Chris Thiagarajah, MD

I saw Dr. Thiagarajah after a previous eyelid surgery accident from a different surgeon. Before I saw him, I had spent a lot of money going to what I thought were the best oculoplastic surgeons in the country, yet still looking bad and feeling hopeless with a gashed-up ugly eyelid.

I had already hit up three oculoplastic surgeons in Beverly Hills. My friend said, “What if there is some guy in like Toledo Ohio who is a goldmine of oculoplasty just whipping them out? The best guy in the world is likely not in Beverly Hills.” Well, I later learned, that is true! But he is not in Toledo Ohio - he’s here Denver.

The reconstructive eyelid procedure that Dr. Thiagarajah performed actually made my eyelid look better. Not only that, he is a genuine, honest person with integrity which is very hard to find in this field. His work is very natural-looking, and he is good at what he does - he knows what he’s doing.

I spent about a good three years or more just padding around my house not wanting to participate in the outside world because I looked so bad. I had people calling me up during that time saying, “I’m worried about you, come outside.” Well, now I’m outside, so I guess the quality of the surgery speaks for itself. Thanks Dr. T!

Doing something special for me on my 50th! I've noticed the heavy eyelids progressively getting worse as I've gotten older. Found THE BEST doctor and completely love the results.

Surprised as how wonderful the experience was, how fast I felt comfortable going out and how amazing Dr. Thiagarajah was and his staff and surgery center. Not the first doctor I had a consult with but knew he was the one immediately plus he had the most reasonable prices.

If your considering this, see Dr. Thiagarajah!

Updated on 27 Dec 2022:


Updated on 22 Jul 2023:
The results are so incredible and I’m so happy I did this!!! Best doctor hands down! Best staff and experience. I see photos pop up from before and this has really made my face more awake and open. Took years off :)

Updated on 19 Oct 2023:
Looking at a pic from shortly before surgery that popped up. SO happy with the results!! I look much more awake. :)

I have had some friends go through this too but with a different doc. Prices were higher and results weren't as significant.

I had several consults for a face lift and upper/lower bleph and decided to get my eyes done first with an occulplasic surgeon. I like the results, but recovery was harder than I expected based on other reviews on real self. I ended up with chemosis that took 3 weeks to resolve with plenty of bruising and swelling (which was well within the normal healing process according to my doctor). I wasn't in much pain, just uncomfortable. Glad I had it done.

I am a week away from my 47th birthday. Extra eyelid skin runs in my family. My dad had the upper bleph surgery in his 70s because it was impacting his vision. I noticed the change in my eyes (which had been my best and most complemented feature) in my late 30s/early 40’s and wanted to do something about it. I tried the CO2 laser on my eyes when I was 43. It didn’t lift the eyelid as I hoped for and realized surgery was the best option.
I had a paid consult with a well respected plastic surgeon in my area. I asked to see before and after photos of upper bleph’s she had done, and I wasn’t super impressed with the portfolio. I realized that while she is talented, this surgery was not her specialty. I did more research on Real Self and found Dr T who’s practice is in Denver (3.5 hour drive) but he visits an optometrist’s office in Vail (1 hour drive for me) quarterly. I scheduled a consult in Vail. He was confident, answered my questions, and I liked that he is an ocular plastic surgeon and has performed this specific surgery multiple times a day for years. He doesn’t do other types of plastic surgery, just eyes. He wrote a book about the eyelid lift and gave me a copy. I appreciated his expertise and scheduled the procedure in Denver. Here is a close up photo of my eyes pre surgery at rest and smiling. The ridges are what bothered me because it changed the shape of my eyes. Also the crinkles that formed on the lids when I smiled because of the extra skin. I decided to provide a review with photos (even though it’s scary) ; ) since other people’s reviews and photos were so helpful to me when trying to decide on doing the procedure.

