POSTED UNDER Eyelid Surgery REVIEWS
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
ORIGINAL POST
I had surgery Tuesday January 20, 2015 so as I...
hou2015January 31, 2015
I had surgery Tuesday January 20, 2015 so as I begin this review am at 11 days post op. This experience is just too crazy not to write about it. I can't tell you how many times I looked in the mirror last week and said "What the hell did I do to my face?!" Thankfully I thought to prepare my 12 year old daughter by showing her a few photos I found in other's reviews, so she wasn't too freaked out by my appearance post op.
I also had breast augmentation at the same time but the only thing I'll say about that in this review is I have some distraction, which I'm thinking is a good thing since I'm not totally focused on my face.
My upper lids were not too bad but I wanted to do this now so it was a subtle change. I really don't want everyone to know I did it, other than immediate family and 2 close friends. Plus, I was going in for the BA regardless and figured I'd kill 2 birds with one stone. So I did this under general anesthesia. Hospital fee included both surgeries so I'll try to average out later and update price of my surgery.
My dad did his uppers last year, at age 73 his insurance covered it due to hindering vision. It was pretty bad so I knew what I had coming. At 47 years old my right was becoming heavier than my left. I thought I may as well attempt to fix some of the wrinkles under while I'm at it. Notice in my before photo, left under almost appears as if I already had a scar, and I never even noticed the small puff under my left eye until I started dissecting my recovery. Will get back to that...
Day of surgery - I kept the Refresh PM ointment on my eyes and used snack baggies filled with frozen peas. The size of that baggie was perfect to cover both my eyes. The peas settle perfectly into the contour of my eyes. I set the bag on top a layer of gauze. I slept elevated until 6 days post op, when at my doctor's visit they told me I really only needed to do it a few days. I also iced with the peas periodically up to 5 days post op. It just felt good so why not? I was prescribed Nucynta for pain, although that was probably just for my BA. My eyes are numb. I took one this evening. Also prescribed Ambien but didn't take it the first night. Wish I had though. My back was killing me from being elevated. I didn't sleep much.
Day after surgery - doctor had to remove bandages from BA, so not sure if I would have normally gone the day after for just the blepharoplasty. He told me to stop using the ointment, as some people can have a reaction to it. I thought I was supposed to keep the stitches moist but he said I don't need anything on it after that first day. After he left, his nurse explained that I could shower, but I was too afraid of getting water and soap in my eyes so waited.
So, I knew my daughter-in-law was going to induce labor the day after my surgery. Immediately after leaving the doctor 1 day post op, I headed to the hospital to await the delivery of my granddaughter. In large dark sunglasses of course. That was a long day but I made it, and took my 2 year old grandson home with me. For 2 nights... yup I'm a trooper.
2 days post op, Thursday - the bruising is really setting in. I didn't think I would bruise this bad since I didn't do fat removal. Boy was I wrong! My daughter has a competition on the 7th so I'm getting nervous about this bruising. My lids are totally numb. I'm worried about keeping them germ free so using gauze to dab and cleaning with q-tips. My husband helped me wash my hair in the tub tonight (I didn't submerge my BA stitches).
3 days post op - So after I take my grandson home Friday I have more time to search this site, and a few doctors recommend warm compress for the bruising. Although I also read all the controversy, but figured it can't hurt. I just held a warm rag over my eyes and let me tell you, that was the best thing I ever did. It felt so good. Forget the bruising, just over my stitches was such a relief! Yes, still a freak over germs/excess detergent so prior I rinse the rag out a few times with hot water.
4 days post op - I had my husband buy Arnicare Arnica Gel for bruising Saturday morning and started this routine 3 times/day. Directions say to avoid contact with damaged skin or wounds. It's small print and hard to read when eyes are not at their best, so FYI. Just put it on bruise and keep off suture line. I braved the shower today and wish I hadn't been such a scaredy cat before. I did cover my eyes with a dry rag while I rinsed shampoo out of hair though.
6 days post op - I get my stitches out today! I was told to lubricate with the Refresh PM before my appointment. Hopefully those stitches will just slide right out. There is a bump I've noticed on my left upper lid along the suture line. I actually rubbed it a couple days ago and the skin separated a bit between stitches. This is different than the other little bumps that are starting to appear. I'm worried the scar will have a bump. I've been using a wet q-tip to just press it a little, which probably isn't doing a damn thing but makes me feel like I'm helping it to seal back properly. Of course, the nurse that removed my stitches said not to worry about it. All the bumps will eventually go away. She was so gentle removing my stitches. It really didn't hurt at all. She told me bruising always gets worse before it gets better, and today is the darkest my bruises have been. The side views on my photos show it well. I've got 11 days to fade enough to cover with make up, and I normally just wear powder foundation. So I'm afraid heavy make up is going to look hideous on me at this competition next weekend.
