POSTED UNDER Eyelid Surgery REVIEWS
Botched 2 Procedures: Upper Eyelid Surgery and Direct Brow Lift
ORIGINAL POST
After almost 2 years of research into the...
$5,599
After almost 2 years of research into the procedure and finding the right surgeon for me, I finally took the steps needed to set this surgery in motion. Many thanks to all of the RealSelf community members who were courageous and thoughtful in sharing their stories. I am documenting my journey in the hopes that I can also help someone else struggling with making this important and potentially life-changing decision.
For years, I had noticed that I had excess eyelid skin compared to others. It is genetic trait. For the past few years, it seems to have become more noticeable, giving me a tired appearance. My job consists of staring at computer screens for 10+ hours a day. My eyelids already feel heavy, but as the day wears on, they become so tired. So FINALLY, on November 1st, I decided to consult with an oculoplastic surgeon. Within an hour after the consultation, I knew had found the right surgeon for me, so I called and scheduled my surgery for December 1st. Dr. Kaltreider (aka Dr. K) has over 30 years of experience and true to the reviews I had read, she and her staff are wonderful! Dr. K has a very calming presence about her. She was so patient and thorough during the consultation. I am an anxious person in general and about a week later, I had some fears creep in and a few additional questions. At the consult, I was told I could call anytime, email, or even visit in person again. I emailed first and got a quick response. Her long-time assistant, Lois, could tell I was nervous and she encouraged me to call to speak directly with Dr. K, which I really needed at that time. So I called and even though she was in between appointments and busy, she immediately took my call and gave me all the reassurance I needed. I have read reviews where the patient wasn’t sure they had chosen the right doctor for them. I can’t imagine going through with this with anyone I didn’t completely trust or have the utmost confidence in.
My brows are already in a relatively low-set position. A Blepharoplasty alone can bring the brow position down even further, so in my case, a Direct Brow Lift was recommended. This was news to me. I had researched other brow lift surgeries but was completely unfamiliar with the direct method. This involves an incision along the contour of the upper brow line (not the entire length, but about 2/3 from the middle to outer brow). Obviously, this brought up concerns of permanent scarring. I was shown some pictures of other patients who had the same surgery and was very impressed with their healing process. I have done additional research and agree that is the most suitable method in my particular situation.
The bottom line is, my doctor really tailored the surgery to suit the unique features of my face. With under 2 weeks until surgery, I am feeling confident in my decision and excited about the results in the future. I am also having a skin colored mole removed from my chin. I felt like this would be the perfect time to have this done. My doctor has a lot of experience in mole excision and she was gracious enough to not add on any additional cost for it.
I will start posting pictures as soon as I am physically able to take them, so I hope to share pictures the first day, following my surgery.
For years, I had noticed that I had excess eyelid skin compared to others. It is genetic trait. For the past few years, it seems to have become more noticeable, giving me a tired appearance. My job consists of staring at computer screens for 10+ hours a day. My eyelids already feel heavy, but as the day wears on, they become so tired. So FINALLY, on November 1st, I decided to consult with an oculoplastic surgeon. Within an hour after the consultation, I knew had found the right surgeon for me, so I called and scheduled my surgery for December 1st. Dr. Kaltreider (aka Dr. K) has over 30 years of experience and true to the reviews I had read, she and her staff are wonderful! Dr. K has a very calming presence about her. She was so patient and thorough during the consultation. I am an anxious person in general and about a week later, I had some fears creep in and a few additional questions. At the consult, I was told I could call anytime, email, or even visit in person again. I emailed first and got a quick response. Her long-time assistant, Lois, could tell I was nervous and she encouraged me to call to speak directly with Dr. K, which I really needed at that time. So I called and even though she was in between appointments and busy, she immediately took my call and gave me all the reassurance I needed. I have read reviews where the patient wasn’t sure they had chosen the right doctor for them. I can’t imagine going through with this with anyone I didn’t completely trust or have the utmost confidence in.
