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A Key Component of Facial Beauty

Our eyes are a special part of our overall appearance. Naturally, our eyes change as we age over time. This change can manifest as drooping and wrinkling in the upper eyelids and puffiness or bags in the lower eyelids, which can make a person look older or more tired than they feel. Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic or functional surgery used to treat aging upper and lower eyelids. It is done by removing excess skin and, occasionally, lax muscle and fat. Other facial treatments may be combined with the eyelid lift, such as an eyebrow or forehead cosmetic procedure (Brow Lift). Patients can choose to have either an upper or lower eyelid surgery, but sometimes, having both surgeries performed simultaneously produces the optimal aesthetic result. 

Blepharoplasty Overview

Before and After Eyelid Surgery

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Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Our upper eyelid surgery in Denver corrects drooping or overhanging upper eyelids. This can make you look younger and healthier, and in some cases, it can even improve your vision. Typically, the incision is placed at the natural crease in your eyelid, which works well to hide the scar. This procedure can even be done in the office under local anesthesia with or without a mild anxiolytic (a medication used to help patients relax).

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

The other type of blepharoplasty is a lower eyelid surgery, which removes excess skin that causes wrinkles and bags beneath the eyes. Sometimes, fat deposits that cause puffiness are removed. This results in a rejuvenated and more alert appearance. Traditionally, this procedure uses an incision in the lash line to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying muscle. A transconjunctival approach is a surgery that uses an incision inside the eyelid, but this permits only fat removal, with no ability to remove excess skin

Is Blepharoplasty in Denver Right for Me?

Ideal candidates for a blepharoplasty in Denver include nonsmoking, generally healthy people who have realistic facial rejuvenation expectations and a desire to improve the appearance of wrinkles, drooping eyelids, or puffy bags under the eyes. 

What are the Benefits of Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty comes with a wide array of cosmetic, functional, emotional, and social benefits, including the following:

  • Brightens the smile
  • Creates a more youthful, well-rested facial expression
  • Trims excess skin, fat, and tissue
  • Improves field of vision
  • Corrects puffiness and under-eye bags
  • Enhances self-confidence
  • Helps make a better first impression, both professionally and socially
  • Inconspicuous scarring
  • Long-lasting results
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What to Expect at Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation

Your initial consultation with Dr. Thompson at his office in Denver, CO, is a chance to make sure you feel confident and secure going forward with the procedure. For starters, a careful evaluation with Dr. Thompson is completed to determine the procedure of choice. He will listen carefully to your goals and desires, review your health history, and perform a physical exam before providing you with a personalized treatment plan that will meet your expectations. Dr. Thompson will take the time during the consultation to make sure your concerns and goals are adequately understood and also to answer any questions you have to ensure that you feel comfortable with any treatment recommendations.

Trusted Experience & Credentials

Dr. R. William Thompson is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. With training from Columbia University and the University of Michigan, he combines technical precision with artistic insight to correct drooping eyelids, reduce puffiness, and restore a refreshed, youthful appearance. His patient-centered approach ensures results that are both natural-looking and long-lasting.

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What Are Complementary Procedures For Eyelid Surgery in Denver?

The blepharoplasty procedure is used to rejuvenate the eyes, but other options may be discussed during your consultation as well. The areas under the eyes and brow may be volumized using fat transfer or injection with filler to provide a more youthful appearance to the eye. Fat transfer or filler may be performed alone or in conjunction with conventional blepharoplasty. This facial plastic surgery may also be combined with other procedures like a facelift or laser resurfacing to erase the signs of aging from the upper or lower face. Patients may also consider combining the treatment of the eyelids with a brow or forehead procedure. A brow lift is used to elevate the position of the eyebrows, which can be a contributing factor to excess skin in the upper eyelid area.

What to Expect During Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Thompson performs upper eyelid surgery in his Denver office under local anesthesia, with an optional mild anxiolytic. Lower eyelid surgery is typically done in a surgical facility or outpatient center using general anesthesia, though local anesthesia with sedation is an option for some patients.

Incisions are strategically placed in natural skin folds or on the inside of the eyelid for minimal scarring. Depending on individual needs, excess skin, fat, and muscle are removed. Fine sutures are used for closing incisions.

For local anesthesia procedures, patients remain comfortable and pain-free in a relaxed setting. General anesthesia is used for procedures in the operating room, lasting 1-2 hours. Dr. Thompson customizes each surgery to address skin, fat, muscle, and sagging, using a variety of techniques to meet patient concerns.

Sutures, if permanent, are removed in 5-7 days. If absorbable sutures are used, they dissolve naturally. Upper eyelid surgery usually results in minimal swelling and bruising, while lower eyelid surgery may cause mild swelling and bruising, lasting about a week or longer.

