Understanding Eyelid Surgery: Complications and Recovery in Denver

Looking up “blepharoplasty Denver complications” or “eyelid surgery risks”? This guide explains what can happen after upper or lower eyelid surgery, how to reduce risks, and how an experienced oculoplastic surgeon manages issues for safe, natural results. Dr. Chris Thiagarajah is a Denver-based eyelid specialist whose practice serves patients across Colorado and the greater West Coast and Mountain West—especially those seeking precise primary or revision blepharoplasty.

Why Surgeon Choice Matters

Eyelids are delicate structures that protect the eye surface and tear film. Choosing the right surgeon is crucial for a successful outcome.

• Oculoplastic surgeons operate on eyelids every day. They are trained to protect vision while balancing form and function.

• Dr. Thiagarajah emphasizes a conservative, tissue-sparing technique. He also provides climate-aware aftercare for Denver’s altitude and dry air, along with responsive follow-up. These are key advantages when preventing and managing complications.

  
  

Most Common Post-Op Experiences

After eyelid surgery, you may experience some normal and short-lived symptoms:

• Bruising & Swelling: This typically lasts for the first 1–2 weeks.

• Tightness & Mild Dryness: These sensations are common during the healing process.

• Temporary Light Sensitivity & Itching: These symptoms usually resolve as you heal.

  
  

How to Manage These Symptoms

To ease discomfort, consider the following:

• Apply cold compresses for the first 48–72 hours.

• Keep your head elevated while resting.

• Use lubricating drops or ointment as directed.

• Practice gentle wound care and protect your skin from the sun.

  
  

Possible Complications & How Dr. Thiagarajah Manages Them

While complications are rare, it's essential to be aware of them. Here are some possible issues and how Dr. Thiagarajah addresses them:

Asymmetry or Crease Height Mismatch

Prevention: Precise pre-op markings and intra-op calibration of crease height.

Management: Most minor differences settle by 6–12 weeks. Persistent asymmetry can be refined with a small in-office adjustment once tissues mature.

Excess Skin Remaining or Over-resection

Prevention: Conservative, personalized planning.

Management: Targeted skin or fat refinement if needed, or contour restoration with micro-fat grafting or HA filler in select cases.

Dry Eye Symptoms or Exposure

Prevention: Pre-op dry eye screening and preserving blink/closure mechanics.

Management: Scheduled lubrication, moisture shields at night, and short courses of anti-inflammatory drops as needed.

Chemosis (Conjunctival Swelling)

Prevention: Gentle handling and meticulous hemostasis.

Management: Lubrication and topical medications; typically resolves with protocol-based care.

Infection or Delayed Wound Healing

Prevention: Sterile technique and careful incision placement.

Management: Prompt antibiotics and wound support; scars usually fade well over months.

Hematoma (Collection of Blood)

Prevention: Blood thinner guidance and meticulous hemostasis.

Management: Urgent evaluation; significant collections are drained promptly.

Vision-Threatening Retrobulbar Hemorrhage (Rare)

Prevention: Patient education on red flags.

Management: This is an emergency; Dr. Thiagarajah’s team has a rapid-response protocol.

Lower-Lid Malposition (Ectropion/Rounding)

Prevention: Vector analysis and conservative skin removal.

Management: Massage, lubrication, and if persistent, corrective tightening.

Scarring or Visible Incision

Prevention: Crease-hidden placement and fine suturing.

Management: Silicone gel, sun protection, and fractional laser or microneedling if necessary.

Diplopia (Very Rare)

Prevention: Careful fat handling away from extraocular muscles.

Management: Prompt evaluation; most cases are transient.

Dr. Thiagarajah’s 3-Phase Safety Playbook

Pre-Op (Risk Reduction)

• Conduct a detailed eyelid exam to assess brow position and tear film.

• Review medications, including blood thinners and supplements.

• Plan for Denver-specific factors like dryness and sun exposure.

  
  

Intra-Op (Precision)

• Perform conservative, customized skin and fat adjustments.

• Use in-office local anesthesia for many upper lids, or IV sedation for complex cases.

• Ensure corneal protection and meticulous hemostasis.

  
  

Post-Op (Recovery & Access)

• Provide clear written instructions and fast access for questions.

• Tailor lubrication plans to the climate.

• Manage any deviations from the expected recovery course proactively.

  
  

When to Call Urgently

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden, severe pain or vision changes.

• Rapidly expanding swelling or a firm, painful eyelid.

• Brisk bleeding that does not slow with gentle pressure.

  
  

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery include:

• Healthy adults with realistic goals, willing to follow aftercare.

• Individuals with “hooded” lids or lower-lid bags.

• Those seeking revision blepharoplasty or second opinions after prior surgery.

  
  

Why Patients Across the West Coast & Mountain West Choose Dr. Chris Thiagarajah

• Eyelid-Only Focus: Oculoplastic expertise for primary and revision blepharoplasty.

• Millimeter Artistry: Personalized crease height and contour for natural symmetry.

• Climate-Smart Care: Protocols for Denver’s altitude and dry air.

• Access & Follow-Through: Responsive communication and meticulous touch-ups.

• Trusted for Complex Cases: Patients frequently seek second opinions and revision planning.

  
  

FAQ (Blepharoplasty Denver — Complications & Recovery)

How long do swelling and bruising last?

Most bruising settles in 7–14 days, with subtle refinement continuing for weeks.

Will I have visible scars?

Incisions are hidden in the upper-lid crease or inside the lower lid. Lines fade gradually over months.

Can complications be fixed?

Many can—timing matters. Early communication and tailored plans are key to excellent outcomes.

Is in-office surgery safe?

For healthy candidates undergoing straightforward upper lids, in-office local anesthesia is efficient. Combined or complex cases may be best in an OR with IV sedation.

Ready for a Safety-First, Natural Result?

Consult with Chris Thiagarajah, MD, oculoplastic surgeon in Denver serving patients across Colorado, the West Coast, and the Mountain West for primary and revision blepharoplasty. Read more about blepharoplasty with Dr Thiagarajah here.

Denver Eyelid Specialists

8301 E Prentice Ave, Suite 403, Greenwood Village, CO 80111

720-386-1989

Serving: Denver • Cherry Creek • Greenwood Village • DTC • Centennial • Highlands Ranch • Aurora