My brows are already in a relatively low-set position. A Blepharoplasty alone can bring the brow position down even further, so in my case, a Direct Brow Lift was recommended. This was news to me. I had researched other brow lift surgeries but was completely unfamiliar with the direct method. This involves an incision along the contour of the upper brow line (not the entire length, but about 2/3 from the middle to outer brow). Obviously, this brought up concerns of permanent scarring. I was shown some pictures of other patients who had the same surgery and was very impressed with their healing process. I have done additional research and agree that is the most suitable method in my particular situation.
The bottom line is, my doctor really tailored the surgery to suit the unique features of my face. With under 2 weeks until surgery, I am feeling confident in my decision and excited about the results in the future. I am also having a skin colored mole removed from my chin. I felt like this would be the perfect time to have this done. My doctor has a lot of experience in mole excision and she was gracious enough to not add on any additional cost for it.
I will start posting pictures as soon as I am physically able to take them, so I hope to share pictures the first day, following my surgery.
maryhopeski's provider
Replies (4)
March 2, 2019
have you tried the silicon OTC treatments, either roll on or tape. I've had numerous joint replacement surgeries and with the silicon treatments, the scars are nearly invisible.
March 2, 2019
Oh, I’ve tried all the best scar treatments and silicone scar tape, etc. when my scars were in the healing phases. I’m way beyond the healing stages and have permanent, mature scars now. I appreciate the idea but I need serious professional help for these scars. Not even the CO2 treatments I purchased are predicted to help according to several surgeons. And, CO2 is 10 days downtime of skin resurfacing. These are deep indented scar lines.
UPDATED FROM maryhopeski
1 day pre
Surgery in the morning & I’m so ready!
I scheduled my surgery for exactly 1 month after my consultation date. I have fully prepared to the best of my ability. I thoroughly researched pre and post-op care. I’ve been taking Arnica & Bromelain tablets for 5 days, and eating a lot of pineapple. Ha! I even have the scar treatment gels/creams most highly recommended by doctors and patients alike. I have set up a bedside table for my ice water cooler (to keep a cool cloth on my eyes) and my other recovery-related items. Post-op directions advise against intense exercise for at least 2 weeks, so I got in a beautiful 8-mile run late this afternoon. I’m feeling good. Essentially, I am all ready to go. I just hope I can sleep tonight. Up in 7 hours. I’m very excited. This day has finally arrived!!!
Replies (36)
December 1, 2017
Yeahhhhh. You go girl. You’ve got all your arsenal lined up and ready to go. Best of luck. Hugs
December 2, 2017
Thank you. I got through it! Yay! I am about to post an update with pictures. I got back to my house around 2:30, had everything set up, and was tired from lack of sleep, so I laid down and am keeping the whole eyelid/brow area cold using a lightweight face cloth (dipped in ice water from time to time). I know it’s early but I am already happy with the incision lines I see. Of course, the lids are swollen, but the lines look clean and even, the brow lift lines are very precise and look to be even. I will be able to see a biggest difference in this area I believe. If anyone’s notices I had something done, it will be from my higher brow position (because the eyelids are hidden most of the time and I didn’t wait until they were completely hooded). I also had the mole excised. That was a very quick minute-long procedure, but she did a great job on that too. Her and her assistant Lois were awesome during the whole process! Thanks for your support over the past month. You’ve been sooooo helpful and reassuring. I even brought you up to my surgeon as someone who’s been so awesome leading up to this BIG day! :-)
December 2, 2017
Oh Mary...you are quite the trailblazer. Posting on Realself already! Thank goodness all went smoothly and you are not in too much pain. Keep icing on and off. I’m sure you can see though all the stitches and bruising the difference in your face! It is such a refreshing look having those brows lifted. I’m sure your friends and family will take notice of “something different “ on you! Are you wrapped up in a ace type bandage around your face? I CAN NOT WAIT to see your pix. Try to get plenty of rest!! Drink plenty of water, hydrate hydrate! Eat protein and don’t forget the pineapple
December 2, 2017
Haha. I’m not even an attention seeker, but I slept only 3 hours last night and felt compelled to just take the pics right then when I got home and post them when I woke up. I was/am tired. My eyes were blurrier earlier when I took the pics. I just posted my updated review right as you sent this. I do not have any bandages of any kind on currently and have been advised that I should not use them. I am just applying the Erythromycin ointment as needed to keep all wounds moist and clean. I’m taking the arnica and bromelain tablets for bruising, swelling, etc. It’s probably about time to ice again since I’ve taken a break to eat something and get online. That something was ice cream though. I’m terrible! I need to get that pineapple out that you mentioned. Lol. I also think I may make a protein smoothie for dinner with various fruit, yogurt, and flax seeds. I need to google flax seeds after surgery because they are rich in Omega 3’s, which may be potentially bad for swelling. So, that would counteract all the hard work I’ve put in avoiding certain foods/supplements that cause swelling and inflammation. I’d be mad as hell.
