Blepharoplasty - Will I ever look normal?? - Cosmetic / Plastic Surgery Message Board

Nina01 · 05-07-2007, 02:19 PM

Hi there. I am hoping to get some insight from anyone who has had Upper Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty). My sister posted a question for me and got one response. I would really appreciate more input from others.

I am 40 years old, and had upper and lower eyelids done has been 11 days ago. My swelling is down and most of the bruising, except for the dark purple ones under my eyes, can be covered. But, I feel like I look plastic - like one of my daugher's Bratz dolls or something. My eyelids don't seem to open all the way - like they can't retract into my eye sockets properly. One of my bottom lids seem to droop a little still. The overall effect makes me look like I am half asleep, or had to much to drink. Plus, I feel like the doctor shaped them wierdly, with the upper lids too high in the corners towards my nose.

I am feeling really self conscious. I did not tell anyone at work I was doing this, and I am totally paranoid that everyone notices that I look weird. I spent the entire morning pouring over before and after pictures online, and none seem as drastic as the difference I feel about my appearence, so it does encourage me. I do realize this procedure takes time to heal, but somehow I can't imagine ever looking normal again.

My lower lids (bags) have bothered me for years and I would have done anything to get rid of them. The uppers were puffy and heavy, and probably had too much skin, but I would not have gone through with this had I known what it entailed and the potential length of recovery. The doctor/nurses told me I would be "fine" in a few weeks. I would appreciate sharing experiences with anyone else here who has undergone this procedure.

Thanks!

rosemary97 · 05-07-2007, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nina01

Hi there. I am hoping to get some insight from anyone who has had Upper Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty). My sister posted a question for me and got one response. I would really appreciate more input from others.

I am 40 years old, and had upper and lower eyelids done has been 11 days ago. My swelling is down and most of the bruising, except for the dark purple ones under my eyes, can be covered. But, I feel like I look plastic - like one of my daugher's Bratz dolls or something. My eyelids don't seem to open all the way - like they can't retract into my eye sockets properly. One of my bottom lids seem to droop a little still. The overall effect makes me look like I am half asleep, or had to much to drink. Plus, I feel like the doctor shaped them wierdly, with the upper lids too high in the corners towards my nose.

I am feeling really self conscious. I did not tell anyone at work I was doing this, and I am totally paranoid that everyone notices that I look weird. I spent the entire morning pouring over before and after pictures online, and none seem as drastic as the difference I feel about my appearence, so it does encourage me. I do realize this procedure takes time to heal, but somehow I can't imagine ever looking normal again.

My lower lids (bags) have bothered me for years and I would have done anything to get rid of them. The uppers were puffy and heavy, and probably had too much skin, but I would not have gone through with this had I known what it entailed and the potential length of recovery. The doctor/nurses told me I would be "fine" in a few weeks. I would appreciate sharing experiences with anyone else here who has undergone this procedure.

Thanks!

rosemary97 · 05-07-2007, 05:53 PM

Hi there! I see that you are from Michigan too. I had my surgery done in Petoskey. I am 53 years old (50 when I had u/l bleph). It honestly was an awful experience to go thru, & it took me about 3 weeks before I could go out in the public eye, but after the wonderful results that I have experienced, I would go thru it again. When I returned to work (5 weeks later), I couldn't believe all of the compliments that I received, & how beautiful my eyes looked. Before the surgery, I had lots of extra skin on my lids & under my eyes, which made me look about 65 years old. Give it some time. Everyone heals differently, but you will be very happy with the results. I, too, thought at one point that I was going to look hidious forever. It actually took nearly a year for the final results to show, & I still look good. Good luck to you.

Mel52 · 05-17-2007, 10:41 PM

I had my upper lids done. I looked terrible until the stitches came out. I had swollen lids like I had been crying but slowly it is going down. The red stitch line is fading. It still feels funny at times, kind of tight but I am extremely happy with it. I dont have that slanted pulled look, nor do I look surprised like a deer in the headlights. It will take a good 9 months or more for everything to settle in. No one can tell I had them done. That is the best compliment I can give a surgeon

Cookie531 · 05-30-2007, 05:10 AM

I only had the uppers done but I can tell you I was a total mess for two months, I bruised very very badly. Also, my eyes were uneven for about 4 months. It takes at least 8 to 9 months before everything looks totally normal (at least for me it did). Hang in there; it'll get better in time.