I asked the doctor what I can do to speed up the bruising and he said I just have to be patient. It's part of the process and there isn't much I can do. He did tell me to get the Arnica Gel and explained what it is (already ahead of that one). I asked him about the pulsed dye laser treatment I read about on this site somewhere. His response "PLEASE do not go somewhere else and have that done. It will just make it worse." So, patience... (sigh).
7 - 9 days post op - Stitches out make all the difference in the world! I'm starting to see what I actually may look like. I am very happy with the upper lids. Skin is still tight and a little swollen. You can barely see the scar line on one eye. There are still some bumps although they are getting smaller. I rubbed vitamin E oil on suture line night before last and noticed one of those little bumps got bigger. I'm just going to wait and not put anything at all on them for now. Follow doctor's orders right?
Now that lower lid swelling has gone down I see that my wrinkles are still there. I'm very thankful he didn't take too much, as I understand doing so can greatly alter the shape of your eye, and trying not to jump the gun. I know I'm still healing. You can barely see the suture line under my right eye, although my left is more visible. That left suture line is actually right where I had a natural crease in my before photo. The little puff that I never noticed until now, is still there too. I think I notice it more because that is where the darkest of my bruising is.
Wow this turned out to be a long review summarizing in one post. Sorry! I'll be back tomorrow with some photos. My bruising is actually looking better today. 6 days left to show my face to the world!
I also had breast augmentation at the same time but the only thing I'll say about that in this review is I have some distraction, which I'm thinking is a good thing since I'm not totally focused on my face.
My upper lids were not too bad but I wanted to do this now so it was a subtle change. I really don't want everyone to know I did it, other than immediate family and 2 close friends. Plus, I was going in for the BA regardless and figured I'd kill 2 birds with one stone. So I did this under general anesthesia. Hospital fee included both surgeries so I'll try to average out later and update price of my surgery.
My dad did his uppers last year, at age 73 his insurance covered it due to hindering vision. It was pretty bad so I knew what I had coming. At 47 years old my right was becoming heavier than my left. I thought I may as well attempt to fix some of the wrinkles under while I'm at it. Notice in my before photo, left under almost appears as if I already had a scar, and I never even noticed the small puff under my left eye until I started dissecting my recovery. Will get back to that...
Day of surgery - I kept the Refresh PM ointment on my eyes and used snack baggies filled with frozen peas. The size of that baggie was perfect to cover both my eyes. The peas settle perfectly into the contour of my eyes. I set the bag on top a layer of gauze. I slept elevated until 6 days post op, when at my doctor's visit they told me I really only needed to do it a few days. I also iced with the peas periodically up to 5 days post op. It just felt good so why not? I was prescribed Nucynta for pain, although that was probably just for my BA. My eyes are numb. I took one this evening. Also prescribed Ambien but didn't take it the first night. Wish I had though. My back was killing me from being elevated. I didn't sleep much.
Day after surgery - doctor had to remove bandages from BA, so not sure if I would have normally gone the day after for just the blepharoplasty. He told me to stop using the ointment, as some people can have a reaction to it. I thought I was supposed to keep the stitches moist but he said I don't need anything on it after that first day. After he left, his nurse explained that I could shower, but I was too afraid of getting water and soap in my eyes so waited.
So, I knew my daughter-in-law was going to induce labor the day after my surgery. Immediately after leaving the doctor 1 day post op, I headed to the hospital to await the delivery of my granddaughter. In large dark sunglasses of course. That was a long day but I made it, and took my 2 year old grandson home with me. For 2 nights... yup I'm a trooper.
2 days post op, Thursday - the bruising is really setting in. I didn't think I would bruise this bad since I didn't do fat removal. Boy was I wrong! My daughter has a competition on the 7th so I'm getting nervous about this bruising. My lids are totally numb. I'm worried about keeping them germ free so using gauze to dab and cleaning with q-tips. My husband helped me wash my hair in the tub tonight (I didn't submerge my BA stitches).
3 days post op - So after I take my grandson home Friday I have more time to search this site, and a few doctors recommend warm compress for the bruising. Although I also read all the controversy, but figured it can't hurt. I just held a warm rag over my eyes and let me tell you, that was the best thing I ever did. It felt so good. Forget the bruising, just over my stitches was such a relief! Yes, still a freak over germs/excess detergent so prior I rinse the rag out a few times with hot water.
4 days post op - I had my husband buy Arnicare Arnica Gel for bruising Saturday morning and started this routine 3 times/day. Directions say to avoid contact with damaged skin or wounds. It's small print and hard to read when eyes are not at their best, so FYI. Just put it on bruise and keep off suture line. I braved the shower today and wish I hadn't been such a scaredy cat before. I did cover my eyes with a dry rag while I rinsed shampoo out of hair though.
