Look Brighter, Feel Refreshed
If your eyelids are making you look more tired than you feel—or even starting to get in the way of your vision—you're not alone. At Locketz Facial Plastic Surgery in Denver, we take a personal, precise approach to eyelid lift surgery. Dr. Garrett Locketz is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with a background that includes training at Stanford, Penn, and NYU. He’s not just a surgeon—he’s a dedicated expert in the delicate anatomy of the face and neck.
When you come to us for an eyelid lift, it’s not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Dr. Locketz customizes every surgery to fit your unique facial features and goals. Whether your concerns are cosmetic, functional, or a little bit of both, you’ll be in experienced, thoughtful hands.
Elevating the Eye Area
At our office in Denver eyelid lifts—or the blepharoplasty—is a type of facial plastic surgery that focuses on improving the look and function of your upper and lower eyelids. Over time, the skin around the eyes can stretch, eyelid muscles may weaken, and pockets of fat can shift or build up. All of this can cause your eyelids to droop, puff up, or look uneven. In some cases, it can even get in the way of your vision.
Upper eyelid lift typically involves removing excess skin and a bit of fat to lift the lids and create a more open, alert appearance. Lower eyelid lift focuses on smoothing out bags and puffiness by removing or repositioning fat, sometimes with a "scarless" approach from inside the lid. If needed, we can combine this with subtle techniques like laser skin tightening or even a brow lift—all carefully chosen based on your needs.
See (and Feel) the Difference
The biggest benefit of an eyelid lift is that you’ll finally look as awake and energized as you feel. Whether your main goal is to improve vision, reduce under-eye bags, or refresh your overall appearance, this type of surgery can make a noticeable difference in how you see yourself—and how others see you.
With our eyelid lifts Denver patients experience many benefits, including:
This isn’t about changing how you look—it’s about revealing your best features in a subtle, natural way.
Is an Eyelid Lift Right for You?
If your upper eyelids are drooping, your under-eyes always look puffy, or you’re starting to lose that crisp eyelid contour you used to have, you might be a great candidate. Most of our patients are in their 40s or older, but some come in younger due to genetics or early aging changes. Good candidates are in overall good health, don’t smoke, and aren’t dealing with untreated eye diseases or serious tear production issues.
Dr. Locketz will take the time to understand what’s bothering you and talk through all your options. He’ll look closely at your upper and lower eyelids, evaluate your skin, and help you make an informed decision about moving forward.
What It Improves
Eyelid lift surgery is all about helping you look more awake and feel more confident. It can address:
For some patients, eyelid surgery is part of a broader plan that might include a brow lift or laser resurfacing to get the best results.
Getting Ready for Your Procedure
Before surgery, you’ll meet with Dr. Locketz for a full evaluation. He’ll go over your medical history, any medications or supplements you’re taking, and your day-to-day health habits. If you’re on blood thinners or certain herbal supplements, you may need to pause them ahead of surgery. We’ll give you a clear, step-by-step plan to help your body get ready.
You’ll also get a list of things to do (and not do) before and after surgery—like arranging for a ride home, picking up prescriptions in advance, and setting aside a few days of downtime. Wearing dark sunglasses after surgery is a must to protect your eyes as they heal.
What Surgery Looks Like
Your Denver eyelid lift will be done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you'll go home the same day. Depending on your treatment plan, you'll have local anesthesia with light sedation or general anesthesia.
For upper eyelid surgery, tiny incisions are made in the natural crease of the lid, where they'll be barely visible once healed. Dr. Locketz removes excess skin and fat and may adjust the eyelid muscle if needed. If a brow lift is part of your plan, it can often be done through the same incision.
For lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Locketz often uses a transconjunctival approach, making the incision inside the lid, to remove or reposition fat without leaving a visible scar. If there's extra skin, he may make a small incision under the lash line to smooth and tighten the area.
The whole procedure usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Eyelid Lift Results
Once the swelling goes down, most people notice a brighter, more rested look around their eyes. If your eyelids were blocking part of your vision, you may also find that things look clearer and more open.
These results tend to last for many years—especially if you take good care of your skin and avoid too much sun exposure. Some people never need another eyelid surgery, while others choose to pair it with future touch-ups as part of their long-term self-care.
Eyelid Lift Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery is usually pretty manageable. You’ll likely have some bruising and swelling, which peak around day three and then start to fade. Keeping your head elevated, using cold compresses, and avoiding anything strenuous will help speed things along.
You’ll get specific instructions for caring for your incisions and using ointments or eye drops. Most people feel ready to go back to work or light activities within 7 to 10 days, though it can take a few weeks for everything to fully settle. If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to hold off until Dr. Locketz gives you the green light.
Start Your Eyelid Refresh
Ready to see what an eyelid lift can do for you? Dr. Locketz and the team at Locketz Facial Plastic Surgery are here to help you explore your options and feel confident in your next step. Get in touch today to schedule your private consultation.
Most people describe the recovery as more uncomfortable than painful. You might feel a little tightness or soreness for the first few days, but it’s manageable with the medications we provide and some good rest.
There’s always some risk with surgery, but complications with eyelid lifts are rare when performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon. Possible risks include infection, dry eyes, temporary vision changes, or small visible scars. We’ll walk you through everything beforehand so you feel informed and prepared.
Most patients enjoy their results for 10 years or more. Your skin will keep aging, of course, but the changes from eyelid surgery are long-lasting—and often permanent in terms of removing extra fat or skin.
You’ll have some swelling and bruising for the first week or two. Most people take about a week off work and avoid exercise or heavy lifting for two weeks. We’ll give you a recovery guide to make sure you’re healing comfortably and safely.
Cost depends on whether you're doing upper, lower, or both eyelids and whether you need other treatments like a brow lift or laser work. We'll give you a full breakdown at your consultation, including financing options if needed.
