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Dr. Chris Thiagarajah, MD - Oculoplastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Ophthalmology in Denver, Colorado

Dr. Chris Thiagarajah, MD

Oculoplastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology
Denver, Colorado
NPI: 1952435919· License: DR.0046166 (CO) verify
Medical school: Howard University College Of Medicine · Graduated 2002(~24 yrs since med school)
Industry payments (2025): $14,898 across 29 payments (what this means)
4.82(63 ratings)

Consultation $200

In Dr. Chris Thiagarajah's own words

How Dr. Chris Thiagarajah describes their own approach, from their Instagram posts. Each statement links to the original.

Approach

  • The doctor's goal with cosmetic eyelid surgery is not to make a 50- or 60-year-old look 25.
  • The practice's goal for upper eyelid lifts is subtlety.

Specialization

  • Dr. Chris Thiagarajah started a medical practice named Denver Eyelid Specialists.
  • Chris Thiagarajah, MD is an oculoplastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and surrounding facial structures

Technique

  • Dr. Chris Thiagarajah's practice removes loose skin that obscures the platform when performing upper eyelid surgery, after determining the cause is not the brow or ptosis.
  • Dr. Chris Thiagarajah's most common technique for ptosis repair involves tightening the muscle from the inside of the eyelid.

Training & credentials

  • Dr. Chris Thiagarajah has performed 12,000 surgeries.

Consultation

  • When I evaluate patients considering blepharoplasty in Denver, I explain that there are three important age-related changes that eyelid surgery alone cannot completely correct
  • Schedule a consultation at Denver Eyelid Specialists to find out what’s actually causing your eyelids to look heavy—and what treatment makes sense for you

Safety

  • Dr. Chris Thiagarajah's practice aims to avoid removing too much skin during blepharoplasty to prevent an artificially high platform and problems with eyelid closure.
  • Dr. Chris Thiagarajah evaluates patients to mitigate risks such as dry eye or overcorrection.

Results

  • Dr. Chris Thiagarajah's approach to eyelid surgery aims for natural results, making patients look refreshed rather than "done."

Statements are quoted or closely paraphrased from Dr. Chris Thiagarajah's own public posts and are their claims, not NavMDs' medical advice. Doctors can correct or remove any item via their claimed profile or support [at] navmds.com.

About

Dr. Chris Thiagarajah is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon practicing in Denver, Colorado. His practice, Denver Eyelid Specialists, focuses exclusively on eyelid and oculoplastic surgery, including the eyelids, eye socket, and surrounding facial structures. Practicing since 2009, Dr. Thiagarajah specializes in blepharoplasty and ptosis repair, performing cosmetic eyelid surgery on patients from their 20s to their 90s. He emphasizes precision in eyelid surgery, recognizing that operations occur millimeters from the eye. His surgical philosophy centers on achieving natural, refreshed, and rested appearances, without making someone look "done" or like a different person. He believes beautiful eyes should be respected, not changed, and prioritizes preserving a patient's individual character, natural eye shape, and eyelid function. Dr. Thiagarajah carefully evaluates each patient's anatomy to achieve subtle, natural-looking results.

Connect with Dr. Chris Thiagarajah on Social Media

SpecialtiesProceduresAverage CostReviewsIndustry PaymentsInsuranceLocationAffiliationsEducationFAQ

Specialties

  • Oculoplastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Ophthalmology

Procedures & Services

Select a service to schedule an appointment · each is approximately 60 minutes

Procedure details

Everything on this page about each procedure Dr. Chris Thiagarajah offers: pricing in context, what they've said about it, related videos and photos, and what patients ask.

Average Cost of Surgery

Healthcare costs shouldn't be a mystery. Each figure below is the average of the total costs patients reported in their own published reviews of Dr. Chris Thiagarajah, with the number of reports and the years they were written. Prices are not adjusted for inflation and are not a quote: your final cost is set at consultation and depends on your specific medical needs. How we calculate these prices

Eyelid Surgery

$6,179

Average of 7 patient reports · 2017–2022

Above typicalTypical in Denver: $3,375–$5,250 (median $3,875, 12 reports) compare ↗

Help us keep this data current and accurate. If you've had a procedure with Dr. Chris Thiagarajah, please take a moment to contribute your cost information.

Questions, Answers, and Information Directly from Dr. Chris Thiagarajah

Sourced directly from Dr. Chris Thiagarajah's social posts and replies.

