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Happy, Terrified and Hopeful for Good Results of Upper Lower Blepharoplasty... - Cleveland, OH
ORIGINAL POST
Hi all...I'm soon to be 51. I'm going to share my...
ravengrlJune 15, 2016
$4,800
Hi all...I'm soon to be 51. I'm going to share my story as many already have. Finding this site has helped so much!
I have developed bags under my eyes. My right eye is much worse then my left. It began when I was about 30 and gets progressively worse with time. I will post pics later. I always knew I wanted to do something about this. Now that I'm 50, my upper lids are beginning to droop as well, so I figure if I'm going to go thru this I may as well do both.
Over the past 2 years, I read a lot, found this website and went for 3 consultations. All with board certification. Each doctor gave me a different recommendation, and each had very different prices.
I chose my doctor based on where I felt the most comfortable and had the most trust. He met all the criteria I read to look for and I like the fact he has been practicing a very long time, has a good rep in the community and is also the chief of plastic surgery of a local hospital in my town. I guess I figured if he is the "chief" he must be good. I hope this is a good assumption however I realize problems can arise in any situation.
I am 3 weeks out from my appt. I just paid today. If I back out...ill lose a bit of money. I'm scared. Big time. I have no support system going into this.
Only one person knows I'm doing this. My friend. I am single. My family would flip out if they knew I was doing this. So I can't say anything. Also, I am worried about work. I will have to return to work on day 11 post. I sure hope this is enough time for healing, and that there are no complications. I am terrified of this surgery not working out well...although I feel I have done my homework, quit smoking for 2 months, and wanted this badly.
My doc will be using a laser for the incisions, and fat removal. He claims there will be little bruising because the laser cauterizes as he uses it, preventing bleeding. He also assures me that with the proper amount of fat removal I will not look hollowed.
There is much guilt that I am doing this. Guilt that I feel selfish and vain to spend this money (I'm not rich) to be under General anesthesia while someone cuts and removes fat bulging from my eye sockets. It's bizarre, but I wanted this done because I'm tired of looking tired. I'm tired of people telling me I look tired. I'm tired of avoiding mirrors. If all goes well, this surely would be a confidence boost for me. If things go bad...I know ill want to die. I'm not 100 percent yet that I will go through with this.
Any and all comments,opinions,advice is welcomed.
I have developed bags under my eyes. My right eye is much worse then my left. It began when I was about 30 and gets progressively worse with time. I will post pics later. I always knew I wanted to do something about this. Now that I'm 50, my upper lids are beginning to droop as well, so I figure if I'm going to go thru this I may as well do both.
Over the past 2 years, I read a lot, found this website and went for 3 consultations. All with board certification. Each doctor gave me a different recommendation, and each had very different prices.
I chose my doctor based on where I felt the most comfortable and had the most trust. He met all the criteria I read to look for and I like the fact he has been practicing a very long time, has a good rep in the community and is also the chief of plastic surgery of a local hospital in my town. I guess I figured if he is the "chief" he must be good. I hope this is a good assumption however I realize problems can arise in any situation.
I am 3 weeks out from my appt. I just paid today. If I back out...ill lose a bit of money. I'm scared. Big time. I have no support system going into this.
Only one person knows I'm doing this. My friend. I am single. My family would flip out if they knew I was doing this. So I can't say anything. Also, I am worried about work. I will have to return to work on day 11 post. I sure hope this is enough time for healing, and that there are no complications. I am terrified of this surgery not working out well...although I feel I have done my homework, quit smoking for 2 months, and wanted this badly.
My doc will be using a laser for the incisions, and fat removal. He claims there will be little bruising because the laser cauterizes as he uses it, preventing bleeding. He also assures me that with the proper amount of fat removal I will not look hollowed.
There is much guilt that I am doing this. Guilt that I feel selfish and vain to spend this money (I'm not rich) to be under General anesthesia while someone cuts and removes fat bulging from my eye sockets. It's bizarre, but I wanted this done because I'm tired of looking tired. I'm tired of people telling me I look tired. I'm tired of avoiding mirrors. If all goes well, this surely would be a confidence boost for me. If things go bad...I know ill want to die. I'm not 100 percent yet that I will go through with this.
Any and all comments,opinions,advice is welcomed.
