How Much Skin Is Removed in Upper and Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?

Understanding Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, also called an eyelid lift, is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed by Dr. Chris Thiagarajah MD in Denver. It rejuvenates the eyes by removing sagging skin, reducing puffiness, and restoring a more youthful, rested appearance.

A frequent question patients ask is: “How much skin is actually removed during upper and lower eyelid surgery?” The answer depends on your anatomy, goals, and the surgeon’s judgment—but the guiding principle is always precision and natural results.

How Much Skin Is Removed in Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?

• Typical range: Most patients have 2–6 millimeters of skin removed from each upper eyelid.

• Customization: The amount depends on eyelid crease height, brow position, skin elasticity, and whether vision is being blocked by excess skin.

• Safety margin: A critical concept is leaving enough skin behind so the eyelid can close fully and comfortably. Dr. Thiagarajah uses the “pinch test” during surgery to determine the maximum safe removal.

• Functional vs cosmetic goals: In some patients, skin removal is medically necessary to improve peripheral vision. In others, it’s purely cosmetic to open the eyes and create a refreshed look.

Key takeaway: The goal is not to remove as much skin as possible, but to remove just enough to smooth and lift—while preserving natural eyelid function.

How Much Skin Is Removed in Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is more conservative than the upper lid.

• Minimal to none: In many cases, little or no skin is removed from the lower lids. The procedure focuses more on removing or repositioning fat to reduce puffiness and bags.

• Skin tightening: If skin laxity is present, Dr. Thiagarajah may remove 1–2 millimeters of excess skin or perform a skin-tightening maneuver.

• Avoiding complications: Over-removal in the lower lid can lead to eyelid retraction or rounding of the eye shape. That’s why precise technique is critical—especially in delicate lower lid surgery.

Key takeaway: Lower eyelid surgery is about finesse—subtle tightening, not aggressive excision.

Why Precision Matters

With eyelid surgery, millimeters make the difference between a natural result and one that looks “overdone.” Removing too much skin risks:

• Difficulty closing the eyes

• Dryness and irritation

• An unnatural or hollow look

By contrast, the right amount of removal brightens the face, maintains eyelid function, and produces results that look refreshed—not surgical.

Why Choose Dr. Chris Thiagarajah in Denver

Patients searching for the best eyelid surgeon in Denver consistently turn to Dr. Chris Thiagarajah MD, a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon who specializes exclusively in eyelid surgery.

• Fellowship-trained in oculoplastics

• Hundreds of positive patient reviews praising his natural results

• Expertise in both cosmetic and functional blepharoplasty

• Trusted throughout Denver, Greenwood Village, Cherry Creek, and the Denver Tech Center

Dr. Thiagarajah’s philosophy is simple: remove just the right amount of skin for a refreshed, natural result.

Final Thoughts

In upper eyelid blepharoplasty, typically 2–6 millimeters of skin are removed, depending on the patient’s anatomy. In lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the removal is usually minimal, with the focus on fat repositioning and skin tightening rather than large excisions.

If you are considering eyelid surgery in Denver, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chris Thiagarajah MD to learn how much improvement is possible in your unique case.