What is Dr. Thiagarajah's philosophy on choosing an eyelid surgeon and the nature of eyelid surgery?
Dr. Thiagarajah emphasizes that choosing the right eyelid surgeon is paramount for blepharoplasty, as eyelid surgery is a highly specialized field, distinct from general plastic surgery. Precision is critical, given that operations occur millimeters from the eye, and patients should not compromise on safety or quality. Surgeons should prioritize safety, proper evaluation, and meticulous technique.
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Is upper eyelid blepharoplasty an outpatient procedure?
Yes, upper eyelid blepharoplasty, also known as eye lifting, is an outpatient procedure.
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How long does upper eyelid blepharoplasty typically take?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to perform.
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What is the typical recovery time for upper eyelid blepharoplasty?
Recovery for upper eyelid blepharoplasty typically lasts a couple of weeks.
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What are some cosmetic benefits of upper eyelid blepharoplasty?
Beyond a refreshed look, upper eyelid blepharoplasty can facilitate eye shadow application on the eyelids after excess skin is removed.
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What is the first step to determine candidacy for upper eyelid blepharoplasty?
A consultation is the initial step to determine if a patient is a candidate for upper eyelid blepharoplasty, and to identify the actual cause of heavy-looking eyelids and appropriate treatment options.
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What conditions does quad blepharoplasty address?
Quad blepharoplasty is performed to address excess upper eyelid skin and lower eyelid bags.
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What are the benefits of upper eyelid lifts for younger patients (20s-40s)?
For women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, an upper eyelid lift can refine the natural eyelid contour, improve symmetry, and create a cleaner, more defined upper eyelid while maintaining their natural appearance. The approach for younger patients involves conservative skin removal, preservation of youthful fullness, and careful attention to the eyelid crease to avoid an overdone or hollow look.
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What conditions can upper eyelid blepharoplasty address and what are its benefits?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can address loose or excess upper eyelid skin, hooded or heavy eyelids, tired-looking eyes, reduced visibility of the upper eyelid crease, and age-related changes around the eyes. Benefits include reducing excess skin, improving definition of the upper eyelid crease, creating a more rested and refreshed appearance, and improving eyelid symmetry when appropriate.
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What is the impact of eyelid surgery on overall facial appearance?
Small, precise changes around the eyes can have a surprisingly significant impact on overall facial appearance, making the entire face look more rested and refreshed.
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What factors does Dr. Thiagarajah consider when planning blepharoplasty?
When planning blepharoplasty, Dr. Thiagarajah conducts a careful evaluation of the eyelid skin, brow position, eyelid height (ptosis), facial anatomy, and symmetry. He considers the amount and distribution of excess eyelid skin, natural eyelid crease and anatomy, eyebrow position, and eyelid symmetry to ensure a natural, non-operated appearance.
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Are all heavy or droopy upper eyelids caused by excess skin?
No, not every heavy or droopy upper eyelid is caused by extra skin. Sometimes the eyelid itself is sitting too low—a condition called ptosis. Correctly diagnosing ptosis versus excess upper eyelid skin (dermatochalasis) is very important.
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Can upper blepharoplasty alone correct ptosis?
For patients with ptosis (where the eyelid itself is sitting too low), an upper blepharoplasty alone may remove excess skin but will not correct the position of the eyelid. Ptosis repair is needed to adjust the muscles responsible for elevating the upper eyelid.
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What are the approaches to ptosis repair?
There are several ways to repair ptosis. Depending on a patient’s anatomy, eyelid position, muscle function, and degree of drooping, Dr. Thiagarajah may perform an internal ptosis repair (MMCR) or an external levator advancement.
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What is the goal of ptosis repair?
The goal of ptosis repair is not simply to make the eyelid higher. It’s to create the best possible eyelid height, contour, and symmetry while maintaining a natural appearance.
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Do patients always need both blepharoplasty and ptosis repair?
Some patients need blepharoplasty, some need ptosis repair, and some benefit from a combination of both, depending on their specific condition.
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How much skin is removed during upper blepharoplasty?
The amount of skin removed during upper blepharoplasty is determined by the individual's anatomy. The goal is not to remove every bit of extra skin, but to remove sufficient excess skin to uncover the upper eyelid platform (the area between the eyelashes and the eyelid crease), while ensuring a natural appearance and comfortable eyelid closure. Removing too much can create an overly tight or 'operated' appearance, while removing too little may leave the eyelid feeling heavy.
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What are the limitations of cosmetic eyelid surgery regarding facial aging?
Cosmetic eyelid surgery cannot reverse every part of facial aging. Dr. Thiagarajah explains three important age-related changes that eyelid surgery alone cannot completely correct: facial fat and volume loss, skin quality changes, and changes in the eye socket with age.
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Can blepharoplasty address facial fat and volume loss?
While blepharoplasty can remove or reposition eyelid fat, it cannot restore all of the volume that has been lost throughout the aging face, including around the eyes, temples, and cheeks, which can create hollowness and change the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.
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Can eyelid surgery improve skin quality?
While upper or lower eyelid surgery can remove excess skin, it cannot make the remaining skin biologically young again or reverse changes like loss of collagen, elasticity, thickness, smoothness, fine lines, or pigmentation that occur with aging and sun exposure.
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Can blepharoplasty address age-related changes to the eye socket?
While blepharoplasty changes the soft tissues around the eyes, it cannot reverse the underlying skeletal aging of the eye socket, where the bones surrounding the eye remodel with age, altering structural support for the eyelids and surrounding soft tissues.
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From Dr. Chris Thiagarajah's Instagram

@denvereyeliddoc →

Recent photos posted by @denvereyeliddoc, Dr. Chris Thiagarajah's own Instagram account. Each image opens the original post on Instagram.

