Eyelid Rejuvenation

Posted Thursday, September 13, 2007 to PATIENT STORIES > Face

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Plastic surgical consultant Gail Foster Zanville gives a personal account of her eye surgery.

I'm a plastic surgical consultant so cosmetic surgery is my business.When my own skin under my eyes became puffy and friends commented on how tired I looked at the age of 48, I decided to have eye surgery.

My father's side of the family all had puffy eyes, so it seems I was destined to have puffy bottom lids, little fat pockets which made me look tired all the time. My upper lids were hooded but that didn't really bother me. The puffiness did and I knew it was time to do something about it.

I've worked with patients undergoing cosmetic surgery for 25 years, so I knew the different procedures available for my problem. There were three for me to choose from:

1. Transconjunctival Removal which is like liposuction of the eye-removing the fat pads that cause the puffiness.
2. Arcus Marginalis Release is a method of repositioning the fat and redistributing it to create a smoother appearance.
3. A combination of both procedures.

Even for me it was confusing and difficult to make a decision. Technically I knew what the different procedures were and also the benefits of each.

I went through the consultation process like everyone else and found out that removing the fat for my particular anatomy and age would be detrimental. In fact, I visited three doctors who each wanted to take a different approach.

One doctor recommended not to take the fat out, reasoning that as the fat can't be replaced, any hollows that formed would be irreversible. It was still tempting because if I had the fat removed I could be back to my normal life within seven days because there are no incisions. However, if I did what my heart and head told me to do it would mean a four week recovery with a lot of bruising and swelling.

After much consideration, I decided not to have any fat removed. In making this decision I first tried to figure out what would give me the optimum result and chose the surgeon through that decision. I also decided to have some skin removed from my upper eyelids at the same time.

I was hesitant and nervous during the decision making process. I would go to a consultation and think to myself, "I'll just get information, I don't really have to do it." Once I'd chosen the surgeon, scheduled the operation and there was only a month to wait, I was not nervous anymore - just excited.

A week before the scheduled surgery, I really hated the appearance of my eyes. I looked so tired I was really looking forward to finally doing something about it. I was ready. The theory is: the earlier you have cosmetic surgery, as soon as problems start to show (within reason), the better the long term results because the elasticity and tone of the skin decreases substantially year by year. I took homeopathic preparations, such as Arnica Montana, to minimize swelling and bruising. Since I don't smoke or drink, I didn't have to change my lifestyle dramatically.

The morning of the surgery I washed my face and hair. I saw the doctor before surgery and he marked my eyes. I'd already spoken to the anesthetist the night before.

The surgery was 3 1/2 hours so it was quite a long procedure - but the recovery was longer! I slept the first night and was lucky enough to have my husband helping me. I didn't take any pain medication as there was no sharp pain; an uncomfortable feeling, soreness and tightness. I continued with the Arnica and kept putting ice packs on my eyes. The doctor recommended ice packs for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, for the first 24-48 hours. I kept using the ice for the first 3-4 days because I felt it soothed my eyes and that I was being proactive to promote my healing. I slept in an elevated position and spent a lot of time in a reclining chair during my recovery period.

I didn't have bandages on my eyes, but during surgery ointment was inserted in my eyes so for the first few days my sight was blurry. I was also tired for the first couple of days; I just wanted to keep closing my eyes and rest. My eye area was very bruised and swollen and even after 2 weeks when I left the house, I was still swollen and bruised but able to apply make-up.

It was after about four weeks I started to feel normal and like my old self again. It was about 2-3 months later that the final results were apparent. My result looks very natural. When I don't have makeup on and close my eyes I can see a tiny incision in the crease of my upper eyelid. Before surgery my right eye was more puffy than my left eye and more than a year later I can see some asymmetry. Some lateral puffiness, which a revision will smooth out, was always a possibility from the beginning.

I have achieved the result I wanted - when I get up in the morning, whether I have makeup on or not, I look much better and not nearly as tired. My eyes are still small and the shape hasn't changed which was important for me. I have my father's eyes and I wanted to see them in my reflection. I didn't want to change the way I look, I just wanted to look fresher and not so tired. And I do!

Considering Cosmetic Surgery

Gail Foster Zanville is a consultant and referral source for people considering plastic and/or reconstructive surgery. She has 23 years of experience as a former operating room 1st assistant and in-house consultant for some of the most prestigious plastic surgeons in the Beverly Hills area. In comprehensive, personal consultations, Gail educates her clients individually.

• How to choose a surgeon
• All facets of pre/post operative instruction
• Emotional & physical aftermath of surgery
• Board certified Plastic Surgeon referrals
• Doctors consultation fees waived

Plastic Surgery Consultants of Los Angeles - 310 280 9925

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