Upper Eyelids Required Work. Added Lower Eyelids for Vanity - Sacramento, CA

At 56 years old and having recently lost 35 pounds, my upper eyelids were sagging and sat on my eyelashes making it difficult to keep my eyes open wide enough to see properly. The opthamologist in the my insurance medical group referred me to a their oculoplastic surgeon and treatment for ptosis. The two who practice in my area were out on leave so I opted to travel two hours to the next available surgeon in my medical group insurance. The traveling was not an issue, since I had met my out of pocket maximum and deductible for the year due to kidney stone treatment, this medically necessary procedure would be completely covered!
Dr. J examined my eyes and agreed with the diagnosis requiring upper blepharoplasty. He suggested two optional procedures: lower blepharoplasty to remove the bags under my eyes ($4,000) and a brow lift ($6,000.) Initially I did not select the options but after seeing results on this site, I opted for the lower blepharoplasty.
Wow, what a ride!
Day 1- I was not prepared for the bruising and the many colors which would develop. Most of the photos I'd seen on this site do not show the intense bruising I experienced. I took Norco for the pain for three days.
Day 3- I looked the worst even though I was very careful to follow all directions carefully: sleep with head elevated (I was in a recliner for 7 days) and ice/cool compresses at least 20 of each hour (more like 45 minutes of each hour for me for 4 days.)
Day 5- Stitches were taken out on the upper eyelids which was slightly painful. The lower eyelids had stitches which would dissolve.
Day 12- The numbness around my eyes and up to the brow is just now beginning to fade. As part of the upper lid work, an internal browpexy was done to help retain the lid tissue. On the left side, the numbness extends up over the brow into my scalp.
The full cost of the procedure is not know as I only paid for the additional option on the lower eyelids.
So far, I am happy with the recovery and I'll be patient as the numbness wears off and the swelling subsides. My vertical field of vision has improved.
So many of the photos posted by other on this site were very helpful, so I have photos to post but the site will not allow me to upload them yet. I'll try again later.

Here are the photos I couldn't post before.

Swelling continues to resolve and the bruising is almost gone. I'm happy with the progress. Looking less tired has improved my confidence.