Blepharoplasty: my selfish wish [Archive] - HealthBoards Message Boards

amily

01-27-2005, 09:42 AM

Hi everyone, I'm here just to talk and maybe get some responses..I'm scheduled to have lower eye lid surgery tomorrow, to remove the bags that have been bothering me for years, and I am so nervous, I cant' sleep and I can't eat, and feel I have to talk to someone but have no one who can relate.. I'm 42 years old and in good shape, I do take care of myself, but no matter what I do, people always ask if I'm sick or tired or sleepy.. and it's because of my undereye bags I've inherited from my father...I've been a caretaker, a caregiver all my life, I've always put others before myself whether it was my parents my kids or my husband even my friends... this is the first time I'm planning to do something for me and only me and it's freaking me out...I'm nervous about the surgery itself, it'll be done under local anesthesia and some sedation, but still it's surgery in a very delicate part of the body..I worry about how my family will be inconvinienced for a couple of weeks after my surgery, they'll all have to help w/ the housework the driving etc..and I worry because I feel that this is the most selfish thing I've ever done in my life, it's for me and only me, so that I'll look better.. my family is supportive of this but feel it's not necessary, and I don't know anyone who has actually had plastic surgery to talk to..
Has anyone else been in my place? with eye surgery or any other kind of plastic surgery? Thank you!

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jode

01-27-2005, 08:37 PM

I think it is wonderful that you are doing something for yourself! I am 57 and have been wanting to do the same thing, as it is on my dads side, too. You will be so glad that you had it done! I will be so anxious to hear from you. My son has been after me to just DO IT. Once again, please keep us posted about the surgery and recover time! That is so exciting, wish it were me.

amily

01-27-2005, 11:54 PM

Thank you Jode! I will let you know as soon as I can use the computer again. My doctor told me that I might be seeing blurry the first few days from all the ointments he'll use during the surgery and I shouldnt' be straining my eyes, no computer, tv or reading for a few days. Thank you again, you'll hear from me soon.

jode

01-28-2005, 02:36 PM

Hope it all goes great!

jode

02-07-2005, 11:59 PM

Amily, just wondering how you are doing?

amily

02-10-2005, 01:26 PM

Thank you for your concern, Jode. It turns out that I did not have the surgery.. Two hours before going to the clinic, I got a phone call that my mother in law passed away, so that changed everything.. I will be going to the doctor next week, and I'll try to reschedule the surgery for mid March. I'll keep you posted if you're interested. Thanks again! amily

jode

02-10-2005, 08:35 PM

So sorry to her about your mother-in-law! Please do keep me posted, as I am very interested!

amily

02-13-2005, 10:49 AM

Thank you for your concern Jode. I ended up not having the surgery... two hours before going to the clinic I got a call that my mother in law passed away... so that changed all plans. I will be going to the plastic surgeon next week to re-schedule. I will have the surgery either in the spring or next fall. It's not a good idea to have it in the summer, as I'd have to stay away from the sun for a while. Thanks again, and I'll keep you posted. amily

PS. sorry I thought this message did not go through the first time...and I posted it again....

CaliKatie

02-13-2005, 11:02 PM

Hi Ladies-
I am 50. I had the surgery done a year ago and they also took some of the fat from my brow as well...a bleth? Anyway...it is the best thing I ever did for myself.
I had occasional blurriness, but not often. I did try to stay out of the sun but mainly because I had a laser peel at the same time. I looked refreshed and easily shaved 10 years off my appearance.
I was driving in a few days and was everything was completely healed in 7 days.
My surgery was done under a local and I slept thru the entire thing. My son stayed up until 2 in the morning switching ice packs for me...again, I slept thru all that.
It was painless and I have never been more thrilled in my life.
Don't be afraid, you will not feel a thing!!
It is your face so just be sure that you are going to someone very reputable and don't shop for the best deal...but better yet go for the best procedure.

Lots of luck,
Cali

annie7

02-13-2005, 11:07 PM

I hope you reschedule your surgery; I had the same problem with my eye's and it's the best thing that i've ever done for myself. I had mine done 3 years ago this year. I'm a sub teacher and when kids find out how old i am (53) they're amazed. And that's kids; they're always pretty honest.

