Upper Eyelid Drooping in Denver, Colorado: When Blepharoplasty Is the Right Solution

If you’re noticing upper eyelid drooping that makes you look tired, limits your peripheral vision, or forces you to raise your brows just to see clearly, you’re not alone. In Denver, eyelid drooping is one of the most common concerns patients bring to an oculoplastic surgeon—especially as we age, after weight changes, or following years of sun exposure at altitude.

This guide explains why upper eyelids droop, how upper eyelid blepharoplasty helps, and what Denver patients should know about functional vs cosmetic surgery and insurance considerations.

What Causes Upper Eyelid Drooping?

Upper eyelid drooping can come from more than one source. The most common causes we see in Denver include:

• Dermatochalasis: Excess upper eyelid skin that folds downward

• Ptosis: Weakening or stretching of the muscle that lifts the eyelid

• Brow descent: The eyebrow slowly drops, pushing skin onto the eyelids

• Genetics & aging: Natural loss of elasticity over time

• Environmental factors: High-altitude sun exposure and dry climate effects

A precise exam is essential—because each cause requires a different surgical approach.

What Is Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin (and sometimes small amounts of fat) from the upper eyelids. When done correctly, it can:

• Restore a more open, alert appearance

• Improve peripheral vision blocked by overhanging skin

• Reduce brow strain and eyelid heaviness

• Create natural-looking eyelid contours (not a “pulled” look)

In many cases, blepharoplasty is combined with ptosis repair or brow support to address all contributors to drooping.

Functional vs Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery in Colorado

One of the most common questions we hear in Denver is:“Will insurance cover my upper eyelid surgery?”

Functional (Insurance-Covered) Criteria

Insurance carriers typically require objective anatomic findings, such as:

• Upper eyelid skin hanging over the eyelashes

• A low eyelid position measured by MRD1

• Supporting documentation (photos and, in some cases, visual field testing)

If these criteria are not met, insurance generally considers surgery cosmetic, regardless of symptoms.

Cosmetic Blepharoplasty

Even when insurance doesn’t apply, cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty:

• Uses the same meticulous surgical techniques

• Produces highly predictable, long-lasting results

• Avoids delays and denials associated with insurance reviews

Many Denver patients choose cosmetic surgery once they understand the rules—because they want results now, not years later.

Why Experience Matters for Eyelid Surgery

The eyelids are delicate, functional structures that protect vision. Choosing a surgeon with advanced eyelid-specific training matters because:

• Millimeters determine both appearance and eye comfort

• Over-resection can cause dry eye or difficulty closing the eyes

• Natural eyelid shape and ethnicity-specific anatomy must be respected

For Denver patients, working with a surgeon who focuses exclusively on eyelid surgery can make the difference between a good result and an exceptional one.

Recovery After Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery is:

• Downtime: 7–10 days of visible swelling or bruising

• Stitches: Typically removed in about one week

• Vision: Usually improved once swelling subsides

• Final results: Continue refining over several weeks

Because Denver’s dry climate can affect healing, postoperative lubrication and eyelid care are especially important.

Am I a Candidate for Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Feel your eyelids are heavy or droopy

• Notice blocked side vision

• Raise your brows to see clearly

• Look tired even when well rested

• Want a more youthful but natural appearance

'A proper evaluation includes eyelid measurements, high-quality photographs, and a discussion of your goals—functional, cosmetic, or both.

Upper Eyelid Drooping Treatment in Denver: The Bottom Line

Upper eyelid drooping is common, treatable, and often life-changing when addressed correctly. Whether your goal is better vision, improved appearance, or both, understanding the cause of drooping is the first step.

For patients in Denver, upper eyelid blepharoplasty remains one of the most effective and satisfying facial procedures when performed with precision and restraint. Dr Thiagarajah performs this procedure almost daily and has expertise from his 12000 cases.