about 45–60 minutes. Some of the things that patients notice during an awake procedure are:

 

- The smell of smoke or instrumentation

- The sound of the instruments (sounds like a vacuum cleaner)

- pressure on their eyelids and face

- Their eyelid opening when Dr Thiagarajah is suturing and seeing light

 

Because only local anesthesia is used, there’s no grogginess or long recovery time needed before going home.

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Post-Procedure and Discharge

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Once the procedure is finished, you’ll be monitored briefly to ensure you’re feeling well before being released. Unlike ASC-based procedures, you may be able to drive yourself home (depending on your doctor’s policy and your comfort level), though it's still often best to have someone with you.

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What to Expect After In-Office Blepharoplasty

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• Swelling and Bruising: Expect swelling and bruising for about a week. Cold compresses can help reduce this. 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off while awake is best. 

• Discomfort: You may feel tightness or mild soreness. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen are usually sufficient. Some patients are prescribed tramadol.

• Suture Care: Stitches are typically removed 5–9 days after the procedure.

• Downtime: Most people feel comfortable returning to work within 5–7 days, especially with makeup to camouflage any residual bruising.​

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Many Denver patients appreciate the convenience and minimal downtime of in-office upper eyelid lifting, especially when the surgery is straightforward and doesn’t require sedation.

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Final Thoughts: Blepharoplasty in Denver

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Whether you're having eyelid surgery at an ASC under anesthesia or opting for a simple in-office eyelid lift, it's important to follow your surgeon’s instructions and plan ahead for rest and recovery. Both approaches can deliver excellent results, rejuvenating the eye area and providing a more alert, refreshed appearance.

If you're exploring options for blepharoplasty in Denver, be sure to consult with Dr Thiagarajah, a board certified top Oculoplastic Surgeon in Denver.  He will help you determine the best approach based on your anatomy, goals, and overall health.

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