Consolation

My mother had it done--her condition was a result of childhood polio in the face. Her eyelids were drooping into her field of vision. As far as I know, no problems.

teriwtt

Both of my parents had it done, so I expect at some point I will have it done (I think there's a genetic factor). Neither of my parents had any complaints about it, other than not wanting to go out in public for a bit afterwards.

zoeydoggie

ILoveLA--an opthamologist.

patsmom

Anyone know how long before the swelling and bruising goes down? My surgery is tomorrow and I plan to stay home from work till the 16th. I hope that's long enough. I don't want to have to wear dark glasses at work.

speckledegg

My MIL had this done about 10 years ago, while in her late 70's. She was very blase about it and insisted that she would not need post-op assistance. I don't know if she misunderstood or just didn't want to hear the physician's instructions, or if she was so focused on "how it wasn't a big deal, everything will be fine, it is a very routine procedure" that she tuned it out.

I insisted that family members stay at the house for a few days post-op to assist her and her husband. They were completely unprepared. Understandably, with eyelid surgery on both eyes (above and below the eyes), she was incapacitated as might be expected. She was like a blind newborn animal for the first couple of days, with eyes covered, needing frequent compresses applied, needing help getting to and from the bathroom, needing meal prep, meds administered, errands to the pharmacy for additional supplies. etc. The healing went well however they were blown away by how much they needed to rely on others during this time.

Afterwards, MIL had a somewhat beady-eyed look. It softened over time. I think the surgeon tried to remove as much droopiness as possible while still allowing the eyelids to fully close. She was pleased with the symmetry of her eyelids afterwards, which apparently can be an issue.

Having the proper supplies in the house ahead of time will help. The physician can advise. There are special sterile, disposable compresses and sterile solutions and that are not always stocked in every pharmacy.

mantori.suzuki

My father-in-law had this surgery around age 55 and suffered little discomfort. I think he was off work for a week, but he said he felt pretty much normal after about three days. I don't know if such a quick recovery is typical, but it suggests that your being off until the 16th should be enough. I hope it goes well for you!

emeraldkity4

I don't think I will need an eye lift, but I have never liked my neck- anyone want to see if we can get q group rate?

patsmom

Well, I'm home from the surgery and doing fine. The whole thing took about 2 hours and was uncomfortable at times but not really painful. I can see quite a difference already, although the swelling is making my eyes feel like something is sticking me in the eye. I have to keep ice packs on my eyes 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off while today and tomorrow while I'm awake, so that should help a lot.

Thanks to all for the stories and encouragement. I'm looking forward to not having to hold my eyelids up ever again!!

learninginprog

speedy recovery Patsmom!!

ncmentor

Glad all went well Patsmom. No more taped eyelids for you.

VeryHappy

Patsmom, I'm glad it went well and glad that it's over. Isn't a relief to have something like that behind you?

Anyone want to talk about having the bags beneath the eyes done? Yes, it's purely cosmetic, but I've been wanting to do it for about -- oh, I don't know, 20 years. It's those damn genes that I got from my father.

Cosmetic = Not covered by insurance. Maybe one day I'll find an extra $10,000 to $15,000 sitting around with nothing to do and I'll use it.

patsmom

Thanks, all

Yes, it is a relief to have it over with! I'm dealing with the swelling now and the stitches are beginning to itch and poke a little but each day is an improvement over the one before. Even with the swelling, I can tell the difference in my field of vision. There's a definite improvement.

VH, funny you should mention the bags underneath the eye. I was just thinking the same thing - I think they're more noticeable now that I've had the lids done. I'll just live with 'em, though, can't afford otherwise.

zoeydoggie

emeraldkity--I'll join you for the group rate on necks! I have a friend who is going to do the Lifestyle Lift. I am scared spitless for her. I've shown her the online opinions that show a 29% satisfaction rate but she is determined to go there. Not me.

patsmom-I'm really glad things went so well. I hope you enjoy your new ability to see and the new look!

Lafalum84

Glad it went well Patsmom. I've always had one eye that droops more than the other, and I'd like to have this done. It doesn't interfere with my vision, though, so it would be cosmetic and therefore insurance wouldn't cover it, and I've never wanted to spend the money.

Both of my parents and my aunt & uncle had this done. All were happy with the results. There were more "recovery" issues for those who had both upper and lower done, but after about a week it was fine.

A co-worker had her neck done. She was thrilled with it, but honestly I couldn't see a bit of difference. She still looks exactly the same to me.

jym626

Glad you are feeling better!