The down side is you do sorta say to yourself...hmmmm i wonder what i would look like if........... And that's where i am now. Anyway, hope you're kind enough to yourself to do it.

calgirl

02-14-2005, 01:11 AM

Blepharoplasty is one of the greatest things you could ever do for yourself. I had it done about 10 months ago and I am so glad I did because even if I'm tired or teary eyed(those crazy hormones!), I look rested and refreshed. Go for it!!!!!!!!!! You will be so happy you did. Truely!!!!

CaliKatie

02-14-2005, 08:22 AM

Dear Annie-
I am going thru the same thing!! What if i did this little procedure here...or this one???

Yep, when you get great results, it is a temptation!!!

Cheers!
Cali

jode

02-14-2005, 06:41 PM

What type of procedure did you guys have done on your eyes? I know they can go on the inside or the outside. Tell me about yours. I have been wanting to do this for 5 years. About ready to make the move. Would love to hear more. I just turned 57. Thank you, this is really getting me excited.

annie7

02-14-2005, 10:02 PM

Hi jode, about three years ago (this june) I had fat taken out from under my eyes, and then some skin lifted up and trimmed. (I know, sounds sooo uh..meaty or something) Anyway, they made a small incision on my lower lid that now almost looks like very faint eyeliner. Then, they trimmed skin from my upper lids so they didn't droop over my lids. I love it. It was a little under 4k for everything. I'm now 53 and most guess me in my mid 40's...sometimes early 40's and a few times have been guessed in my late 30's. (personally, i think it's flattery!)

yep, am totally thinking about doing more. I won't do body parts, only face. It's truly addicting because it brings me joy to feel good about my face. Be well...annie

CaliKatie

02-15-2005, 04:25 AM

I did mine a year ago. All laser and if you ask me that is the way to go! No scarring at all and no bruising...my eyes look fantastic!

I had my bags completely removed and the fat taken out from above my eyes. WOW!!! My eyes were always my best feature and now they are even more so!

I loved every step of the procedure!!! 4-5K sounds about right. I also opted for a laser peel. IN 7 days I was completely healed and my complexion matched my new eyes....

Good luck,
Cali

almondjoy

02-16-2005, 04:44 AM

I want to have the bags removed and the eyelids lifted. Can both be done by laser? And the cost is about $4000?

CaliKatie

02-16-2005, 08:50 AM

yes almond...good luck!

jinglebts

02-16-2005, 02:03 PM

yes almond...good luck!
how is bleph done by laser? i only know about the incision/scalpel kind ...

thx,
jb

CaliKatie

02-16-2005, 11:04 PM

jinglebts

02-17-2005, 01:55 AM

Think of laser as also being a laser beam....it cuts and cauterizes.

I am not really sure of the difference but cut and strectch sounded radical and laser for me proved to have none of the side effects I have read about online, ie. saggy lower lid....

It shaves YEARS off your face!!!!
i realised that a laser beam could cut, but didn't know it could be used for that ... i'm seriously considering having my eyes done, so thx for the tip ...

jb

CaliKatie

02-17-2005, 08:16 AM

JB...

It's your face so be sure to go to someone extremely reliable. If so, you will be so happy with the results!!!

Keep me informed!
Cali

jinglebts

02-17-2005, 01:54 PM

JB...

It's your face so be sure to go to someone extremely reliable. If so, you will be so happy with the results!!!

Keep me informed!
Cali
that's mainly what's been keeping me from doing it ... anyone know a GOOD surgeon in the toronto/ottawa area (i live in ottawa)? i'm sure i could get an adequate job done, but my husband had it a couple of years ago (his lids were so saggy they interfered big-time with his vision), and the surgeon did it slightly unevenly ... my husband's sags were also uneven, but that's no excuse! (my husband doesn't mind, fortunately) ...

jb

SOUTHERN DIVA

02-28-2005, 08:44 PM

I am so happy I found this post! I have just lost over 30 lbs and I have a birthday coming up in a few weeks-44,yuck.Anyway,my husband just surprised me and told me to go ahead with the lower bleph I have always wanted.I don't actually have bags under my eyes but more like a hollow look or indentions,which really bother me and make me look "tired".No makeup will conceal this.I am excited but scared.Any suggestions on a good physicain in Ga or Fl would be appreciated.

