Vickisue

Bags Under my Eyes - Eyelid Surgery Ruined my Life

MGM1

Thank you for your warm wishes and yes, it is an on going Journey, but there is hope.

I agree this Web-sight has been a place of venting, knowledge and healing. Also to know there are others still in pain, and the support given is outstanding.

Best wishes for you as well.

No more than 3 mil. is what I've read. If a surgeon promises not to take more than you want, or can do the surgery without a hollowed appearance after,or changing eye shape, GET IT IN WRITING.

A good P.S. and believe me there out here, will not change your eye shape or appearance.Your natural crease will stay in tact and drape over the upper lids if that is how it's always been.

 If they think it will alter the shape too much, they'll tell you .If you really don't need upper lid surgery and a brow lift is better, they'll suggest it.

 And there is where a skilled experienced surgeon differs from the money maker one.

Hello,

Well after many years of reading, I came to the conclusion that fat transfer for upper lids was the right choice. All filler absorb, but fat has a chance to take on oxygen and regenerate fat cells It's natural  .I also took into consideration the cost on some of these so called ,non proven revisions. And as I've often stated it depends on whats left to work with. My upper natural crease was totally removed, changing the shape of my eyes from Almond to Round, also leaving deep upper socket hollowness.

Two years after original surgery I went and had fat injections in upper lids. It absorbed and really didn't have the money or time to go back every 8 months to one year for more.

So I waited and read more. In 2010, nine years after original surgery, I knew my tissue had stretched some on upper lids, Also gravity had lowered cheek bone tissue. When I approach my P.S. whom had done the fat injections, we decided to go with fat grafting. A small incision is cut on upper lid, and the fat cells are laid deeper into your tissue. The chances of them taking on oxygen and regenerating are greater with this method and I still show some fat fullness today, two years later.

Some fat has absorbed which was expected. He then gave me a mid-lateral pull face lift, pulling my eyes and helping with the round look to a more almond. It also helped tremendously. It brought back the softness, and helped fill out the empty hollowed gaunt appearance.

Now here is the BEST PART. This revision which I consider a giant improvement, cost under $6,000.

I went to so many P.S. and other Specialists in my search for revision. Had 9 years to do so. Just the consultation fee's would sometimes cost $150. Others were done on-line for free.

The methods they gave me after all my reading, I knew were not going to work, but cost me anywhere from $8,000- $20,000. UNREAL !

I  was Leary of more invasive surgeries, because they leave more scarring, and if the revision doesn't work, you now have a bigger mess to face in the mirror. After the emotional hell I'd gone through, I couldn't take another chance. I'm glad today I didn't jump on a chance or another surgeons confidence while speaking.

Too me, a slow approach with minimal invasion is the only way to correct upper eye lid hollowness and fullness. Fat grafting with perhaps injections in between, or if enough time has passed,another graft and  a mid lift will help with under lids, for lateral pull to the eyes

.Even this type of revision must be done by a skilled surgeon. Dr Weiskolf in Rockford, is a Reconstruction Plastic Surgeon, and been in practice for over 30 years. I only wished I'd of gone to him to begin with. The way I looked right after my original surgery was the first red flag. I'd seen his work and how woman looked after upper Bleph, and believe me it was no where near the swollen, puffed up, black and blue mess I was after mine.

I honestly look like I'd been in the ring with Mike Tyson for 9 rounds. Steroids had to be given and all the doctors I've consulted, have said the same.It was a horribly aggressive, sloppy surgery with too much fat, tissue and muscle cut. They'll never say it in Court.

If your eyes do not close after this surgery, don't let them feed you crap. It is because they took to much tissue and they know it  !Just because your eyes may still blink, and for god's sake I hope they do, doesn't take away the fact that serious eye problems can developer. To me THAT'S NEGLIGENCE.

What ever you decide, take the slow and common sense approach. These surgeons that claim they can fix you up for $15,000 can't produce photos to back up there Smack.

I read the Posts on here, and all the different ways woman go. Fillers are fine, and for lower lids I have no problem. Some are even known to last. For me, using my own fat, from my own body in an area I do not want more problems, was the logical one for me.Any suggestions from any Surgeon should be investigated to the best of your ability. You'll be surprised what your computer finds. Think carefully of what he is suggesting, how invasive, what is the survival rate, and are there any success stories,photos and how old are they. What do they look like one year later. The one comment that I see on here, and make total and absolute sense, is" IT"S YOUR FACE" so be very careful whose hands you place it in.Eye revision takes many attempts, so take it slow and easy, you won't regret it.