6 days post op - I get my stitches out today! I was told to lubricate with the Refresh PM before my appointment. Hopefully those stitches will just slide right out. There is a bump I've noticed on my left upper lid along the suture line. I actually rubbed it a couple days ago and the skin separated a bit between stitches. This is different than the other little bumps that are starting to appear. I'm worried the scar will have a bump. I've been using a wet q-tip to just press it a little, which probably isn't doing a damn thing but makes me feel like I'm helping it to seal back properly. Of course, the nurse that removed my stitches said not to worry about it. All the bumps will eventually go away. She was so gentle removing my stitches. It really didn't hurt at all. She told me bruising always gets worse before it gets better, and today is the darkest my bruises have been. The side views on my photos show it well. I've got 11 days to fade enough to cover with make up, and I normally just wear powder foundation. So I'm afraid heavy make up is going to look hideous on me at this competition next weekend.
I asked the doctor what I can do to speed up the bruising and he said I just have to be patient. It's part of the process and there isn't much I can do. He did tell me to get the Arnica Gel and explained what it is (already ahead of that one). I asked him about the pulsed dye laser treatment I read about on this site somewhere. His response "PLEASE do not go somewhere else and have that done. It will just make it worse." So, patience... (sigh).
7 - 9 days post op - Stitches out make all the difference in the world! I'm starting to see what I actually may look like. I am very happy with the upper lids. Skin is still tight and a little swollen. You can barely see the scar line on one eye. There are still some bumps although they are getting smaller. I rubbed vitamin E oil on suture line night before last and noticed one of those little bumps got bigger. I'm just going to wait and not put anything at all on them for now. Follow doctor's orders right?
Now that lower lid swelling has gone down I see that my wrinkles are still there. I'm very thankful he didn't take too much, as I understand doing so can greatly alter the shape of your eye, and trying not to jump the gun. I know I'm still healing. You can barely see the suture line under my right eye, although my left is more visible. That left suture line is actually right where I had a natural crease in my before photo. The little puff that I never noticed until now, is still there too. I think I notice it more because that is where the darkest of my bruising is.
Wow this turned out to be a long review summarizing in one post. Sorry! I'll be back tomorrow with some photos. My bruising is actually looking better today. 6 days left to show my face to the world!
UPDATED FROM hou2015
12 days post
Bruising getting better
hou2015February 1, 2015
Side by side photos from Monday definitely show improvement. I'm hopeful I can cover with make up this coming weekend.
Speaking of make up... I applied mascara yesterday for the first time. My eyelashes in left outside corner were cut! I didn't even notice before. Not sure if from removing stitches or needed to be done during surgery. Thank goodness I can wear glasses this weekend to help camouflage.
Speaking of make up... I applied mascara yesterday for the first time. My eyelashes in left outside corner were cut! I didn't even notice before. Not sure if from removing stitches or needed to be done during surgery. Thank goodness I can wear glasses this weekend to help camouflage.
Replies (10)
February 3, 2015
Please post more photos and let me know if you are satisfied. I had this surgery last year. Still have puffiness under the right eye. Doctor wants to do more surgery. I am very nervous. Not sure what to do. Also missing eyelashes on left eye.
February 3, 2015
Is your puffiness swelling or did you have fat removed? I just had skin tightened and didn't even realize that I've always had a small puff under one eye. Now i even see it in photos of my twenties.
February 3, 2015
Recently i have also noticed My right eyelid is heavier than the left one, interesting. I am having a consult in a couple of weeks for both upper and lower eyelids surgery. For the lower my problem is wrinkles and some loos skin. I had fat transfer under the lower eyelids to help with hollowness. There is some improvement. What did your surgeon do to the lower eyelids? btw I read in another reviewer blog and she said she also lost some eyelashes in one eye. That scared me a bit!! I hope they grow back. Thanks for sharing your experience.
February 3, 2015
Sorry I just read where you said you had skin tightened under lower eyelids. Are the wrinkles totally gone? thanks
February 3, 2015
No, wrinkles are there but look different. I read somewhere that it can take a while for the skin to heal after being so swollen and dry. So I'm still hopeful.
Were your eyelashes cut like mine or just missing?
February 3, 2015
I see. Well, hopefully you'll see improvement. Please keep updating us. No, I haven't had the surgery yet. But someone else who had this surgery said their eyelashes I don't remember missing or cut!!
March 2, 2015
You look great! I am in process of researching the same, so overwhelming. Do you mind sharing how your lower was done? Inside or outside incision, fat removal or repositioned, remaining skin? I'm getting so much information and all Drs have different approaches. Best to get it from the real people who have gone through it. I would appreciate hearing back from you. Thanks!!
