Disfigured After Upper Blepharoplasty. Deeply Regretful - Ontario, Canada

Almost 2 years ago, I made the tragic mistake of trying to enhance my eyes by having a small amount of skin excised. It was really only an issue with one eye. The excess skin was not apparent to anyone - and was not visible in photos or videos. I had initially visited the oculoplastic surgeon to explore laser resurfacing for small wrinkles on my lower lids - caused by smiling. I decided to go ahead and have the excess upper eyelid skin removed at the same time.

As the post-operative swelling subsided, it became apparent that too much skin had been removed, the creases were too high and deep, the shape of my eyes had changed drastically, and I could not close my eyes fully. I have been in constant physical discomfort since the procedure.

Besides the ongoing tightness and pain in my eyes, my eyes are virtually unrecognizable. The previous sparkle that was in my eyes is now masked by ptosis. My upper eyelid platform is large with numerous horizontal wrinkles resembling baggy pantyhose.

This surgery has had an unbelievably negative impact on my life. I have been very depressed by the outcome. I have withdrawn from friends and family. Altough I have since married, there were no photos taken at my wedding.

I wish that I had known that excision of a tiny bit of eyelid skin is NOT a simple procedure - despite the many references to its simplicity on my oculoplastic surgeon's website. I wish that I had known that even if you have multiple detailed discussions with a surgeon - some surgeons feel that they can perform a more radical surgery than you had requested.

I have learned the very difficult lesson that if you have a very minor issue with your eyes, you should live with it. Believe me, it is absolutely terrifying to look in the mirror and not recognize yourself. Do not have laser surgery on your lower eyelids - the skin becomes very thin, the fat tissue decreases, and you are left with skin that bunches and wrinkles in all sorts of weird and unattractive ways.

Even if you are careful in choosing a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, you may still have unsatisfactory results. In reading numerous posts, it seems as though an unsatisfactory result is not uncommon - and when it occurs it is life-altering.

Repairing a bad blepharoplasty result is apparently one of the most difficult cosmetic revisions. I am now on a search to find a doctor (literally anywhere) who may be able to correct the ptosis, reduce the tightness and pain, and improve my appearance.
If anyone has any recommendations or advice, please share!