47-years-old, Upper Eyelids Done! - Seattle, WA

This reviewer is affiliated with RealSelf. The views expressed here are their own and do not reflect the views of RealSelf, Inc.

I went to a consultation today here in Seattle (well, actually Bellevue, which is a suburb). Within the last couple years I've consulted with two other board certified plastic surgeons about having a small amount of skin taken off my upper eyelids. Both of those surgeons recommended a brow lift in addition to, or instead of an upper bleph. Yeah, the brow lift might give me the optimal result, but at 45, I'm not there quite yet. I want something that will be less expensive and less invasive, but allow me to wear my eye makeup all day without it smearing off. I'd like a slightly tighter, more youthful look.

Dr. Amadi agreed that a brow lift would give the best results, but said if I want less invasive and less expensive, that an upper bleph should also give me some benefit.

My consultation was quick but went well. I waited in the waiting room for about 25 minutes after my appointment was scheduled, but it was free (special right now if you mention RealSelf), and it wasn't at all unpleasant sitting in the pretty office reading a magazine, so I dealt. :)

Once I got into the office, Misty, Dr. Amadi's patient coordinator, did a little pre-consultation with me. She was very personable and nice. Dr. A. entered shortly after. He was personable as well, a snazzy dresser, and explained everything very clearly.

He demonstrated on my eyelid that without a lift, I might still have a small hood of lid below the outer edge of my brows, but that I should still see improvement with the ptosis of my lids (he didn't use the word ptosis). He said that he only removes skin, does not cut into any muscles, etc. He also recommended a CO2 laser underneath my eyes to help with the crepey skin there. I probably won't pursue that just yet, but I liked that he was proactive in making other suggestions.

Supposedly the surgery is done with local anesthesia (another plus for me as I have two middle grade kids and can't be off my feet for long).

Now, I just have to sell my husband on this, because he wants a youthful looking wife, right? :) I'll update when I know more.

So, I came across this doctor Q&A about incisions extending a bit past the outer edge of the eye, particularly if a brow lift is not also done. It doesn't sound like Dr. A. is open to this, and maybe it wouldn't be appropriate for me anyway....but I think I'd rather have a little line than leftover lateral hooding. 

Going back and forth about this surgery a bit. I know I will want it done eventually, so I might as well do it now as prices will only go up, but also feeling guilty about spending the money. My husband and I are in the process of renovating a house and already feel like we are bleeding cash.