Even though I’m not a pretty simple to see right now, I can tell my eyebrows will be visibly “different” to others, which I’m fine with. When I first looked at eyelid surgery, it was purely for the excess skin issue, but as things progressed and the brow lift came into play, I thought this could be a really good thing. While I’m not trying to reinvent myself, I think the lifted brows will hopefully enhance my appearance and shed a few years off. I’m very happy. Just like you, I feel like I found a gem of a ps (provided nothing crazy happens). I can tell you love yours and so far, I am more impressed with her and her staff than I ever thought possible. Very awesome.
Even though I’m not a pretty simple to see right now, I can tell my eyebrows will be visibly “different” to others, which I’m fine with. When I first looked at eyelid surgery, it was purely for the excess skin issue, but as things progressed and the brow lift came into play, I thought this could be a really good thing. While I’m not trying to reinvent myself, I think the lifted brows will hopefully enhance my appearance and shed a few years off. I’m very happy. Just like you, I feel like I found a gem of a ps (provided nothing crazy happens). I can tell you love yours and so far, I am more impressed with her and her staff than I ever thought possible. Very awesome.
December 2, 2017
Just looked at your pot op pix and I’m in shock! Your brow lift was directly above the brow line with minimal stitches! I expected to see a long line of stitches. My brow lift was in the temple and left me with a visible scar and hair loss. I’m not sure if my ps does this kind of lift, but it definitely looks less invasive and a cleaner looking incision. Your eyes....you look soooooo beautiful! It is a noticeable transformation that has brought you back 15 yrs!! Truly!! What a difference. Your eyes are gorgeous and the shape of them are like huge almonds!! I’m in awe with your doc and her talents with stitches. The line is meticulously sutured and looks like you had this done a couple of days ago. It amazes me that you’re not bruised yet. I’m not too sure if you should be using flax seed in your smoothie. You don’t want to compromise your healing. When do the stitches come out? Do you have someone with you giving you a hand? You amaze me with your stamina after a surgery!! You’re up and about and on the computer AND making smoothies. Get in bed and rest beautiful lady!!!!!!
December 2, 2017
Oh, my first follow-up appointment is next Friday the 8th. My eyelid sutures are dissolvable, except for the stitches on the tail end of the outer lids, which she does as a reinforcement. The brow stitches are not dissolvable.
December 2, 2017
My ps has the same drill with the eye stitches. They are dissolvable along the incision line, and she would leave a tail which she removed a week P.O. it’s a funny feeling when she pulled them out. Kinda like a “tickle”
December 3, 2017
How long were your stitches in...the ones that had to be removed? With your brow lift, were all of the incisions made within your hairline, so you would have no scarring on the forehead? You mentioned temporal, so I am assuming any incisions made were done so inside the hairline along approx. a 3 inch long area on each side of the face. Just guessing the length.
December 3, 2017
You are correct. Three inches long and in the hairline. Stitches were in a week (I think) I wasn’t allowed to wash my hair for awhile, which was gross. Dried blood was not a pretty site. I was home bound so it was not a problem. I had a bandage that went around my face
December 5, 2017
Wow. How long was awhile (not being allowed to wash your hair)? That’s rough. I’m not a daily hair washer by any means because it dries my hair out, but after about 5 days max, my scalp and hair feel pretty greasy. I think I saw pictures of you with the bandage wrapped all around your face and going underneath your chin, if my memory serves me right.