Replies (11)
July 5, 2016
I understand the guilt - I did the same when I was 39! best thing I ever did! that was 22 years ago best $1800 I ever spent - yep that was what it cost in the day - I did a lower face at 49 2nd best thing I ever did - as time goes on the relative cost goes down. - I have been able to look the better side of my age rather than the worse - At 61, I look about 55; better than most my age; but natural and healthy - if I hadn't done it I'd look like my mom and her siblings ie for 61 I'd look 75.
July 5, 2016
Well I'm planning to go your route and do what I have to do. It's not really about looking young for me...it's about not looking bad. Lol And these bags are bad! I just want to appear pleasant to the eye at this point. I hope I can say this was the best thing for me too when it's so 'll done and said.
July 6, 2016
Positive Energy to you as you go through this...and there is nothing to feel guilty about. You want to feel and look the same...if you feel good why look tired? I'm looking forward to your posts as this procedure is on my to do list for 5 years now...
UPDATED FROM ravengrl
5 days pre
6 days away
ravengrlJuly 2, 2016
Next week at this time these bags will be gone. I'm not expecting perfection but I am hoping for a drastic improvement, a positive experience, and a better feeling about my appearance. Posting this pic pains me. Thank goodness for makeup.
Replies (9)
July 2, 2016
I know how it is to wait excitedly and nervously for the surgery date to finally arrive! I had my uppers done on Monday, June 27th after booking it in April. So happy to be on this end of it! Good luck on the 7th-- it's almost here :)
July 3, 2016
I'm doing really well, thanks for asking! I'm very bruised on the left side, not as much on the right (still bruised there too though). Still icing on and off throughout the day as some swelling is persistent. I don't think I'm seeing my final results yet but as the days go by my eyelids are loosening up and the stitches are now mostly hiding in my new creases. I'm very happy with what I'm seeing so far! Looking forward to hearing about your experience :)
July 2, 2016
It's very important to see photos of the work your surgeon has done, before and afters. Also, what technique will be used on lower lids, transcutaneous or transconjunctival. Will he be removing extra skin or only fat from under your eyes? I understand your fears and concerns, as I just went through upper and lower blepharoplasty and also had lipo on tummy. I don't think I could have made it without my husband's help, but my eyelids were sewn shut the first day and night after my procedure. He had to help me eat, go to the bathroom, everything. But I think this is unusual and most surgeons don't do it this way. But you are still going to need help for the first few days. Will the friend who knows about your surgery be able to help you after surgery?
I also understand your fear of it not going well or having poor results. But if you have done your homework, and it sounds like you have, you should be ok. It really is a gamble as to the results. One lady on here got her surgery off of Groupon and knew nothing about the surgeon, but she had fabulous results!!! Others have researched endlessly and still aren't happy with their outcomes. The important thing is to get prepared mentally. If your eyes bother you, and you want to improve the look of them, there is nothing to feel guilty about. Just know that it will look really bad the first few days and know that you will have to be patient and not freak out thinking the initial results are what it's always going to look like.
This site will be immensely helpful, as the members are sympathetic, knowledgeable and eager to help with advise and just letting you vent. Keep us posted on how you are doing!!
I also understand your fear of it not going well or having poor results. But if you have done your homework, and it sounds like you have, you should be ok. It really is a gamble as to the results. One lady on here got her surgery off of Groupon and knew nothing about the surgeon, but she had fabulous results!!! Others have researched endlessly and still aren't happy with their outcomes. The important thing is to get prepared mentally. If your eyes bother you, and you want to improve the look of them, there is nothing to feel guilty about. Just know that it will look really bad the first few days and know that you will have to be patient and not freak out thinking the initial results are what it's always going to look like.
This site will be immensely helpful, as the members are sympathetic, knowledgeable and eager to help with advise and just letting you vent. Keep us posted on how you are doing!!
July 3, 2016
Thanks. I appreciate your comments. It IS a gamble and I am scared. I have seen a several pics but my surgeon has been practicing a long time and didn't have tons of them for me to view. He does cosmetic, reconstructive, and is/ has been chief of ps of 2 hospitals. Years ago he fixed a friend of mine when they were in an accident. The cosmetic reviews I found were all positive. Of what I have seen, I liked. It's so hard to choose someone. I researched many, saw 3, and chose him. It felt most comfortable.
