Upper eyelid surgery - need minor lump addressed.

I want to share what my experience was like with Rocheford and her team because it was just so darn good! Yes it was a surgery- but I felt so pampered and as if each person there wanted to make sure I was comfortable and well take care of. So, this might be a little long.

I researched many doctors and consulted with a few in person before choosing Dr R. I wanted a surgeon who is board certified, has a long professional history to look over, someone I felt listened to my concerns— and it also helped that she’s a woman. Maybe this part is silly but to succeed in this particular area of surgery, starting out when she did, I kind of assume she had to be twice as good as all the guys just to get this far in the field. Lol.

Also- this woman books out an entire season in advance. I think that speaks very well of her. Another side note- she’s not doing huge marketing pushes on social media like a lot of her contemporaries- yet is still booked way out. Maybe I think too much, but this also felt kinda good.

First impression during the consult were that she is clearly a very intelligent person but she is also warm and not at all pretentious. She listened to my concerns before listing multiple options to address each concern— while also giving her opinion on what she thought would be best.

I had gone in thinking I needed upper bleth AND lower bleth AND a brow lift. She suggested just the upper bleth and a small amount of under eye filler. I respect the heck out of that. She could have gotten thousands more out of me but instead suggested to do only what I would truly benefit from. Five stars for integrity.

Flash forward to my surgery which was yesterday morning. The entire surgery team was like walking into a cozy hug. Everyone took their time to explain and make sure I had all my questions answered. Hannah got me ready for my procedure— she’s patient and kind. Took the extra moment to tuck the blanket around me to make sure I was warm and comfortable.

Dr R came in to go over everything with me again and to make some marks along my eyes. She’s very down to earth and empathetic. As they were putting in the IV line she sweetly rubbed my other arm to distract from the poke. I wasn’t worried or anxious but still truly appreciated that kind of thoughtfulness. She just makes you feel confident in her ability while also showing she has empathy for your experience.

I remember very little from the moment we entered the surgery room, but I know each person in the room introduced themselves to me and briefly explained their role. I liked that a lot.

I woke up in the recovery room with Jen. Also just another great experience. She explained to my caretaker all that I needed for the next few days and even packed some extra honey grahams (because in my post surgery high, they were the most delicious thing I’d ever had.)

Jen sent home cold compresses, a very clear schedule for my meds and eye drops— that was super helpful too. Jen also explained the timeline for the first day- so I wouldn’t be shocked when more bruising or swelling showed up over night. Lastly, I was given a direct line to Dr R, should any concerns come up after hours. Didn’t need to call but liked that we had the option if we had a concern.

This morning was my “next day check up” with Jen. She inspected everything and answered my ten million questions. I’m quick to bruise and swell in general, so I’m still a mess right now. I can see she did a great job of getting the skin that was bothering me- and her lines are clean. If that makes sense. No jagged wonky scars- just smooth lines I can tell will hide in my natural crease.

I’ll update again when my eyes have healed. But wanted to share right away what a great experience I’ve had so far.

I’m really happy about the decision to work with Dr R and her team! Even more so a week later.
I’m still quite bruised but I’m also a person who bruises from mosquito bites. :) Some swelling as well especially on the bridge of my nose- which is weird because I didn’t even bruise there. But, I wonder if my eyeglasses are preventing that area from calming down.
The tape came off last night and I can barely see the seam in the incision- so I feel confident it will fade more as time goes on. Also- makeup will cover it easily once I can eat it again.
One thing I want to note- I experienced zero pain at any point in this process. I only took the pain meds the first two days and nothing till after that. My only discomfort has been some pressure from the swelling and incredible itching. Like- whoa! That part was intense at some points. But a week out, the itching is nearly gone.
Two images: One of the first 24 hours. The other is the first week.