COMPLICATIONS AFTER BLEPHAROPLASTY: HOW A LEADING OCULOPLASTIC SURGEON MANAGES THEM (By Chris Thiagarajah, MD — Denver Oculoplastic Surgeon)

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 millimeter anatomy that protect the eye surface and tear film.

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

• Dr. Thiagarajah emphasizes conservative, tissue-sparing technique, climate-aware aftercare for Denver’s altitude/dry air, and responsive follow-up—key advantages when preventing and managing complications.

MOST COMMON POST-OP EXPERIENCES

(NORMAL, SHORT-LIVED)• Bruising & swelling (first 1–2 weeks)• Tightness, mild dryness, temporary light sensitivity• Itching during healingHow it’s managed: cold compresses (first 48–72 hrs), head elevation, lubricating drops/ointment, gentle wound care, sun protection.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS & HOW DR. THIAGARAJAH MANAGES THEM

1. Asymmetry or crease height mismatch• Prevention: precise pre-op markings, intra-op calibration of crease height, tissue-sparing removal.• Management: most minor differences settle by 6–12 weeks; persistent asymmetry can be refined with a small in-office adjustment once tissues mature.

   
   

2. Excess skin remaining (“residual hooding”) or over-resection (“hollow” look)• Prevention: conservative, personalized planning; fat preservation/repositioning rather than aggressive removal.• Management: targeted skin/fat refinement if needed, or contour restoration with micro-fat grafting/HA filler in select cases.

   
   

3. Dry eye symptoms or exposure (especially at altitude)• Prevention: pre-op dry eye screening; preserving blink/closure mechanics; avoiding over-tightening.• Management: scheduled lubrication, moisture shields at night, short courses of anti-inflammatory drops as needed; very rarely, temporary taping or revision to improve closure.

   
   

4. Chemosis (conjunctival swelling)• Prevention: gentle handling, meticulous hemostasis, avoiding unnecessary cautery.• Management: lubrication, topical meds, eyelid support/taping; typically resolves with protocol-based care.

   
   

5. Infection or delayed wound healing• Prevention: sterile technique, careful incision placement in the natural crease, smoking cessation guidance.• Management: prompt antibiotics, wound support; scars usually fade well over months.

   
   

6. Hematoma (collection of blood)• Prevention: blood thinner guidance, blood pressure control, meticulous hemostasis, avoiding strenuous activity early.• Management: urgent evaluation; small collections may be observed, significant ones are drained promptly to protect vision and speed recovery.

   
   

7. Vision-threatening retrobulbar hemorrhage (rare)• Prevention: all steps above + patient education on red flags.• Management: this is an emergency; Dr. Thiagarajah’s team has a rapid-response protocol and after-hours contact instructions to protect sight immediately.

   
   

8. Lower-lid malposition (ectropion/rounding)• Prevention: vector analysis, canthopexy/canthoplasty when indicated, muscle support, conservative skin removal.• Management: massage/taping, lubrication, and if persistent, corrective tightening or support procedure.

   
   

9. Scarring or visible incision • Prevention: crease-hidden placement, fine suturing, tension-free closure.• Management: silicone gel, sun protection, fractional laser or microneedling if necessary once healed.

   
   

10. Diplopia (very rare)• Prevention: careful fat handling away from extraocular muscles.• Management: prompt evaluation; most cases are transient; persistent cases are referred/managed with a subspecialty plan.

DR. THIAGARAJAH’S 3-PHASE SAFETY PLAYBOOK

Pre-Op (Risk Reduction)• Detailed eyelid exam: brow position, true ptosis vs skin excess, tear film, contact lens tolerance.• Medication review: blood thinners, supplements, smoking status.• Denver-specific planning: dryness/altitude, sun exposure, activity timeline (hiking, skiing, travel).

Intra-Op (Precision)• Conservative, customized skin/fat adjustment; fat preservation when possible.• In-office local anesthesia for many upper lids (precise crease calibration); OR with IV sedation for combined/complex cases.• Corneal protection, meticulous hemostasis, fine suturing hidden in the natural crease.

Post-Op (Recovery & Access)• Clear written instructions, check-ins, and fast access for questions.• Lubrication plan tailored to climate; staged return to activity; scar care and sun protection.• Proactive management if anything deviates from the expected course.

WHEN TO CALL URGENTLY

• Sudden, severe pain or vision change• Rapidly expanding swelling or firm, painful eyelid• Brisk bleeding that does not slow with gentle pressure(If severe, seek emergency care immediately.)

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE

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

• Patients with “hooded” lids, makeup hidden by skin, lower-lid bags or hollows.

• 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, sun, and dry air to keep eyes comfortable.

• Access & follow-through: responsive communication, transparent guidance, meticulous touch-ups when appropriate.

• Trusted for complex cases: patients frequently seek second opinions and revision planning with Dr. Thiagarajah for nuanced, durable outcomes.

FAQ (BLEPHAROPLASTY DENVER — COMPLICATIONS & RECOVERY)

How long do swelling and bruising last?

• Most bruising settles in 7–14 days; subtle refinement continues for weeks.

Will I have visible scars?

• Incisions are hidden in the upper-lid crease or inside the lower lid (when indicated). 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 and precise. 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.

Denver Eyelid Specialists

8301 E Prentice Ave, Suite 403, Greenwood Village, CO 80111720-386-1989Serving: Denver • Cherry Creek • Greenwood Village • DTC • Centennial • Highlands Ranch • Aurora