Transcutaneous method will be used. Using a laser. As you can see from my pic I got some real issues here that need to be resolved. So I feel like it's a crap shoot. Live with this, live with something I don't care for, or possibly be very pleased.
It's difficult to have no support, and be hiding this from many who are important to me. But they would never understand and tell me this is nuts. I am as prepared as I can be. For 51, I'm in good shape and healthy. I will have all the things I need (supplies, food, etc. Prepared and waiting.)
It seems some people go into this so easy and come out fine. So I hope I'm worrying for nothing. After all it says there is a 94 percent thumbs up here.
The best scenario is I that I will emerge looking rested and like myself. I can't imagine the alternative. I have looked at many pics and am prepared for the after shock and healing. I am expecting to heal quick. I hope this happens. I am doing everything I should be doing.
Transcutaneous method will be used. Using a laser. As you can see from my pic I got some real issues here that need to be resolved. So I feel like it's a crap shoot. Live with this, live with something I don't care for, or possibly be very pleased.
It's difficult to have no support, and be hiding this from many who are important to me. But they would never understand and tell me this is nuts. I am as prepared as I can be. For 51, I'm in good shape and healthy. I will have all the things I need (supplies, food, etc. Prepared and waiting.)
It seems some people go into this so easy and come out fine. So I hope I'm worrying for nothing. After all it says there is a 94 percent thumbs up here.
The best scenario is I that I will emerge looking rested and like myself. I can't imagine the alternative. I have looked at many pics and am prepared for the after shock and healing. I am expecting to heal quick. I hope this happens. I am doing everything I should be doing.
July 6, 2016
I had both my upper and lower lids done 3 years ago and it was some of the best money I ever spent on myself. Trust your PS, and relax.
August 3, 2016
How are you doing 5 weeks out? Reason I ask is that I'm scheduled next month for uppers and will have my daughter's wedding 5 weeks after. Do you still have any bruising, swelling? Do the scars show much? Just nervous and wonder if I should put off until after wedding.
UPDATED FROM ravengrl
4 days pre
It's not to late...
ravengrlJuly 3, 2016
If anyone doubts my posts and questions my decisions...say so now! It's not to late to cancel!
Replies (10)
July 3, 2016
I think you are going to be fine!! :) I too was so scared and unsure and nervous that I almost backed out on Friday afternoon before my surgery at 7:00 am Monday morning!! I say go for it!! Take a leap of faith :) It sounds like you have a very competent surgeon and are prepared for the healing part :) And someone is always on here to talk with about your questions/anxieties/worries :) Once it's over you will feel so relieved!! I know I sure did. You can click on my username and read my Bleph journey... It's been going on for a couple of months, but I had the surgery and didn't back out!! And now I'm in the healing stage and like what I'm seeing so far. Please keep us posted and God Bless!!!
July 3, 2016
Hi, I had my upper lids done five days ago and the surgery went well. I can already see a big difference! The big thing I would recommend it to have some Benadryl. My eyes got so itchy and the Benadryl gave me lots of relief. The pain meds weren't really needed for me but the Benadryl was sooooo helpful! The Dr. also prescribed me an ointment TOBRADEX that has a steroid in it that helps with the itchiness. Good luck with your surgery. I know you will be happy!
July 4, 2016
I did these things that are helping the healing process
- Drink A LOT of water...probably the most imp.
- Stay away from Salt / Salty foods / Processed foods
- Along the same lines, eat veggies, mainly onion, garlic, green peppers, pineapple, apples, oranges
I cut the veggies up the day deforestation and kept them in plastic containers for salad or wraps.
- sleep with your head elevated as high as possible
- Ice, Ice Baby ;) ...seriously, as much ice as you can put on your eyes the first 48 hours especially- I use lunch box size ice packs (in plastic bags) and rotate between three of them. I cut a soft T-shirt and tied it around them and put the whole thing in the freezer.
- Lots of rest. No exercise for seven days after surgery
- Advil for inflammation
- Benadryl for itching
- Ointment on stitches.
- Lots of prayers
- Drink A LOT of water...probably the most imp.
