Eyelid surgery

[Hannahbanana76]

So I had blepharoplasty surgery (upper eyelids) due to significant sagging. I'm 50. The operation was 5 months ago.

I am really unhappy with the results. My eyelids look no better than they did before. I actually think they look worse. I've asked close friends and family, and they agree with me.

My sister had the procedure done a few years ago and hers looked amazing (and still do).

I've contacted the surgeon on several occasions and was told that I needed to manage my expectations (I did - I wasn't expecting miracles, just an improvement). At first he was telling me that it would take time to settle but I'm no longer convinced this is the case.

It was expensive, and I had to take time off work. I am really upset that I have wasted time and money.

Where do I stand?

Pictures? I think it’s the only way to really tell?

I really don't feel comfortable putting up pictures.

I don't need to ask others their opinion on how bad/good the surgery was - I know it's not good. I want to know what my options are.

Well you will have signed endless disclaimers I’m sure however you can ask for a consultation and see if they can do a revision.

Well surely if you have before and after pictures it's easy enough to demonstrate that there has been little or no improvement, given the significant 'settling down' period? I'd just keep on at him and say that you'll take it further with whatever is the professional standards body for this sort of thing if he doesn't agree to re-do it.

And of course you can leave reviews for surgeons these days and the photos will speak for themselves.

Are you sure you didn’t actually need Ptosis surgery not upper blepharoplasty?
Ptosis is where they move the muscle on the eye lid to allow the eyes to open wider.

What is your surgeon's revision policy?

I would have a consultation with another surgeon.

Thanks for your replies.

I'll have a good read through the docs/contract I was sent by email - I should have done that already really but I was avoiding doing it for some reason - possibly because I've found the whole thing so bloody anxiety inducing and upsetting. I had looked forward to it for so long....and saved up!

I thought getting some opinions on here would be a good start in prepping myself for what may end up being a battle. Such a shame because I had every faith in him as as a surgeon. The before and after pics he showed me at my consultation were very impressive.

I've not heard of that procedure Applepencilplant, I'll have a look into it.

Double check his policy and put your concerns in writing, with photos.

Be approachable and factual eg don't say 'it's shit' but 'unfortunately there is no visible improvement'

Point out anything that was promised at your initial consultations.

Include
Photo A before
Photo B after

It could be:

1. their technique
2. your results haven't settled yet
3. the quality of your skin
4. body dysmorphia

Thanks MyPetLip,

I've had a read through the docs, and I've got my pics taken.

It could be 1, 2, or 3 from your options but certainly not 4. I'm actually quite confident about how I look, and have never been overly concerned about minor flaws, or general aging. It was just that my eyelids had aged disproportionately with the rest of my face.

My eyelids have somehow re-sagged after surgery but look even worse because they look unnatural now as well, if that makes sense (not consistent/even across the eyelids, and asymmetrical in sagging).

I'm going to try and get an appointment to see him again.

Thank you for your advice.

I think any reasonable surgeon who had a patient unhappy with the result - would offer a further consultation.

Interestingly my blepharoplasty isn’t as good as I hoped - but in my case because I have gained weight.

Also conversely, in extreme Slimming World photos (I found it unsustainable) many of the people look as though they have had a blepharoplasty (they haven’t) - but due to notable weight loss in the upper eye area.

I would get an appointment to see your Surgeon. Has he seen you or just had a discussion with you over the phone or by email? He should see you in person. I would also have a consultation with another Surgeon just to get an opinion. If you are able to give a rough idea of your location, Posters might be able to give you a recommendation. I had an upper Blepharoplasty ten years ago and loved the results.

I should have mentioned I included 4) but of course didn't think it was that!

I need a revision for an elective surgery and thankfully my surgeon agrees - I'd have not been impressed if he'd fobbed me off.

Wishing you the best - it's very disheartening to say the least to spent so much money, go through recovery and be so disappointed.

Some surgeons have huge egos and simply won't be wrong.

But do present him with the facts and go from there!

Thank you MyPetLip - yes, it is very disheartening. I'll do my best to get it resolved one way or another.

I should imagine you're right about the egos!

It's encouraging to know your surgeon is happy to revise if it's not right! It sounds like you've got a good one. I hope it all goes well for you.