lateeth

03-11-2005, 04:01 AM

I'd love to join all you ladies and get mine done too. I also have those bags which were around since childhood but look awful now that the rest of my face is old! Anyone have any suggestions of good docs in L.A.? I know who is recomended for noses around here but are the same docs also good at eyes or is there a whole other group of docs who are good at that? West side of L.A? Anyone?
thanks

AliasJaneDoe

03-12-2005, 04:51 PM

I want to get upper bleph. Anybody know a good doctor in AZ (mesa/phoenix area)? Or doctors I should avoid?

amily

03-19-2005, 08:44 AM

Hello everyone, I'm back and I DID IT!! First of all to jode and everyone else that posted here, I thank you so much. I will read all your posts more carefully and reply to whatever you ask me, but right now my eyes are swollen and I should be applying ice continously, so I can't write or read much today. I will just tell you briefly what happened: My surgery to remove the bags under my eyes was done yesterday. It lasted no longer than 40 minutes. It was very simple and I felt no pain at all. The doctor gave me a very mild sedation and I was awake the whole time. He injected some anesthetic under the eyes, it felt like a little pinch. The incision was made on the inside of the eyelid. He took out the fat--I felt nothing-- and then closed the incision with only one stitch. He then smoothed the outside of the lower lid with laser. That also felt like little pinches. He said this will flatten the skin and all I'll have left will be my laugh lines. After that I stayed in the recover room for about two hours and a nurse kept applying ice. I felt some burning, the same burning you'd get from the sun. The nurse gave me Tylenol and it left. That was it!
Now, it's been almost 24 hours since I did it. The area under the eyes is swollen and red, it looks exactly like a sunburn. I have to keep applying vaseline and ice. I put two different kinds of eyedrops thoughout the day to prevent infection, and I also take this natural medication the doc gave me that helps the healing and prevents most of the bruising.
I can't believe I did this, but I'm so glad I did it finally. I will keep you all posted the following days. Thank you! amily

amily

03-25-2005, 09:32 AM

One week later, and I look like a new person! All the swelling and almost all the redness from the surgery are gone, and people that see me tell me I look happy. I am happy but even when I'm not smiling I think my face looks happy, as those bags I had made my eyes look sad. I am so glad I did this and I highly recommend it to anyone who's thinking about it! It's a very simple and risk free procedure, but of course go with a reputable plastic surgeon.

CaliKatie

03-25-2005, 01:21 PM

Lateeth-
If you can make your way down to Coronado Island...I can highly recommend Coronado Skin. I had my eyes done almost 2 years ago and not only and I thrilled but I was treated so well that I felt like I was at a spa. It's all done with lasers and they have made it an art form!!!!
Virtually painless too!!!!!!!!
Keep me posted!!!

CaliKatie

SusanGene

03-26-2005, 01:59 PM

jinglebts

03-27-2005, 12:44 AM

I'm wanting to have this done, too. I don't have bags, exactly; just some darkening under and some droop of the uppers.
Have you heard of Liberace?? The pianist of the 1950's with the wild costumes?? He had his done as a multi millionaire. The doctor took off too much skin on the upper lids and the poor man never could close his eyes again. He somehow slept with them open a little. So there ARE potential hazards.
that's what i'm afraid of ... and that poor woman (well, she was happy) on tv -- one of those makover programs -- whose lower lids were too high? like a big wrinkle or something? yuck!!

jb

lateeth

03-30-2005, 03:33 AM

all scary stories. and it is amazing to me that someone who can afford the best doctors does not check this out and get the best. Of course Liberace must have been many years ago when there weren't so many plastic surgeons around and no internet boards to go to either.
anyway, thanks for the tip calikatie. I am still hoping to get my health insurance to pay for the upper lids. someday i will make that appt to see if they will. It's a long shot but since my HMO is in beverly hills, i would probably have a pretty good doc doing it. I dunno for sure. The docs in my group are mostly very good.