A Complete Guide for Patients Considering Eyelid Surgery in Denver

Chris Thiagarajah MD
Oct 8
4 min read

Updated: Oct 16

Choosing the right surgeon for eyelid surgery is one of the most important decisions you’ll make about your face and eyes. Your eyelids protect your vision, define your expression, and significantly contribute to how refreshed or tired you appear.

That’s why finding a surgeon who blends medical precision with cosmetic artistry is essential. In Denver, many providers perform eyelid procedures—but not all have the same training, experience, or focus. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you find the best oculoplastic surgeon in Denver for your needs.

1. ✅ Verify ASOPRS Fellowship and Board Certification

The first thing to look for is specialized training. An oculoplastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) who has completed an additional two-year fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—accredited by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).

Why This Matters

Only about 700 surgeons in the U.S. hold ASOPRS certification.
This means the surgeon has done thousands of eyelid, orbital, and tear duct surgeries—not just a few cosmetic cases.
They are trained to understand how the eyelid’s structure affects both appearance and function, so your results look natural and your eyes remain healthy.

Tip: You can verify credentials at ASOPRS.org → Find a Surgeon.

👉 Example: Dr. Chris Thiagarajah is an ASOPRS-trained, board-certified oculoplastic surgeon who specializes exclusively in eyelid and orbital surgery. He completed his fellowship and has performed over 12,000 eyelid surgeries in his career.

2. 📸 Ask to See Before-and-After Photos of Similar Cases

A surgeon’s results tell their story. Before-and-after photos let you assess:

Whether results look natural and balanced.
How the scars heal over time.
Whether the eyes still look like the same person—just more refreshed.

When Viewing Photos

Look for patients with features similar to yours (age, skin tone, eyelid type).
Study the lower eyelid contour and crease height symmetry.
Ask how far out the “after” photo was taken—good results look great months after surgery, not just at two weeks.

A skilled surgeon like Dr. Thiagarajah will show examples of upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, and revision eyelid surgeries—each done with attention to individual anatomy.

3. ⭐ Read Real Patient Reviews

Online reviews can reveal a lot about:

The consultation experience (Does the surgeon listen?)
Surgical outcomes (Do patients feel natural, not “overdone”?)
Follow-up care (Was the surgeon responsive after surgery?)

Check These Reputable Platforms

Google Reviews
Healthgrades
RealSelf
Yelp (for bedside manner and staff professionalism)

When reading reviews, look for recurring themes:

“He listened and explained everything clearly.”
“My results look natural.”
“I felt cared for before and after surgery.”

Dr. Chris Thiagarajah’s patients often mention his thorough explanations, precision, and compassion—key indicators of excellence in both cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery.

4. 💬 Schedule a Consultation and Evaluate the Surgeon’s Approach

Your consultation is more than a meeting—it’s your first opportunity to see how the surgeon thinks. A great oculoplastic surgeon should:

Spend adequate time reviewing your goals and examining your eyelid anatomy.
Explain all options (surgical and non-surgical).
Show examples of expected results.
Discuss risks and realistic outcomes—not just the positives.

You should never feel rushed or pressured. Instead, the best surgeons educate and empower you.

During Your Consultation, Ask:

“What procedure would you recommend and why?”
“How many of these procedures have you performed?”
“What’s the most common complication and how do you manage it?”

Patients consistently say that Dr. Thiagarajah takes the time to make sure they understand their options—whether it’s an in-office upper eyelid lift, a combined cosmetic and ptosis repair, or a complex revision blepharoplasty.

5. 🏥 Confirm the Procedure Location Is Accredited and Safe

Safety is non-negotiable. Even small eyelid procedures should be performed in a licensed surgical center or accredited medical office. Accreditation means the facility has:

Proper sterilization standards.
Emergency protocols and trained staff.
Certified anesthesia providers.

Avoid offices or med spas offering “eyelid lifts” without proper surgical infrastructure or ophthalmic background.

At Denver Eyelid Specialists, procedures are performed in:

A licensed outpatient surgery center or
An in-office accredited setting for select upper eyelid cases under local anesthesia.

This ensures patient comfort, safety, and precision in every step.

6. 🎨 Choose a Surgeon Who Balances Cosmetic Artistry and Medical Precision

The eyelids require both surgical skill and aesthetic sense. The best oculoplastic surgeons understand how to:

Remove or reposition fat without hollowing.
Preserve natural eyelid crease height.
Match upper and lower eyelid symmetry.
Respect ethnic and gender differences in eyelid shape.

This balance between form and function separates excellent results from average ones. A technically perfect surgery can still look unnatural if the artistic component is missing. Likewise, overly cosmetic approaches can harm eyelid function.

Dr. Thiagarajah is known for combining ophthalmic precision with aesthetic artistry, creating results that enhance your natural expression rather than change it.

7. ✨ Final Thoughts

Choosing the right oculoplastic surgeon in Denver is about more than searching “best eyelid lift near me.” It’s about finding someone with:

Proven training (ASOPRS fellowship, board certification).
An artistic, conservative approach.
A strong record of happy patients.
Safe facilities and transparent communication.

Whether you need upper eyelid surgery, lower blepharoplasty, or revision eyelid work, Dr. Chris Thiagarajah at Denver Eyelid Specialists offers the expertise, compassion, and results that make patients trust their eyes to him.