Lower Eyelid Surgery ... Bye-Bye Bags! - Bay Area, CA

Thanks, Jill!

Thanks, Jazi! Everyone says not to expect true final results for up to 6 months, and I'm my worst critic, so it's hard to be patient, but I'm trying :)

Thanks, Jess! I can't wait for you to get yours ... you're gonna love it too.

Hey Jacqueline! OMG I'm so ready! Our dog died recently :( and I have been crying a lot lately so when I look in the mirror I'm like: dude, it's TIME. I'm excited to de-bagify and join the club! You look really great. Post more pics as time goes on. Seeing your progress and changes is awesome! So happy for you! xo

Oh, I am SO sorry about your pooch. That's rough :( Your time will come ... hang in there, dollface!

Thanks, Amy! Yes, I go back on December 3 for a follow up.

The $4650 I listed was the complete cost for the lower bleph with fat repositioning and skin removal. It breaks down to: $150 for the consultation, $3500 for the surgeon, and $675 for the surgery center costs which included anesthesia (I opted for IV sedation). The additional $325 is an approximate amount I spent for incidentals and medications, including the pre-op physical that I was required to get from my primary care physician before Dr. Silkiss would perform the surgery. Dr. Silkiss does NOT charge for the regular follow-up appointments. I am not sure about any complications because I didn't have any, but I had a 1-week follow up and will have a 1-month follow up, both at no charge. In addition, I went home with a care package that included stuff like dark sunglasses to fit over my glasses, ice packs, and most importantly, the first tube of antibiotic ointment (that stuff is expensive). I still have a lot of the ointment left and haven't had to fill that prescription at all, so that saved me some money :) Hope that helps.

Thanks! I'm very pleased too. I know exactly how you feel ... people asking you that after you've just slept for like 17 freakin' hours! Ugh. I looked like that in my 4th Grade pictures! The $4650 I listed was the complete cost and breaks down to $150 for the consultation, $3500 for the surgeon, and $675 for the surgery center costs which included anesthesia (I opted for IV sedation). The additional $325 is an approximate amount I spent for incidentals and medications, including the pre-op physical that I was required to get from my primary care physician before Dr. Silkiss would perform the surgery. Hope that helps.

Au revoir,
Jacqueline

Oh, also forgot to mention that Dr. Silkiss does NOT charge for the regular follow-up appointments. I am not sure about any complications because I didn't have any, but I had a 1-week follow up and will have a 1-month follow up, both at no charge. In addition, I went home with a care package that included stuff like dark sunglasses to fit over my glasses, ice packs, and most importantly, the first tube of antibiotic ointment (that stuff is expensive). I still have a lot of the ointment left and haven't had to fill that prescription at all, so that saved me some money :)

Resting a LOT; cold compressing exactly as told by surgeon; then warm compressing the same as instructed; keeping the area clean and antibiotic ointment applied regularly; Arnica Montana and Bromelain tablets regularly, starting immediately after surgery; stayed, and slept, upright with a good pillow (I bought one called "Cozy Cuddler" from Sam's Club - awesome); still not wearing makeup or contacts, NO rubbing whatsoever, and continuing my regular regimen of raw supplements (I've always taken a lot of those).

Mr. Spock - I have already included that information within my review and updates. Please go back read through, and if you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer.

(Note: "amyzzz" asked that same question below, and my answer is in the reply.)

Thanks, Kelly! Who did you decide to go with? Best wishes! You will love it!

Thanks, Christine. Best wishes to you for a wonderful outcome!

Will do! And thanks ... I'm pleased with the progress so far. I went out to lunch with some family members today and we had a group photo taken. It was the first real photo I've been in (other than pre- and post-ops), and I didn't have to filter it! Not bad for less than 2 weeks after surgery :)

No, I haven't.

Hi, Chris - I posted a photo tonight. Are you going to Dr. Silkiss? Best of luck! You will love it!

Hi, 'at ease' (what's your name?). I did a LOT of research and went to 3 consultations before making my decision with Dr. Silkiss. I was pretty sure I wanted to go to an oculoplasty, as their training is so specific with this type of procedure, and has also done some work on my father to reconstruct his eye after Mohs surgery (cancer). Each case is different, so she'll know how to address your specific needs as far as what to do with your fat. Mine was partially removed and partially repositioned, and I had a small amount of skin removal. I also had the incisions on the OUTSIDE of my lids, which some people don't want to do, but for me (age, skin resiliency, etc.) it was the best decision, especially since I was having skin removed. My incisions are barely noticeable in my opinion. If you read through my full review, you'll hear the history of my journey. Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Au revoir,
Jacqueline

Thank you Jacqueline...One reads such conflicting ideas on inner or outer incisions. I really am looking for someone who does only facial surgery with eyes their specialty. Someone who has an artist's eye! Hoping that is not too much to ask...you are looking lovely....

Yes, I was very confused initially too. I never, ever thought I'd have anything but the transconjunctival (inner) method. What I finally came to realize after meeting with both Dr. Cockerham and Dr. Silkiss (both are excellent oculofacial plastic surgeons) was that it's the experience and number of times a surgeon has performed the particular surgery you want to have done that matters. Both of these surgeons have done thousands of blephs, and oculoplastic surgeons have a more delicate hand; even more precise instruments. A patient half my age may have done just fine with a transconjunctival incision (inside the lid) because he/she may not have needed skin removal. I, on the other hand, would have had a slight risk of drooping based on my skin condition and amount of skin to be removed. Plus, that would have been two separate incisions on each eye and a much more difficult recovery and possible mess! Any doctor who tells you over the phone that they "would never do anything but transconjunctival" isn't doing you any favors. There is NO WAY a good surgeon should be married to a method without a very thorough exam, taking measurements, etc. There are two other plastic surgeons in SF that I was scheduled to consult with before making my decision to go with Dr. Silkiss. If you're interested in shopping around more, I'd be happy to give you my appointments, as I haven't cancelled them yet. They were hard to get, and one isn't until March of 2016. Let me know ASAP if you're interested.

Au revoir,
Jacqueline