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A Trusted Guide for Facial Rejuvenation

At Thompson Facial Plastics, patients trust their eyes to a surgeon with the training to match. Dr. R. William Thompson, M.D., is double board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, with fellowship training focused on the face. Every consultation starts with your goals, and the plan that follows is built around them. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and see if eyelid surgery is right for you.

Blepharoplasty Overview

Before and After Eyelid Surgery

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Woman wearing all white posing with her hand on her face.

What Is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, known clinically as blepharoplasty, addresses the loose skin, fat, and muscle that gather around the eyes as part of natural aging. In the upper lids, this often shows up as hooding that can make the eyes look heavy or partially closed. In the lower lids, it tends to appear as puffiness or bags. The procedure removes or repositions the excess tissue through carefully placed incisions, most often hidden in the natural crease of the upper lid or just beneath the lower lash line. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both, depending on where the changes are most visible.

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery in Denver

  • Reduces hooding and drooping in the upper eyelids
  • Softens puffiness and bags beneath the eyes
  • Can widen the field of vision when heavy lids interfere with sight
  • Creates a more rested, alert appearance
  • Leaves incisions that fade and blend into natural lines
  • Offers results that hold up well over time
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Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Good candidates are typically bothered by eyelids that make them look more tired or older than they feel, often from sagging skin above, puffiness below, or a combination of both. Patients in good general health with realistic expectations about a natural-looking outcome tend to do best. Some people find that heavy upper lids limit their peripheral vision, making the procedure both functional and cosmetic. A consultation for eyelid surgery in Denver is the clearest way to know where you fall, since eyelid anatomy varies enough that what works well for one patient may not suit another.

Why Choose Thompson Facial Plastics for Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Thompson's double board certification in facial plastic surgery and head and neck surgery gives him a deeper understanding of eyelid anatomy and function beyond surface appearance. Fellowship training sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery adds to an approach built on precision and restraint. Patients often describe their results as simply looking like a rested version of themselves.

Your Consultation

Your first visit with Dr. Thompson includes a close look at your eyelid anatomy alongside the rest of your facial structure. He will ask about your goals, review your health history, and explain which approach, upper, lower, or both, fits what he sees. There is room for questions throughout, and you will leave with a treatment plan built around your face.

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How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?

Pricing for eyelid surgery in Denver depends on whether the upper lids, lower lids, or both are treated, along with anesthesia and facility fees where applicable. The team at Thompson Facial Plastics will walk you through a full cost breakdown and financing options once your treatment plan is set.

What to Expect During Eyelid Surgery

Preparation and Anesthesia

Upper eyelid surgery is often performed in-office under local anesthesia, sometimes paired with a mild anxiolytic to help patients relax. Lower eyelid surgery more commonly takes place in a surgical facility, where general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be used depending on the scope of the procedure.

Incision and Correction

Dr. Thompson places incisions along the natural crease of the upper lid or just below the lash line for lower lid work, keeping scarring discreet. Through these openings, he removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and muscle to reduce hooding or puffiness while preserving a natural eye shape.

Closing

Fine sutures close the incisions once the correction is complete. Permanent sutures are typically removed within five to seven days, while absorbable sutures dissolve on their own during early healing.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Most patients take it easy for the first few days, using cold compresses and keeping their head elevated to manage swelling. Upper eyelid recovery tends to be brief, with many patients returning to light activity within a day or two. Lower eyelid surgery generally involves a bit more bruising, which typically fades over one to two weeks. Strenuous exercise is usually off the table for about two weeks, and any lingering discomfort is often manageable with over-the-counter medication. Dr. Thompson provides specific aftercare guidance at your procedure so you know exactly what to expect during the days that follow your blepharoplasty in Denver.

Eyelid Surgery Results

Results emerge gradually as swelling resolves, with a noticeably brighter, more rested look typically visible within two to three weeks and the final outcome settling in over the following months. Upper eyelid results can last up to a decade, while lower eyelid correction is often a one-time procedure. Since aging continues after surgery, the eyes will keep changing over time, though most patients find the improvement remains visible for years.

Upper vs. Lower vs. Combined Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery targets hooding and heaviness along the brow bone and lash line, sometimes improving peripheral vision in the process. Lower eyelid surgery focuses on puffiness, bags, and loose skin beneath the eyes. Many patients benefit from treating both at once, since correcting only one area can occasionally throw the eyes out of balance. Dr. Thompson determines the right combination based on your anatomy and goals during your consultation.

Complementary Procedures with Blepharoplasty in Denver

  • Brow Lift: Raises a drooping brow that can contribute to heaviness in the upper eyelids
  • Facelift: Addresses sagging in the mid and lower face for more comprehensive rejuvenation
  • Fat Transfer: Uses the patient's own fat to add lasting volume beneath the eyes or along the brow
  • BOTOX: Softens dynamic wrinkles around the eyes that surgery alone does not treat
  • Facial Fillers: Restores volume beneath the eyes to reduce hollowing
  • Laser Resurfacing: Improves fine lines and skin texture around the treated area

Eyelid Surgery FAQ 

How long does eyelid surgery take?

Are there risks with eyelid surgery?

Will insurance cover eyelid surgery?

When can I wear makeup or contact lenses again after eyelid surgery?

Is there a best age for eyelid surgery?

What is recovery like if I have upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time?

How do I know if I need a brow lift instead of eyelid surgery?

How long does eyelid surgery take?

Upper eyelid surgery alone often takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Lower eyelid surgery may run closer to two hours, and combining both typically falls between two and three hours.

Are there risks with eyelid surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks to be aware of, including infection, bleeding, or temporary dry eyes. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Thompson helps keep these risks low, and he will walk through them in detail during your consultation.

Will insurance cover eyelid surgery?

Coverage depends on whether the procedure serves a functional purpose, such as correcting vision obstruction, or a purely cosmetic one. Functional cases have a better chance of partial coverage, while cosmetic procedures are generally paid out of pocket.

When can I wear makeup or contact lenses again after eyelid surgery?

Most patients can resume contact lenses after about one to two weeks and light makeup once swelling has settled, usually around the same timeframe. Dr. Thompson will give you a specific timeline based on your healing.

Is there a best age for eyelid surgery?

There is no set age. Some patients pursue it in their forties as early signs of drooping appear, while others wait until later, once puffiness or hooding becomes more pronounced. Candidacy depends more on your eyelid anatomy than your age.

What is recovery like if I have upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time?

Combined procedures generally involve a recovery period similar to lower eyelid surgery alone, since that side tends to carry more swelling and bruising. Most patients plan for about one to two weeks before returning to normal routines.

How do I know if I need a brow lift instead of eyelid surgery?

If your upper eyelid heaviness comes from a lowered brow rather than excess eyelid skin, a brow lift may address the concern more directly than blepharoplasty alone.

Ready to Refresh Your Eyes?

Thompson Facial Plastics approaches every eyelid procedure with the same attention to detail and natural results that define the practice. If tired-looking eyes have started to affect your confidence, reach out today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thompson and take the first step toward a more rested, confident appearance.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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