Ptosis versus Blepharoplasty in Denver: When do you need each one
- Chris Thiagarajah MD
- Sep 27
- 3 min read
Ptosis vs. Blepharoplasty in Denver: When Do You Need Each One?
When patients in Denver notice their eyelids starting to look heavy, tired, or droopy, they often wonder: Do I need a cosmetic eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) or ptosis surgery? While the two procedures may sound similar, they treat different problems—and sometimes patients need a combination of both to achieve the best results.
As a Denver oculoplastic surgeon specializing in both functional and cosmetic eyelid surgery, I help patients every day distinguish between these two conditions. Let’s break it down.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a procedure designed to remove excess skin, muscle, or fat from the upper eyelids. Over time, the skin around the eyes can lose elasticity, creating folds that weigh down the lids and make the eyes look tired or aged.
When blepharoplasty helps most:
Extra skin hanging over the eyelid crease
Hooding that affects makeup application
Puffy fat pads giving a heavy look
Patients seeking a refreshed, more youthful appearance
In many cases, blepharoplasty is considered cosmetic. However, if the extra skin blocks part of your vision, insurance may cover the surgery as “functional.”
What Is Ptosis Repair?
Ptosis refers to a medical condition where the upper eyelid margin itself droops lower than normal because of a weak or stretched eyelid muscle (levator muscle). This is not excess skin—it’s the eyelid itself that hangs down.
When ptosis repair helps most:
One or both eyelids sit lower than they should
Eyelids blocking part of your pupil and reducing vision
Patients raising their brows or tilting their head back to see better
Eyes looking asymmetric or “sleepy” despite no extra skin
Ptosis repair strengthens or shortens the eyelid muscle so the lid lifts to a normal position, improving both function and appearance.
Can You Need Both?
Yes—many Denver patients benefit from a combined approach. For example, a patient may have stretched eyelid muscles (ptosis) and extra skin (dermatochalasis). If only one problem is treated, results may look incomplete. Correcting both at the same time ensures that the eyelid opens properly and looks naturally youthful.
How to Know Which One You Need
During your consultation, I perform specialized tests such as:
Margin Reflex Distance (MRD): Measures how high your eyelid sits compared to the pupil.
Visual field testing: Determines if eyelid droop is blocking your sight.
Eyelid crease exam: Helps distinguish between skin hooding vs. true muscle weakness.
This detailed evaluation guides whether you need blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, or both together.
Choosing an Oculoplastic Surgeon in Denver
Because ptosis and blepharoplasty overlap, it’s critical to see a surgeon who is trained in both functional and cosmetic eyelid surgery. As a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon in Denver, I combine expertise in eyelid aesthetics with the precision of reconstructive surgery. The result? Natural, balanced outcomes that restore both vision and confidence.
Next Steps
If you’ve noticed droopy, heavy, or tired-looking eyelids and are unsure whether it’s ptosis or extra skin, schedule a consultation with Dr Thiagarajah at Denver Eyelid Specialists. We’ll determine the cause and design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
📍 Serving Denver, Greenwood Village, Cherry Creek, and the Denver Tech Center.
👉 Call 720-386-1989 or request your consultation online today.
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