December 5, 2017
Hair washing resumed after 5 Days I had so much “guck “ in the hair and incision line. I also had to be careful with the hair blower on the incision site. All of which you don’t have to deal with. Your brow lift is something that if I ever need again (?) I’ll definitely recommend to my ps. It seems like a more modern approach than mine. My lift seems pre-historic. Lol. Anyways, how are you feeling Mary? Still hibernating? How’s the stitches feeling. Itching? I’m waiting ( :-) ) anxiously for the updates. Drum roll....,.....
December 6, 2017
I posted my day 5 post around 5pm. I have been hibernating for the most part, but taking advantage of the week off from work to get a lot of personal things done around the house or online. I normally don’t have much free time.
For now, I don’t really want to go out in public because it’s still just 5 days in and I’d rather not be seen with the stitches. I think I’ll hit the grocery store tomorrow with sunglasses though. I wouldn’t dare try to cover with makeup and risk infecting the wounds. I’m comfortable enough in my own skin to wear the sunglasses inside a store though. I was in a store for about 20 minutes on Monday. My eyesight was a bit blurry, but it was okay otherwise. The type of brow lift you had is still widely used so I hope you aren’t feeling bad about it. I wanted that kind at first because I though, “great, no scars,” but now I believe I got the right one for my brow situation. She basically told me the temporal endoscopic lift would not give me the results I needed. It wouldn’t lift enough or target the proper areas needing the lift.
For now, I don’t really want to go out in public because it’s still just 5 days in and I’d rather not be seen with the stitches. I think I’ll hit the grocery store tomorrow with sunglasses though. I wouldn’t dare try to cover with makeup and risk infecting the wounds. I’m comfortable enough in my own skin to wear the sunglasses inside a store though. I was in a store for about 20 minutes on Monday. My eyesight was a bit blurry, but it was okay otherwise. The type of brow lift you had is still widely used so I hope you aren’t feeling bad about it. I wanted that kind at first because I though, “great, no scars,” but now I believe I got the right one for my brow situation. She basically told me the temporal endoscopic lift would not give me the results I needed. It wouldn’t lift enough or target the proper areas needing the lift.
December 2, 2017
Haha. I probably shouldnt be doing all this stuff on the first day. I’ve been checking my emails and other social media for over an hour. I just don’t get tired easily, but I do need to make sure I lay back and keep a cold cloth on the area for sure and rest my eyes in a closed position a lot for the next 2 days. I have a roommate, but I am taking care of myself. If I need something and am unable to do something, I do have some support to call on.
Well, thank you. Wow. So, you can already tell a difference in my eyes from my before and after pics (other than the obvious swelling)? It’s always harder for us to see a difference in ourselves I think. It seems once the swelling goes down and I start healing, I will be happy with the results. I think it may be looking a little more reddish now than when I took those pictures around 3 pm. They did tell me the swelling would probably be worse on the 2nd and 3rd day, but we’ll see.
It sounds like you got a temporal brow lift which is what I initially thought she would recommend at my consultation. So, yours was done in the hair at the temple? Based upon my eyeshape, brow position, skin thickness, and the fact that she wanted to go for longevity of the results, she recommended a direct brow lift. Direct essentially means like what it sounds. A direct incision above the brow. This made me nervous initially because I was thinking I would have a temporal (endoscopic) brow lift (endoscopic meaning within the hair line). Because skin is removed right at the brow with the direct, the idea is that it is supposed to last longer than an endoscopic lift, which is done further away from the brow. That’s what I was told. When I came home from the consult and read more about it, I found that a lot of people were actually healing pretty well in the area directly above the brows. I figured the scars would be worse from this type of lift. Only time will tell, but I’m liking the line and suturing I’m seeing right now. I also expected a long line of stitches so I was definitely pleased.
I think your brow lift looks really good. I hadn’t noticed scars, but I, not sure if you are using foundation to blend it in. You look great so I hope you are happy with your results. I know you said you had the bleph and the brow lift at different times. I know I can probably go look, but when did you have the brow lift? Okay, that was the more recent (4/2016). Then, you had the lip lift most recently. My mind is kind of foggy from the long day. I know I read both reviews at different times over the year as they appeared in my emails. I mean, I think you have a great result, but you may want to ask her just for your information if she does both and why she chose the temporal lift for you. Sometimes, what is ideal for one patient’s situation may not be for another, like a case by case basis. I know the temporal lift is very popular these days. My ps felt the temporal would not give me the lift I needed compared to the direct.