Images © Dr. Chris Thiagarajah / @denvereyeliddoc, shown here with a link to the original post. Procedure labels are inferred from the post's caption and hashtags. If you are the account owner and want an image removed, contact support [at] navmds.com.

Patient Experience

Dr. Chris Thiagarajah Review Summary

4.6
Dr. Thiagarajah receives stellar reviews across various platforms. He averages a 4.6 out of 5 stars, with patients praising his skills, professionalism, and the noticeable positive outcomes of their procedures.

Ratings from Other Platforms

healthgrades.com

4.8 out of 5

Based on 129 reviews

View on healthgrades.com

m.yelp.com

4.1 out of 5

Based on 9 reviews

View on m.yelp.com

facebook.com

5 out of 5

Based on 12 reviews

View on facebook.com

Google Reviews

4.9 out of 5

Based on 101 reviews

View on Google Reviews
Dr. Chris Thiagarajah, MD - Oculoplastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Ophthalmology in Denver, Colorado

The Denver Eyelid Surgeon - Denver

1800 Emerson St #200, Denver, Colorado

(303) 468-8844

Book a Service Consultation

Consultation fee: $200

Each service is approximately 60 minutes.

+1 more

Industry Payments

Federal law (the Physician Payments Sunshine Act) requires drug and medical-device companies to report anything of value they give to a physician — consulting and speaking fees, research funding, travel, royalties, and even meals. Medicare publishes all of it in a public database called Open Payments. We show it here so you don't have to go looking for it.

Total received (2025)

$14,898

Payments

29

Compared to peers

Above average

Dr. Chris Thiagarajah received $14,898 across 29 payments in 2025. That is higher than about 89% of the physicians here who received any industry payment. Most of it was categorised as compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program, and the largest single payer was Amgen Inc..

What this means for your care

  • A disclosed payment is a business relationship, not evidence of wrongdoing, and it says nothing on its own about the quality of your care.
  • Most payments are small. Across the physicians listed on NavMDs, the single most common category is food and beverage at industry-sponsored talks.
  • Larger consulting, speaking or royalty payments mean an ongoing financial relationship with a company whose products your doctor may use or recommend. That is worth knowing about, and it is reasonable to ask about.
  • A fair question to ask: “Do you have a financial relationship with the maker of the implant, filler or device you're recommending — and what alternatives did you consider?”

Source: CMS Open Payments, the federal database created by the Sunshine Act. View the full record on CMS Open Payments ↗

Insurance Information

Please contact Dr. Chris Thiagarajah's office directly for information about accepted insurance plans.

Phone: (303) 468-8844

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Location & Contact Information

The Denver Eyelid Surgeon - Denver

1800 Emerson St #200

Denver, Colorado 80218

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Office Information

Phone: (303) 468-8844

Where does Dr. Chris Thiagarajah practice?

Doctor's Office

The Denver Eyelid Surgeon - Denver (Primary)

1800 Emerson St #200, Denver, Colorado 80218

(19 reviews)

The Denver Eyelid Surgeon

1800 Emerson St #200, Denver, Colorado 80218

0

The Denver Eyelid Surgeon - Vail

1800 Emerson St #200, Denver, Colorado 80218

0

Hospital Affiliations

Hospital affiliations unknown

Do you know which hospitals Dr. Chris Thiagarajah is affiliated with? This information helps patients understand where they might receive care.

Education & Experience

Certifications & Licenses

Board Certified In Ophthalmology

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make an appointment with Dr. Chris Thiagarajah online?
The provided information doesn't confirm online booking availability. It's best to contact the office directly at (303) 468-8844 or visit their website for appointment scheduling options.
Does Dr. Chris Thiagarajah offer telehealth?
The provided information doesn't specify whether Dr. Thiagarajah offers telehealth services. Contacting the office directly is recommended for clarification.
What do patients have to say about Dr. Chris Thiagarajah?
Patients rave about Dr. Thiagarajah's positive impact on their appearance and self-confidence. Reviews highlight successful eyelid surgeries, including blepharoplasty and quad blepharoplasty, with patients reporting looking younger and more refreshed. While one review mentions a more challenging recovery than anticipated, the overall sentiment expresses satisfaction with the results and Dr. Thiagarajah's professionalism and care.
What areas of care does Dr. Chris Thiagarajah cater to?
Dr. Thiagarajah specializes in oculoplastic surgery, focusing on the eyelids, tear ducts, and eye sockets. He performs both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to address functional and aesthetic concerns related to these areas. The practice, Denver Eyelid Specialists, focuses exclusively on eyelid and oculoplastic surgery, including the eyelids, eye socket, and surrounding facial structures. Dr. Thiagarajah's surgical philosophy emphasizes achieving natural, refreshed, and rested appearances without altering a patient's inherent identity or creating an 'overdone' look. The goal is subtlety, preserving the individual character and natural shape of the eyes, rather than making someone look like a different person or significantly younger than their age. He also emphasizes the preservation of eyelid function in all procedures.