William H. Bearden III, MD, FACS

I researched the procedure for years, finally had upper blepharoplasty with browpexy. My ptosis wasn't corrected (the main reason for consultation and procedure), and while my hooded lids are improved, the incision/scar on one eye is shaped much less aesthetically than the other eye, brows aren't level, and after six months, one eye constantly has nerve or tethering discomfort. At follow up appointments I was simply told that it looks natural and nerve damage happens. While I'm aware of this, I had higher expectations. The miscommunication of office staff, charges, billing was sadly constant issue. It started with my being told the consultation fee would be one thing, then because I decided to have a procedure my consultation visit was then changed to a regular office visit once the bill came. The estimate was also over $1,400 lower than the final bill. Not transparent even though I thought I asked all the questions upfront!

I have been reading here for DAYS! I am having my upper lids done as they are so hooded they are affecting my eyesight, give me headaches, and luckily my insurance will cover it. I think the more I read, sometimes I get excited, and sometimes I get scared. I am 56 years old and not sure what all to expect. How soon do the sutures normally come out? What's the most painful part of the procedure? How long does it take just for the upper lids? General idea of how long it will take me to drive safely? Any and all information you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I had to reschedule my first appointment as I ended up with bronchitis.............. or it would be 2 weeks post op by now :( There's so much information here, and so many pictures, I guess everyone is different. Just a tad nervous in VA!

Updated on 14 Jan 2015:
I am so thrilled on Day 2 to thus far have minimum swelling and bruising. So was Dr. Bearden. More pictures to come! I'm so excited to see eyelids for the first time in forever and flat skin under my eyebrows!

Updated on 15 Jan 2015:
This morning started off rough. Seemed to have more bruising and swelling and the ointment made it all look like the Rocky Horror Show. Started using the microwaved rice socks today, and the next photo is from the end of Day 3. Will be super glad when all is healed. I don't have a lot of patience, and I know I should be thrilled that my whole face is not black and blue!

Updated on 15 Jan 2015:
Had no eyelids :/ And big puffy hunks of fat that laid on them! At least even with swelling and a bruising, I can see EYE LIDS and the FAT is gone!

Updated on 7 Feb 2015:
Surgery was on January 13th, so not yet a month. My visit with Dr. Bearden was last week, and although my eyes are extremely dry, and they are still not closing all the way when shut (they weren't before surgery either), and I still have a little swelling over top of where the stitches were, and seems some in my tear ducts, I'm progressing and have mascara on for the first time in over a year. I couldn't even see my eyelashes before surgery! He had me switch from the ointment to putting Vaseline where the stitches were. I use eye drops constantly, and he has me using the PM eye ointment, which I understand why they are PM, I go blind :) But at least I can find my bed! I have a humidifier beside my bed at night, and all is well. The air in my house is extremely dry and I have ordered and am awaiting a whole house humidifier due to arrive on Monday. When my eyes are dry sometimes I'm forced to go upstairs where the humidifier is. It feels like they are full of gravel. This is my second full winter in this house, and every Winter, it's so dry that my skin actually hurts. So for my eyes sakes, and my skin, the big humidifier is on the way. As for the issue of my eyes still not shutting completely when closed, he said if they still weren't on my next visit in May, "we may have to try something different". Not real sure what that means :/ I had to buy sunglasses that go all the way around my eyes and not the kind that is open on the sides. Winds have been bad here, and my eyes would easily dry out. The sunglasses have been great!! I only used the "best" of mascara, and I didn't leave it on very long. But it sure was nice to have it on while I did. People could actually see my eyes :) Although I'm fully aware that I still have a ways to go, I would do it again in a heartbeat.