I think I need to out the computer down. I feel the swelling coming from not having a cold cloth in for awhile now. I’ll be in touch. Hugs!
December 2, 2017
I googled the direct brow lift. It is on the radar now. I never even questioned her why a temporal brow lift. I took her advice and went with it. It’s given me the look i was after.... but the scar is THERE. Im over it. I put makeup over and out the door I go. Lol. Hopefully you’ll wake up today with minimal swelling and bruising. The next couple days is where hibernation comes into place. Im sure with sunglasses you’ll be fine, but I’d avoid any contact situations. You know how people can be so awkward when they see the “unusual”! Mary, get ready for questions once the healing subsided. It’s a definite game changer for you. Very noticeable, Beautiful, youthful sexy Mary!!! It’s funny, you will catch friends staring at you when you’re engaged in conversation. Their mind is going from 1-100 seconds thinking WHAT ABOUT MARY??? She’s a younger Mary. Lol. I seriously can’t wait for more pix. I’ll follow your journey, and watch in awe the metamorphosis of Mary. Hugs. Randi
December 6, 2017
I did the same tactic with camouflaging my eyes! Sunglasses are perfect. I love what you said, you’re perfect in your own skin. Yes, that’s the way we should all look feel. If someone wants to stare at you, and give you the “puppy eye look “ then that’s ok! Glad to hear that you’re making your time off FUN! Projects around the house can keep us busy and productive. Makeup is not what you want in that area now. It’s a open wound and susceptible to infection. I’m sure you already know that. You know the drill. Lol
December 6, 2017
Yeah, for sure. Even if I have to go to work with only BioCorneum on for a period of time, I’m not willing to risk infecting the wounds and compromise my healing after all of this, by using foundation or concealers of any kind.
April 8, 2018
This picture makes me very sad. So full of hope. Not knowing what was about to happen. I would tell that girl to please not go.
April 8, 2018
Ha ha. This is a picture of a beautiful lady, with a high level of intelligence and beauty
April 8, 2018
Things will get better. Maybe not as fast as you’d like them to. Just focus on breathing as a relaxing mechanism for you.
April 8, 2018
I agree that I’ll have to find a way to calm down. Stopping the recurring thoughts is key. My days are consumed my negative self-talk about what happened and how my future will be inpacte by it. Controlled breathing and other forms of meditation will be important.
June 1, 2018
Omg you sound like me. I am a runner and I was and still am worried that I can t run for some.weeks..I.trained 2x daily for a week.neforw my surgery yesterday
. I had upper eyelid surgery too . I.might write my story here later .for now I can't see too well
Sorry for the typos. Light from phone hurts a bit. Tks for sharing your story
Ps my eyelids were a lot and a lot worse and more saggy than yours .
. I had upper eyelid surgery too . I.might write my story here later .for now I can't see too well
Sorry for the typos. Light from phone hurts a bit. Tks for sharing your story
Ps my eyelids were a lot and a lot worse and more saggy than yours .
UPDATED FROM maryhopeski
Day of treatment
3 Hours Post Surgery - first post-op check in!
YAY! I had my surgery this morning beginning at about 10:30 am. Between the administration of local anesthesia, prep time, upper blepharoplasty, direct brow lift, and mole excision, the surgery took just over 2 hours. When I began “my story” (review), I promised I would add post-op pics asap and regularly, especially during the days/weeks immediately following surgery.
I know this is just the beginning of the process, but I feel excited to be off to a great start. Starting with the direct brow lift, an incision about 2/3 the length of the brow extending to the outer edge above each brow was made. To me, they appear very clean and sutured perfectly. I think I’m going to see a great result here. The upper blepharoplasty was probably the longest of the procedures, but the measurements are so detailed, my doctor was meticulous and took time to compare both eyes regularly to achieve the best symmetry. In looking at the incision lines, I feel they are placed and sutured pretty close to perfect. Once the swelling subsides and a couple of months have passed, I will be able to see closer to what the final results will likely be. I had a mole excised (shave method) which was also painless and is off to a great start. Much of my final results will depend on how I heal and how my body responds to having these incisions made, in terms of scar formation.