Hope this helped, and my thoughts go with you. I know too well .

Dear L46- The guilt your feeling is normal. It took me along time to forgive myself for What? Nothing. I did nothing wrong but believe and have trust. I am to this day an advocate for woman and men wanting to improve or enhance appearance.
After-all we live in a society where Beauty is on every Magazine Cover, T.V. Commercial, and Surrounds us daily. Most that seek enhancement or Plastic Surgeries Nip and Tucks, were attractive to begin with, and when you see those bags under the eyes ,crows feet's as I did, you simply want a small adjustment.Not change your genetic appearance to the negative.
Where we made our mistake was Not in seeking the surgery, but the surgeon we choose.
Why I'm on here, to tell you this is" NOT YOUR FAULT".You did not mutilate yourself. Millions have positive surgeries daily, we just drew a Butcher in our decision. That is being Naive and Believing all Plastic Surgeons are the same. And being Board Certified is all one needs to know. WRONG.
I am much more educated today, and have entered into surgery since that awful day when my eyes were destroyed. I chose the right doctor, had great results. There is help in softening the hardness,hollowed sockets and helping make this surgery livable.
I could not help but read your post and had to tell you, your not alone. All of us that have made bad surgeon choices have experienced what your feeling, some worse. Many become very depressed, recluse.. I was among the very depressed for along time, then I decided to read, read and read some more.
I don't trust Doctors anymore, but I have good reason, and they better do more than run there mouths to prove to me what there capable of preforming any surgery. This is for ALL Doctors.
Stay strong, get mad, then stay smart and stop blaming yourself,.You did what many of us have, still are. To have faith and confidence in a Pompous Arrogant P.S. that promised much, but then runs and hides when his Cookie Cutter Method turns out disastrous is not only uncommon, but I'll fight till I die to try and change this butchering from happening to another. There life goes on,without consequence, but you can try to inform whomever, whenever and whatever opportunity presents itself to warn others.
It's an on going process, but a positive ending can be found.Stay strong- Your Not Alone-Good Luck. .

Hello,

I was unaware of ripoff .com, but have posted on MAKEMEHEAL,RateaMD and Complaint board. Adding photos when possible and always allowed to give and post doctors name. Perhaps these doctors have someway gotten to these Sights when there name's are printed. However, i have always challenged the doctor who did this to me, and also wrote to her and have had back and forth blogs with her former patience whom defend her or loyal Staff posing as them.Some posts appear on here and I've never said she was not good in other area's, but not eyes or face-lifts.Mine is not the only bad review.

 I will always hold my ground and photos are my best tool. You don't have to be a Rocket Scientist to see the negative difference.

I'm sorry you joined the ranks of bad P.S. Unfortunately there are more of them in the phone book than Attorneys. Not all are good at there profession. Years of experience and skill are  needed, and some never get it. Others are good at certain area's, but will not just specialize in those as they should.

They face little in consequence, so until the Legal System and Medical Boards start to hold them more responsible, botched job's it will continue.And the emotional depression,Loss and PTSD that follows are ignored.

I understand your wanting to fix a problem ASAP. It is difficult to look in the mirror. But time is sometimes the best way proceed. It gives you a chance to explore all possibilities on revision, review there outcome, and not rush into more surgery that can leave you worse off, with more scarring. Many on here have done just that and end up worse than before.

Also, if you jump from doctor to doctor in a frantic panic, then unhappy with his work and go to another. All your records are usually forwarded, and they will without your knowledge mark you as a Nut Case. "Unrealistic Expectations" are one of  their favorite comments, and saves them from any repercussions legally. Next thing you know, you can't find a P.S. good or bad to see you. Your blacklisted. Sad but true.

I'm interested in any photos you have, and all I can say is move slowly, let this last revision heal. Actually I would think a year is long enough, but don't expect a P.S. to tell you this if he thinks your ripe for the pickings.

It is a Profitable Business. Some earn more annually than Cardiologist or Obstetricians..  I've read marketing reports, only P.S. receive and the strategies are there to get your money with little risk to them

.Injectables were a P.S. Dream, with little risk or so they thought until they started full face injections and found woman looking like a lop- sided sponge in three months time when absorption started to occur.The Marketing on it today is still Big Business, and not always informed of risks.

 Your best interest is not always there top priority. However, there are a few that are in this for the skill. Some even do pro bono work, and those that cannot help, will be honest and say so. Like I've said, word of mouth and these Sights are best and skill in that facial area needing revising.

Eyes are the hardest, so once there screwed up it is a on going battle, but your not alone in that boat.

Keep me informed and let me know once photos are posted.