- Stay away from Salt / Salty foods / Processed foods
- Along the same lines, eat veggies, mainly onion, garlic, green peppers, pineapple, apples, oranges
I cut the veggies up the day deforestation and kept them in plastic containers for salad or wraps.
- sleep with your head elevated as high as possible
- Ice, Ice Baby ;) ...seriously, as much ice as you can put on your eyes the first 48 hours especially- I use lunch box size ice packs (in plastic bags) and rotate between three of them. I cut a soft T-shirt and tied it around them and put the whole thing in the freezer.
- Lots of rest. No exercise for seven days after surgery
- Advil for inflammation
- Benadryl for itching
- Ointment on stitches.
- Lots of prayers
July 4, 2016
Thank you. I am getting stocked today with supplies, and will do my food shopping for perishables on Wednesday, the night before. Your idea of veggie wraps is a good one. I will also get some benadryl for the itch. Does anyone know what to use to clean the incisions or do I just leave these completely alone. Lastly, everyone is saying a week for stitch removal. Are we talking 7 days here or 5? I eat pretty well to begin with but starting today I will even clean it up more.
July 5, 2016
Hi, I have never used anything to clean the incisions except water. I showered starting the day after and let the warm water run over my eyes which stings a little at first but then it feels good. Then I put the ointment on three times a day. Today is day eight and I am back at work. I have the convenience of working only a few miles away from my house so I went home at lunch, made a wrap and put ice on my eyes. Although my eyes are still uncomfortable, still swollen and itchy it's not as bad as it was a few days ago and I'm glad to be back at work! My stitches come out next Monday which is 14 days from the surgery. So I guess it depends on the Dr. I will try to post some pics tonight. Best of luck to you friend! I am so glad I did it and I know you will be too. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any help!
July 5, 2016
You will do great tomorrow!! They told me to clean incisions with peroxide on a w-tip. I just got ALL my stitches out today, day 8 after surgery. On day 4 they took out the "running stitches" whatever those are, but today they took the rest of them, so I would say 8 to 10 days for stitches.
I agree with everything 1marthac recommended as far as icing, sleep sitting up, have food prepared in advance and be sure to ICE as much as possible in the first 48 hours.
Let us know as soon as you are able how it went. I'm sure it's gonna be great and you are going to love your results!!
I agree with everything 1marthac recommended as far as icing, sleep sitting up, have food prepared in advance and be sure to ICE as much as possible in the first 48 hours.
Let us know as soon as you are able how it went. I'm sure it's gonna be great and you are going to love your results!!
July 5, 2016
I don't go till Thursday morning but I'm having a bit of a wtf moment. I never really got too much pre or post care instruction so I'm guessing that is to come afterwards? I called the office today to request any prescriptions are called in today so I could get them. During that time I spoke to my doc's nurse (who is as also his wife) and I'm a bit shocked at some of the things she told me. 1st she said I will have a lot of bruising. I found this odd since my doc said I won't have much bruising due to him using a laser. Next she actually said I won't need to use ice and to use 600 mg Motrin for the swelling. Huh? No ice? And uggh I'm reading Motrin can cause bleeding...wtf? The only prescription I got was for Tylenol 3. No ointment or anything else. I sure hope I'm not making a huge mistake. I'm feeling grumpy today. I need to sta y positive. I downloaded some audio books on this so I can rest my eyes and concentrate on healing..lol.
July 6, 2016
That is curious.... my doc gave me a very long list of things NOT to take, like aspirin or anything that things the blood... I think Motrin might have been on that list. Some people do bruise more than others but I don't know how docs wife could know if you will or won't?? I also had to have specific blood work 10 days before my surgery, which was cbc and 2 or 3 other specific things that check your clotting factor. Did you say that you have seen several of his before and afters or no he's been doing this a long time but did not have many to show you??
I'm so glad you started your story! Please try not to feel guilty. I know it's hard not to as guilt is pretty much my default emotion. I had upper eyelid surgery done in february and it's amazing how much better your eyes can FEEL after having skin (and fat) removed. Please keep that in mind as well. The "If things go bad...I know I'll want to die" line does worry me a bit. I hope you're able to keep things in perspective, but of course I hope that it all goes really, really well and that you're thrilled in the end. Remember, no guilt allowed. Much patience required. I will be checking back for your updates. :)