Aging brings a lot of wonderful things—wisdom, confidence, a well-earned sense of self. But for me, it also brought extra skin on my upper eyelids and hollows under my eyes. After trying a lot of lotions, potions and non-invasive options, I decided to have an upper and lower blepharoplasty and a xxx brow lift at age 61. While I wasn’t looking to turn back the clock 20 years, I did want to look more refreshed and youthful — like I actually got a full night’s sleep, even when I hadn’t.

That’s what led me to blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery. After plenty of research and a consultation with Denver ocular plastic surgeon Dr. Chris T, I decided to move forward with the procedure. If you’re considering it too, here’s what my experience was like, from surgery day to healing and my final results.

Why I Chose Blepharoplasty

Drooping eyelids and under-eye hollows were making me look more tired than I felt, and starting to interfere with my vision. My upper eyelids were getting heavier over time, and my under-eye area looked more sunken. By the end of the day I was struggling to keep my eyes open to read or watch tv.

Addititonally my eyebrows were uneven (and it was driving me crazy – especially when I saw myself in photos and videos.) Since I was already going to be under anesthesia, I elected to also have a a browpexy with skin fixation on my left eyebrow in an attempt to even out my brow height. It only required a small incision that was hidden on my scalp.

I wasn’t trying to erase every sign of aging. I love the life I’ve lived, and I don’t have a problem looking my age. But I did want to soften the tired look that had settled in. My goal was simple: to look like me, just a little more refreshed. My biggest fear was that I was going to end up looking like one of those women who immediately looks like she’s had too much work done to her face. (I know you know exactly what I’m talking about!)

Why I Chose an Ocular Plastic Surgeon

When considering blepharoplasty, choosing the right surgeon is crucial — especially since your eyes are one of the most delicate and complex areas of the face. I opted to work with an ocular plastic surgeon, a specialist with advanced training in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery.

Unlike general plastic surgeons, who perform a wide range of cosmetic procedures on the body and face, ocular plastic surgeons focus exclusively on the areas around the eyes: the eyelids, tear ducts, and surrounding structures. They complete a residency in ophthalmology (eye health and vision care) before undergoing fellowship training in plastic and reconstructive surgery for the eye area.

This dual expertise means they understand not just the aesthetics of eyelid surgery but also the intricate anatomy and function of the eyes themselves. For example, they can carefully remove excess skin without compromising eyelid movement or affecting your ability to close your eyes properly. They also know how to handle more complex cases, like correcting drooping eyelids (ptosis) or addressing issues that could impact vision.

 I chose Denver ocular plastic surgeon Dr. Chris Thiagaragah because he’s done this procedures on a couple of my girlfriends and because I wanted a doctor that specifically focused on eyes. Dr Thiagaragah wrote a book about cosmetic eyelid surgery that’s available on Amazon. The book includes how to choose a surgeon, steps for blepharoplasty, how to maximize your recovery, and common questions concerning eyelid surgery.

For me, working with an ocular plastic surgeon gave me peace of mind. I knew my surgeon was focused not only on helping me look more refreshed but also on preserving the health and functionality of my eyes. If you’re considering blepharoplasty, especially if you have vision concerns or more significant eyelid changes, consulting with an ocular plastic surgeon might be an excellent first step.

What Happens During Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery

On surgery day, Dr. T marked up my face to show where the incisions would go. The procedure itself took about 90 minutes. Because I had both my upper and lower lids done, I needed general anesthesia. If you’re only having upper eyelid surgery, it can actually be done in-office under local anesthesia.

During the surgery, excess skin was removed from my upper eyelids to create a more open, lifted look. For the lower lids, Dr. T addressed the hollows and repositioned some fat to smooth out the area.

What Does Blepharoplasty Cost?

Recovery Timeline: What Healing Looked Like Week by Week

The First 48 Hours

Immediately after surgery, I was swollen and bruised, but surprisingly, there wasn’t much pain. I took prescription pain medication for two days, but after that, over-the-counter meds were enough. The hardest part was the swelling—I had to sleep propped up on pillows, and my vision was blurry for the first couple of days.

The First Week

By day two, the swelling and bruising peaked—this was probably the least glamorous part of the process! But from that point on, things started improving. I got my stitches out a week later and, while I still had some swelling, I looked decent enough to travel and even film videos.

The Next Few Weeks

Over the following weeks, the swelling continued to go down. By three to four weeks, I felt confident going out and wearing makeup again. There were still subtle changes happening as my skin adjusted, but the most noticeable healing happened in the first month.

Nine Weeks Post-Surgery

By nine weeks, I was fully healed, and my final results were in. My upper eyelids looked smoother and more lifted, and my under-eye area no longer had the deep hollows that used to make me look exhausted. Best of all, I still looked like me—just a more rested version!

Before & After: My Results at 9 Weeks Post-Surgery

Seeing the side-by-side photos from before and after surgery made me realize just how much of a difference the procedure made. The changes are subtle but powerful—my eyes look brighter, and I don’t have that heavy, tired appearance anymore.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. The recovery was manageable, and the results are exactly what I hoped for. If you’ve been considering blepharoplasty, I’d say it’s worth a consultation to see what’s possible for you.

Final Thoughts & Advice

If you’re thinking about eyelid surgery, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Choose a surgeon who specializes in eyelid procedures. The eyes are delicate, so experience matters.
• Understand that swelling and bruising are part of the process. It takes months to see the final results.
• Have realistic expectations. This procedure won’t make you look 20 years younger, but it can help you look refreshed and well-rested.
• Be prepared for some downtime. The first couple of weeks require a lot of patience, and you have to really take it easy.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever thought about blepharoplasty? Do you have any questions about my experience? Let me know in the comments!

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