Eyelid surgery

patsmom · 11-03-2009, 05:29 PM

I'm betting that someone on CC knows something about ptosis surgery and can give me some encouragement and reassurance before I have it done on Thursday.

I've had droopy eyelids (ptosis) for as long as I can remember.When I was a kid, people said I had "bedroom eyes" and as I got older people would often ask me if I was tired. But over the past few years, the droopy eyelids have begun affecting my vision. When I read or watch TV or use the computer, I find myself having to strain to open my eyes wider (which gives me a headache) or hold my lids up with my fingers in order to increase my field of vision.

I've resisted having this surgery because I'm uneasy with the idea of any kind of cutting near my eyes, plus I'm a little worried about looking "different" afterwards. I know I'll look better but I'm still a little creeped out by the whole idea. I've talked to a few people who know others who've had it done and have said that it's the best thing they've ever done for themselves. Although they said that the surgery itself was a piece of cake, I'm still nervous and second-guessing my decision to have it done.

Does anyone have any advice or personal experience with this type of procedure?

zoeydoggie · 11-03-2009, 06:38 PM

My mom recently had it done at age 77. She did fine as far as any pain or complications go. She looked pretty bad for a week or so but now that the bruising has gone down she looks great. She can't believe how much difference it makes in her eyesight. Her appearance is better also. It's not like she looks younger, it's more like she looks rested. I hope this helps. I think it's natural to worry about people using sharp objects around your eyes!

fauve · 11-03-2009, 07:50 PM

Think about how much better your vision will be after the surgery. If you have had to hold your eyelids up to read, it sounds like the procedure is long overdue. Nervousness is natural, so might want to focus on the health benefits, and enjoy the thought of a more youthful look! Best of luck.

IloveLA · 11-03-2009, 08:11 PM

zoeydoggie, was your mom's procedure done by a plastic surgeon or an ophthalmologist?

caltennis92 · 11-03-2009, 08:15 PM

My aunt got that surgery done a couple years ago. She's very happy with it now and the changes in her appearance weren't that drastic. She was i a LOT of pain afterward though...

patsmom · 11-03-2009, 08:44 PM

Oh, gosh, I hope I don't have a lot of pain

-- I was told that it wouldn't be too bad. That's probably what they tell everyone, huh?

PrimetimeMom · 11-03-2009, 09:26 PM

I had it done a few years ago after people kept asking me "what's wrong?" I looked angry with my droopy eyelids. After four days I looked refreshed. It's definitely worth it. I had a plastic surgeon who was a specialist in eyes and nose do it. If an opthamologist is experienced in the procedure I wouldn't have a problem with them doing it. Ask to see before and after pictures of actual patients.

snowball · 11-03-2009, 09:46 PM

My daughter was born with ptosis and had her eyelid fixed when she was 13. The doctor did not want to over correct, preferring to under correct, so he could modify as needed. She should have had a small office procedure to finish the correction, but she refused. The surgery went fine, she just hated having surgery. Her eye looks better, but really could have used the tweaking. While her vision has improved, her lid still droops when she is tired.

We used an ophthalmologist that was also trained as a plastic surgeon; the best of both worlds!!

ncmentor · 11-03-2009, 10:04 PM

My dad had it done and loved the results and based on family history, I'll be having it done in the future. Because of my dads great results I'm not worried. Hope all goes well with you...

patsmom · 11-03-2009, 10:09 PM

I'm fortunate to live near Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the #1 rated eye hospital in the US and I'm having the surgery done there by an ophthalmic plastic surgeon, so I'm very confident that I've got the best doctor.

Thanks for the encouraging stories. I'm feeling better already

.

dragonmom · 11-03-2009, 10:13 PM

The one thing I have heard is that keeping those gel-mask cool pads on and changed out regularly is a big help to reduce bruising - ask your doctor.

Can we start a thread about neck lifts?

mathmom · 11-03-2009, 10:16 PM

I have a friend who had it done a couple of years ago and was thrilled with the results.

emeraldkity4 · 11-04-2009, 01:23 AM

my grandmother had it done, as far as I know it was her only cosmetic surgery.
Her eyes were very deep set and very attractive when she was younger, but then her upper eyelid interfered with vision.
It was very simple and I had forgotten until now that she had even had it done. She was happy with the results.

ellebud · 11-04-2009, 01:34 AM

I am one of the few of my friends who HASN'T had the surgery. EVERYONE looks better. I love the word refreshed. I will have it done after a few other health issues are dealt with. Or maybe I'll just have a full face lift.

ellemenope · 11-04-2009, 01:46 AM

The mother of a friend just had her eyelids done. She was having vision problems, too. She was a little bruised around the eyelids for a little while, but has healed up very nicely. Lucky you to live near the BP Eye Institute! I'd definitely go for it!