Updated on 6 Mar 2022:
I scheduled the appointment and everything was smooth as far as the communication, paperwork and payment with Dr T’s scheduler before the procedure. I was told to arrive at 10:45 and should expect to be picked up 3 hours later. I got to the office and was told they were running a little behind because an earlier surgery went longer than planned. One of the patients scheduled behind me was upset by the delay and was yelling at the staff. It was a little stressful and I started questioning if It was the right decision. Bree was my nurse who was really sweet and did my iv poke. She got it on the first try which I’m always happy about! Dr T came in and asked if I had any questions and marked my eyes before talking to the upset customer. The anesthesiologist came in to talk to me and answer questions. He had called me the night before as well which I appreciated. We decided on the iv anesthesia. The procedure was scheduled for 30 min. Next thing I knew, I woke up and it was done. My husband came to pick me up and even though they were running behind on the surgery, I was still in and out in three hours. I took half a pain pill and Bree walked me to the car and I was on my way. I didn’t need any pain meds after, not even Tylenol. The first night I slept sitting up and put the ointment cream on.

Updated on 6 Mar 2022:
Feeling pretty good and slept ok sitting up. No pain meds needed. My husband drove me home from Denver (3 hr ride). I wasn’t sensitive to light as the post op said I might, but I found it better to keep my eyes closed because the traffic and stimulation was making them heavy. No pain though.

Updated on 6 Mar 2022:
A shower felt great. I kept my eyes dry and lightly dabbed them with a clean warm washcloth. Still no pain and I can start to tell I will be happy with the result. I think they look symmetrical and I like the shape even though they are still swollen and red.

Updated on 6 Mar 2022:
The bruising was worse today which they warned me would likely happen. My son had a ski race and I went to watch it despite the black eyes. Still no pain except a few twingy spots sometimes and dry eyes after being outside. I walked 3 miles and did a light arm work out (1lb weights)

Updated on 10 Mar 2022:
Bruising below the eyes is still prominent. My eyes close better end it doesn’t feel weird to look up. I am excited for the bruising to go away and to be able to wear my contacts again. I have a follow up appt with Dr T tomorrow so I’ll see what he thinks.

Updated on 27 Mar 2022:
I really like the shape of my eyes so far. The incision lines are still red and bumpy but not noticeable to people when my eyes are open. I had the dissolvable stitches because I don’t live near the Doctor and I wonder if that made them a little more red than if I would have had regular stitches removed. I emailed Dr T and he wasn’t worried so I’m sure that will improve with time.

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Thiagarajah. I had a couple of consultations with him and he answered all of my questions and set my mind at ease about having the surgery. I had been thinking about having the surgery for 7 years. Dr. T never tried to "sell" me on having the surgery. He did a wonderful job and people have told me I look 20 years younger. I love my eyes and would recommend him to anyone thinking of having Blepharoplasty. 

As an incentive for posting a review, this reviewer received an entry into RealSelf’s monthly $500 gift card giveaway.

Great surgery. Helps get rid of tired look. Was really happy I had it done. Had these terrible eye bags that were under my eyes. The surgery was 1 hour long and with a board certified anesthesiologist which I really liked. The doctor had a team of nurses, anesthesiologists and assistants who only perform this procedure with him. The bags are gone and my lower eyelids look back to how they were when I was 30. I am very happy I had this done.

Doctor Thiagarajah gave me an honest and professional consult for a previous procedure. He did not dismiss my concerns and treated me with thoughtful respect during a very difficult outcome. His staff are true advocates for their patients who they also kindly treat as customers. I will always be grateful.

I am a 55 year old woman, and I look pretty good for my age. I take care of myself, eat right, exercise, and am young in spirit. My upper eyelids were falling, and the bags under my eyes were getting worse. It was annoying being told I looked tired even when I wasn't. I finally went for the surgery and I could not be happier with the results,

Dr T did an eyelid lift on me. I had some PTSD from a previous trauma to the face and Dr T did a good job of walking me through things. His staff was great. I saw some other doctors on consultation for eyelid work and he definitely did not try to sell me anything. His assistants were also very good.

Dr T did my upper and lower eyelids last fall. He was really nice, took his time and explained everything. I found out from friends that he has done some pro athletes wives in Denver and though I am not famous, he treated me like I was a celebrity. Results were very good and he treated me with respect and kindness. I felt white glove service with him. If you want a caring good surgeon this is the one you need.