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Eyelid Lifting by an Eyelid Surgeon in Denver: From Start to Finish what to expect

Chris Thiagarajah MD



tient prefers to be completely unconscious.

Surgical Approach

The surgeon will carefully mark the eyelids before making incisions. The specifics of the surgery depend on whether the upper or lower eyelids are being treated:

  • Upper Blepharoplasty: Incisions are made along the natural crease of the eyelid. Excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle are removed or repositioned.

  • Lower Blepharoplasty: Incisions may be made just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach) to remove or reposition fat. In some cases, excess skin is also removed.

Procedure Details

  • Upper Eyelids: The surgeon removes or repositions fat deposits, tightens underlying muscle, and removes excess skin to improve the eyelid's contour and address drooping or tired-looking eyes.

  • Lower Eyelids: In addition to removing fat, the surgeon may tighten the skin and smooth out under-eye bags or hollows. The goal is to restore a more youthful appearance.

The entire procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

3. Post-Operative Care

Immediate Recovery

  • Surgery center or Clinic Stay: Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients generally go home the same day, but they may need to remain under observation for a short period following surgery.

  • Pain and Discomfort: Patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which is usually managed with prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers.

  • Cold Compresses: Cold compresses are recommended for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and minimize bruising around the eyes.

Post-Surgical Instructions

  • Activity Restrictions: Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, bending over, and heavy lifting for a few weeks.

  • Elevated Head: Keeping the head elevated while sleeping can help minimize swelling.

  • Avoid Rubbing Eyes: Rubbing the eyes can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications, so patients should avoid this at all costs.

  • Eye Care: For those with dry eyes, lubricating eye drops may be prescribed. Patients are advised to avoid wearing contact lenses for a few weeks.

Follow-Up Appointments

  • Suture Removal: In some cases, stitches will need to be removed within 5-7 days, depending on the surgeon’s technique.

  • Monitoring Healing: The surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor the healing process, check for any signs of infection, and ensure that the incisions are healing properly.

4. Risks and Complications

While blepharoplasty is generally considered safe, as with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications, including:

  • Infection: As with any surgery, there’s a risk of infection at the incision site.

  • Scarring: While the incisions are made along natural creases, there’s still the possibility of noticeable scarring, though this usually fades over time.

  • Dry Eyes: Some patients may experience dry eye symptoms, which are typically temporary but may require treatment.

  • Asymmetry: It’s possible for the eyelids to heal unevenly, leading to asymmetry.

  • Vision Changes: In rare cases, patients may experience temporary or permanent vision changes.

The surgeon will discuss these risks in detail and take steps to minimize them.

5. The Recovery Process

First Week

  • Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common in the first week. Patients may experience significant swelling, especially in the morning. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated will help manage this.

  • Vision Blurriness: Blurred vision from ointments or swelling around the eyes is common but temporary.

  • Initial Follow-Up: During this visit, the surgeon will check for any signs of infection and ensure the healing process is on track.

Weeks 2-4

  • Gradual Improvement: Swelling and bruising should significantly improve. Most patients are presentable in public by the end of the second week, though some residual swelling may remain.

  • Physical Activity: Light physical activity is generally allowed after two weeks.


One Month

  • Final Healing Stages: At this point, most of the swelling should be gone, and patients can return to normal activities, including makeup application. However, some residual swelling may persist for several months.

Long-Term Recovery (3-6 Months)

  • Scar Maturation: The incisions will continue to heal, and the scars will gradually fade, becoming less noticeable over time. Full scar healing can take up to a year.

  • Improved Appearance: The final cosmetic result can take several months to become fully visible as the skin settles and the healing process completes.

6. Final Results and Long-Term Care

Expected Results

Patients can expect a more youthful and refreshed appearance, with improved eyelid contours and reduced under-eye bags. Blepharoplasty results are generally long-lasting, though the natural aging process will continue.

Maintenance and Skin Care

  • Sun Protection: The delicate skin around the eyes is susceptible to sun damage, so patients should protect their eyes with sunglasses and apply sunscreen regularly.

  • Moisturizing: Keeping the skin around the eyes hydrated can help maintain smooth, youthful skin.

Possible Touch-Up Surgery

In some cases, patients may require a minor touch-up procedure after a few years if they experience further skin sagging or if the initial results do not meet their expectations.

7. Psychological and Emotional Considerations

Mental Health Benefits

Many patients report feeling a boost in self-confidence and satisfaction with their appearance after blepharoplasty. The surgery can improve not just the physical look of the eyes but also a person’s overall facial harmony.

Managing Expectations

It’s essential that patients have realistic expectations going into the procedure. While blepharoplasty can create a more youthful appearance, it’s not a cure-all for signs of aging or wrinkles in other areas of the face.

8. Conclusion

Blepharoplasty is a highly effective procedure for those seeking to improve the appearance of their eyelids and restore a more youthful, refreshed look. By understanding what to expect before, during, and after the surgery, patients can make informed decisions and feel more confident about the process. As with any surgical procedure, choosing a skilled, experienced surgeon is key to achieving the best results and minimizing risks.

This outline provides a comprehensive overview of blepharoplasty from a patient’s perspective.

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