March 3, 2015
Well up until last Wed I didn't think ANY fat was removed on the lowers. He briefly mentioned it Wed and I was so shocked I didn't question much. I'm loaded with questions for next next follow up though. I'm guessing it was necessary around the suture line. Hopefully that was all. I'm obsessing over it now thinking he removed fat lower, and I didn't have any fat to remove. I wants as much volume there as I can get to help with my wrinkles. There are definitely emotional ups and downs that accompany this surgery. I should post a photo of me smiling. :9(
He did the incision on the outside, but our goal was only to remove a little skin to improve wrinkles. I didn't have loose skin and he was conservative. I've seen photos of what can go wrong, so feel very lucky. Although, the improvements were not worth it for me. If I had fat bulges I would feel differently on that though. You can't see the scar at all under one lid but the other is still healing. I love my upper lids. Very subtle change which is exactly what I wanted.
You can go crazy reading all the reviews here. Best to be prepared with all the right questions and get more than one doctor's opinion on recommended procedure. Outside incision is necessary if you want to remove skin though.
UPDATED FROM hou2015
22 days post
So far so good.
hou2015February 12, 2015
Bruising should be completely gone in the next day or two. Was able to cover it with a lot of make up last weekend and wear some plastic framed glasses to help camouflage. I'm so thankful I work out of my house because that bruising has kept me from going anywhere. Nurse said some people have no bruising at all. Lucky dogs!
I can barely see the scar on my upper left lid, and the right upper where skin had separated between stitches and formed a bump is completely flat now and looking good. Can't see lower right scar either and only 3 weeks! I'm concerned about lower left scar though. It looks as if incision was placed in a natural crease I already had so it's healing differently and still purple. Just have a little swelling left.
Saw doctor today and he wants me back in two weeks to see how the lower left is healing. I really like my doctor by the way. He said I can put a little vitamin E oil on a q-tip to massage the tiny bumps in corners and scars now.
I was comparing to photos in my twenties and my upper lids look amazing! Will post a photo next week.
I can barely see the scar on my upper left lid, and the right upper where skin had separated between stitches and formed a bump is completely flat now and looking good. Can't see lower right scar either and only 3 weeks! I'm concerned about lower left scar though. It looks as if incision was placed in a natural crease I already had so it's healing differently and still purple. Just have a little swelling left.
Saw doctor today and he wants me back in two weeks to see how the lower left is healing. I really like my doctor by the way. He said I can put a little vitamin E oil on a q-tip to massage the tiny bumps in corners and scars now.
I was comparing to photos in my twenties and my upper lids look amazing! Will post a photo next week.
Replies (14)
February 14, 2015
Please post before and after pics!!
February 18, 2015
I've got a cold right now so my sinuses are making my whole face a bit poofy. Other than that one scar being darker though, things look pretty good.
How are you doing? I saw you had your uppers done and one eye was more swollen.
February 19, 2015
I thought I left a longer message! I am sorry to hear you aren't well.
I am doing better. My eye is opening up more.
found out the dr. did "internal" stitches that is why it looked different.
Now I feel something on the inside of my eyelid.
frustrating! lol
guess therea re always complications with surgery
takes a lot of TRUST to let a dr. cut on your face!!!
I've been obsessive about putting SPF on my scars (on edges of eyes) as I don't "scar" well.
since I live in FL I can get sun the minute I step out to get the mail. so hat, sunglasses and spf are what I'll be doing for awhile.
how do you think the scar is darker on your one eye? sun, blood that went through? deeper cut? strange.
anyways, feel better soon.
thank you for your quick reply.
February 19, 2015
I think he must have placed the incision in my natural crease under that eye. That eye had a natural puff too. I'm hoping it's just still swollen.. feels a little indented too. Looked better today though.
February 19, 2015
Looking great! Ty for update!
Do you mind if I ask how old you are?
I'm 45
I asked my doctor when he did my surgery if he could get rid of the wrinkles on the side of my eyes
I think with the ice surgery combined with the eyebrow left he did a pretty good job
Of course it's only been a week and three days so time will certainly tell!!
February 19, 2015
By the way the little surgery scar under your one eye is not that bad of a deal. It looks kind of like eyeliner makeup so I wouldn't be too concerned
I would've never noticed if you hadn't pointed it out though
February 20, 2015
my husband keeps telling me the same thing. I don't notice it so much with makeup on but I work at home and rarely wear makeup
February 20, 2015
Think you look great! Did you take bromein or arnica for bruising?
February 20, 2015
I started using the arnica gel a few days after and then a few days after that started taking the pills. I should have started taking it before though because I bruised so bad.
Replies (24)