Another vote for waiting for swelling and healing to occur. You bring up an interesting point. Without knowing your age a discussion of a browlift is appropriate and necessary in certain individuals. A upper eyelid surgery alone can do more harm in some patients who require a browlift to correct significant brow ptosis. It is a big mistake to remove to much of the skin of the upper eyelid. This skin is irreplaceable and appearance of the thick brow skin that has dropped to just above the lid skin surgically removed eyelid skin can create problems. This is not only aesthetic because the thin skin of the eyelid sutured to the thick skin of the brow creates a harsh look which is difficult to correct. Even worse this may create lagopthalmos (inability to close the eyelids). Although you may be able to close your eyes voluntarily with force, asleep the lids will not fully close causing a disturbing appearance to others. Typically the eye is protected due to a dolls eye phenomenon but it can cause drying and irritation. Just a word of precaution. Overall, you should do fine and time should help with any concerns.
Anyone who has eyelid surgery will see and notice things more critically than ever before. Anything that doesn't appear to be normal would cause concern as being a complication or a problem. Almost always this is normal and it is a result of the time following surgery when you often regret your decision due to postoperative swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Compounded by to time spent focusing on one area of concern and the feeling of what have I done to myself. Asymmetry is also another concern which is common. We are all somewhat asymmetric and this seems magnified after surgery. Any difference between the two sides will improve with time and a common concern. Now is the time to relax and follow instructions. Your concerns are legitimate but any areas of concern almost always resolve with time. One week is early and you should see consistent improvement of your results from this point. Keeping your head elevated during the immediate postoperative period helps to reduce swelling as does cool packs during the first day or two. Do not disturb any sutures or excessively manipulate this area as this could cause harm. The bump may be related to a suture used to create the crease and if necessary a simple procedure should solve this issue. IF, it is necessary at a later time. The upper eyelid skin is remarkable in its ability to heal quickly. Just give it time and things should be great.
I can empathize with your situation. Having a dramatic change in appearance can never be timed perfectly and ideally spending time away from you normal enviroment would be ideal in a sense. But, think about what you are about to undergo. It will most definitely change your appearance but at the same time ideally you desire that other people will not really notice a drastic difference. There are different components that will affect your recovery. The actual procedure performed along with your unique anatomy and the skills of your surgeon are all important in how your body will recover. Using an incisional technique prolong the edema or swelling after the operation. The nonincisional technique will result in a faster recovery. The trade off is that this operation is not for everybody and only your surgeon will be able to determine if you are a candidate. The other issue is the know issues with longevity of this surgery (nonincisional) since the entire operation is based on sutures alone. Although it is true that you will be better in about 2 weeks to feel comfortable in public, the reality is that in my hands using an incisional technique with removal of fat, skin and dissection of the pretarsal area (below the crease and above the lashes) will inevitably cause some changes that can take longer to improve. How long? This process changes over the course of several months and photographs will show subtle but real changes with time. Understand that you are making a positive change and people will notice. Feel confident that the price you pay today will pay dividends in your future. I also share an answer that my patients in this situation can use as an explanation for those who have to ask. Good Luck.
This has to be one of the procedures that I enjoy the most. The technique continues to change but the basic technique involves using minimal incisions to obtain what used to take a long incision over the top on your head from ear to ear. Doesn't sound appealing. Well, that is what most patients would think. Numbness and tingling in the scalp. Not exactly a desirable side effect. The use of a small endoscope about 5mm in diameter allows surgeons with the valuable information that is needed to safely operate with direct visualization of important structures. What used to require a long incision can now be performed with incisions small enough to allow use of the endoscope. This is the future of many surgical procedures as it will allow a faster recovery, less trauma while still providing excellent results. The traditional open brow lift is a very powerful procedure and will sometimes provide the best results. But, a skilled endoscopic surgeon can provide excellent results with less potential for problems. Some may say that the results are not long term or cannot provide good results. It really depends on the surgeon. Experience and skill does make a difference because the surgeon needs to perform an adequate dissection to allow the proper end result. It is easy to make the incisions and perform part of the procedure. It requires an complete dissection which is performed safely that is the difference in the end result. An adequate release of the deep structures allows the lift to last as it is intended. Otherwise, the forces that hold the forehead in the current location will bring it back to the previous location. The equipment, instruments and additional cost due to fixation devices may make this not accessible to all patients and surgeons. But, it is the procedure of choice for surgeons who have worked to improve this valuable skill.
It is obvious from the other surgeons what the answer is but I need to add another vote. NO, the thought of putting yourself at risk which are small normally but higher due to your other medical problems is something that should be a decision for yourself. Nobody should be able to push you into the decision for surgery which you do not desire. What will be his next request? Since you are a more mature individual, a augmentation may not be enough. This would make the surgery not result in the best appearance without some sort of lift. This would add additional time and risk to any patient. COPD can be defined broadly. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is serious. We are talking about Emphysema or Severe Chronic Bronchitis. This is usually related to smoking. If you still smoke that only increase risk to an unacceptable level. Please think carefully before others make you take action which may affect your long term health.