My surgeon and her staff were awesome. I was informed frequently during the procedure of what was happening (I did ask several questions - true to my nature), but they were very good about letting me know what to expect throughout the surgery so I wouldn’t be surprised. I can’t say enough positive things about their professionalism and expertise.
I’m felling very positive right now. I will update again tomorrow (Day 2).
I know this is just the beginning of the process, but I feel excited to be off to a great start. Starting with the direct brow lift, an incision about 2/3 the length of the brow extending to the outer edge above each brow was made. To me, they appear very clean and sutured perfectly. I think I’m going to see a great result here. The upper blepharoplasty was probably the longest of the procedures, but the measurements are so detailed, my doctor was meticulous and took time to compare both eyes regularly to achieve the best symmetry. In looking at the incision lines, I feel they are placed and sutured pretty close to perfect. Once the swelling subsides and a couple of months have passed, I will be able to see closer to what the final results will likely be. I had a mole excised (shave method) which was also painless and is off to a great start. Much of my final results will depend on how I heal and how my body responds to having these incisions made, in terms of scar formation.
My surgeon and her staff were awesome. I was informed frequently during the procedure of what was happening (I did ask several questions - true to my nature), but they were very good about letting me know what to expect throughout the surgery so I wouldn’t be surprised. I can’t say enough positive things about their professionalism and expertise.
I’m felling very positive right now. I will update again tomorrow (Day 2).
Replies (2)
December 2, 2017
Seriously..... can you look any prettier!!! Look at those eyes. They’re a entirely new set of eyes. Lol. You went from tired to a deer in headlights. What an amazing result. Impressive. And then there’s the brow lift. This has raised the entire top portion of your face to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL. This ps is on point with her surgeries. Keep posting. Love going with you on your journey. Exciting........
December 3, 2017
Thank you, Randi. The swelling got worse yesterday (day 2) as I was told it would. And, I experienced soreness and dry eyes a bit. It’s nothing too bad but I couldn’t stay on the computer very long. So, I’m just reading your messages now. I woke up this morning (day 3 - will take and post pics in a couple hours) with a little more swelling and some of it at the outer corners of my eyes leading into my lower lids. It’s nothing alarming I don’t think, but it’s a little bit uncomfortable.
No offense, but I hope I didn’t go to a deer in headlights look. Lol. Jk. You know what I mean. My desired result is not to look like I’m surprised or spooked. Before I had this done, on a usual day, I didn’t look too tired but there was enough excess skin that it was definitely impacting my appearance (moreso over the past 2 years I think). My brows were always low set and sometimes I wished they had more arch, but like the eyelids, they were also “falling” more in recent years (aging will do that). I’m expecting realistic results but am very pleased so far. It’s mainly the itchiness of the stitches and the swollen and sore feeling right now that is bothersome. If that’s the worst I suffer, I’ll take it!!!
Thank you for being so encouraging, Randi. Hugs!
No offense, but I hope I didn’t go to a deer in headlights look. Lol. Jk. You know what I mean. My desired result is not to look like I’m surprised or spooked. Before I had this done, on a usual day, I didn’t look too tired but there was enough excess skin that it was definitely impacting my appearance (moreso over the past 2 years I think). My brows were always low set and sometimes I wished they had more arch, but like the eyelids, they were also “falling” more in recent years (aging will do that). I’m expecting realistic results but am very pleased so far. It’s mainly the itchiness of the stitches and the swollen and sore feeling right now that is bothersome. If that’s the worst I suffer, I’ll take it!!!
Thank you for being so encouraging, Randi. Hugs!
But, thank you very much. I appreciate the positive feedback greatly. We are all our own worst critics. It’s still just over 2 months now and those last pictures were at one month. I meant to post more at 2 months but have been so busy at work.