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Are There Any Alternatives to Blepharoplasty in Denver?

It can be difficult to achieve the same dramatic results produced by blepharoplasty non-surgically, but depending on the degree of aging in the eyes, there may be a few short-term options to explore. Dermal fillers are non-invasive and are often used to improve the appearance beneath the eyes, correcting hollowness and discoloration.

Light therapy, microneedling, and chemical peels can also help rewind the clock on aging in the upper face. If you are interested in learning more about alternatives to eyelid surgery, speak with Dr. Thompson in Denver during your private consultation.

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Recovery and Results After Eyelid Surgery in Denver

Patients are given aftercare instructions detailing how to care for the incisions. They are also advised on the application of ice and the need to maintain head elevation while sleeping for the first few nights. Everyone’s healing process varies, though blepharoplasty recovery normally takes about 5-7 days. Patients typically resume normal routines within a day after surgery, but this excludes strenuous activity. Upper eyelid surgery has little associated bruising or swelling, but your eyelids may feel tight or sore.

For lower eyelid surgery, you may experience additional symptoms, but these usually resolve in several days. Bruising will begin to fade in 1-2 weeks, and you should be able to return to work when stitches are removed in 5-7 days. Any strenuous exercise should be avoided for about two weeks. Patients typically find that Tylenol can treat post-surgical discomfort, but additional pain medication is always made available if needed. Typically patients are usually very pleased with the more energetic and youthful appearance they achieve with blepharoplasty. If other options or recommendations discussed during the consultation are performed, they often enhance and complement the overall result.

How Much Does Blepharoplasty in Denver Cost?

Unlike fillers, eyelid surgery produces lasting changes, making blepharoplasty a cost-effective anti-aging solution in the long run. Pricing is based on several key factors, including the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and others.

At Thompson Facial Plastics in Dever, bilateral upper blepharoplasty (in-office procedure) will run $4,900, while bilateral lower blepharoplasty will run $5300 (and may incur additional OR-related costs.) Dr. Thompson and his knowledgeable team will discuss pricing with you as part of a comprehensive consultation process, answering all questions in depth. 

Eyelid Surgery FAQ 

How long will my eyelid surgery results last?

Are there any risks associated with eyelid surgery?

Will a blepharoplasty be covered by insurance?

What can I expect at my consultation for eyelid surgery?

How long does eyelid surgery take?

How long will my eyelid surgery results last?

While eyelid surgery results are long-lasting, the eyes will continue to age over time. Upper blepharoplasty changes can last as long as a decade. The lower blepharoplasty procedure typically only needs to be performed a single time.

Are there any risks associated with eyelid surgery?

All surgeries come with inherent risks, such as bleeding, infection, and scarring. However, choosing an experienced, credentialed surgeon such as Dr. Thompson can help minimize these risks. Complications from surgery are rare, but may include:

  • Dry eyes
  • Eyeball discoloration
  • Poor aesthetic results
  • Problems fully closing the lids
  • Lowering of the lower lid lash line

Will a blepharoplasty be covered by insurance?

For eyelid surgeries that have a functional purpose of improving vision, it is likely that insurance will cover all or part of the procedure. For purely cosmetic surgeries, it is unlikely that insurance will pay for it. Lower lid surgery, for instance, is rarely on the list of covered treatments.

What can I expect at my consultation for eyelid surgery?

Dr. Thompson will conduct a thorough review of your medical history and will perform a detailed physical evaluation of the upper face. He will then answer your questions and present his thoughts on treatment. During your consultation, you will gain a better understanding of what blepharoplasty can and cannot achieve, its recovery time, benefits, and expected results. Dr. Thompson will also go over pricing and financing with you.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

The length of eyelid surgery depends on the specific areas being treated. Upper-eyelid surgery alone often takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, lower-eyelid procedures may last up to 2 hours, and combinations of both can extend to about 2–3 hours.

Let Us Be Your Guide

Simply put, at Thompson Facial Plastics in Denver, your aspirations for facial rejuvenation are met with personalized care and expertise. We are dedicated to enhancing eyelids with the utmost precision and artistry. Dr. Thompson's unwavering commitment to personalized care ensures that every aspect of your journey is infused with warmth, understanding, and the highest standard of excellence.

When you choose Dr. Thompson as your facial plastic surgeon, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. He is dedicated to providing his patients with personalized care and helping them achieve their aesthetic goals. 

So please reach out today to schedule your consultation and discover how eyelid surgery in Denver can help you enjoy a newfound radiance and confidence. 

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