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Upper Eyelid Surgery in Denver:
Blepharoplasty vs. Ptosis Repair

Woman's eyes before and after upper eyelid blepharoplasty and ptosis repair. best blepharoplasty results denver

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​​​What is the basic difference between blepharoplasty and ptosis repair? 

 

One looks at skin, the other at lid height—sometimes you need both

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If your upper eyelids look heavy, tired, or uneven, two common procedures may help: upper blepharoplasty (removes excess skin) and ptosis repair (lifts the eyelid margin). At Denver Eyelid Specialists in Greenwood Village, Dr. Chris Thiagarajah, MD (ASOPRS) evaluates which—or both—will restore your eyes to a natural, rested appearance while keeping your unique expression.

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How to Tell the Difference

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  • If you can lift your brow and the heaviness improves → likely skin excess → blepharoplasty.

  • If lifting the brow doesn’t fix droop, and the lashes cover the pupil → true ptosis → ptosis repair.

  • Many patients have both: extra skin and a low lid margin​​

 

 

Procedure Details

 

Upper Blepharoplasty

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  • What it does: Removes carefully measured skin (sometimes small fat sculpting) to restore crease and visible lid platform.

  • Incision: Hidden in natural crease.

  • Time: ~45 minutes per side.

  • Recovery: Swelling 1–2 weeks, final result at ~3 months.

 

Ptosis Repair

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  • What it does: Lifts the eyelid margin by tightening/advancing the eyelid muscle.

  • Incision: Inside eyelid (no scar) or hidden in crease.

  • Time: 45–60 minutes per side.

  • Recovery: Similar to blepharoplasty—1–2 weeks swelling, refinement over 3 months.

 

Who’s a Candidate?

 

Blepharoplasty candidates:

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  • Extra upper-lid skin covering the crease

  • Makeup transfer or smudging

  • Tired or stern appearance

 

Ptosis repair candidates:

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  • Eyelid margin rests too low, blocking pupil

  • Uneven lids from one drooping more than the other

  • Difficulty seeing upper field of vision

 

Combination candidates:

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  • Both extra skin and lid droop (very common in 40s–70s)

 

Recovery & Aftercare

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  • Day 0–2: swelling, tightness; icing and head elevation

  • Day 3–5: bruising fades, light walking OK

  • Day 6–7: sutures removed (if external approach); makeup for most patients

  • Week 3: eyelids look natural in daily settings

  • Month 3: crease/lid height refined, final result set

 

Risks & Safety

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  • Shared risks: bruising, infection, visible scar (usually minimal), asymmetry, temporary dryness

  • Ptosis-specific: over/under-correction (rare, may need refinement)

  • Bleph-specific: residual hooding if skin removal is very conservative

 

Choosing an ASOPRS-trained oculoplastic surgeon like Dr. Thiagarajah reduces risks and ensures both cosmetic balance and eye-health safety.

 

Cost & Coverage

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  • Blepharoplasty: usually cosmetic; self-pay.

  • Ptosis repair: if vision is blocked (measured by distance from pupil to upper eyelid (MRD), may qualify for insurance coverage.

  • Combination: insurance may cover ptosis portion; cosmetic blepharoplasty added separately.

  • A written quote is provided at consultation.​

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Why Denver Patients Choose Dr. Thiagarajah

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  • Thousands of eyelid surgeries performed—functional + cosmetic

  • Dual expertise in Oculoplastic Surgery & Neuro-Ophthalmology

  • Focus on natural results (no surprised or hollow look)

  • Full gallery of Denver patient before/after photos

  • Convenient location near Cherry Creek, DTC, and Greenwood Village

 

📞 See real Denver eyelid surgery results 

 

book a consult: 720-386-1989

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FAQs

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How do I know if I need both procedures?


If your crease is buried under skin and your eyelid margin sits low, Dr. Thiagarajah may recommend both at once for best function and appearance.

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Will I look different?


No “surprised” look—just a rested, balanced version of you.

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Is there a scar?


Blepharoplasty scars hide in the crease. Ptosis scars are in the crease or completely inside the eyelid.

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When can I work out?


Light walking right away; gym/strain after your first follow-up.

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Does insurance cover it?


Ptosis repair may be covered if visual field testing shows obstruction and the eyelids are low enough. Blepharoplasty in combination is usually cosmetic.

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Look at Before and After Photos

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Schedule a Consultation

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Medically reviewed by Chris Thiagarajah, MD (ASOPRS) —

Oculoplastic Surgeon,

Denver Eyelid Specialists.

Published: updated regularly • Last reviewed: 9/15/2025

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