My Eye Job: Reflections
RobinWolaner
Posted: Sep 30, 07 2:17pm Part Five: ReflectionsIt is hard to justify an eye lift financially. Mine, without counting the cost of the EKG and the ophthalmology exam that were required cost $6,500; both doctors were about the same price. Insurance doesn't cover the surgery except in rare cases when vision is obscured by drooping skin. If I had just done my lower lids, the cost would have been lowered by about $2000. The price covered the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and the operating room. If I had wanted to stay overnight or required nursing assistance beyond a couple of hours in the recovery room, it would have been more. I probably spent $300 on other "stuff": single-dose eye drops (at fifteen bucks/box I am now on my fifth box); pain medications and sleeping pills; prescription sunglasses (since I normally wear contacts, I didn't own a pair of prescription sunglasses, and needed these for both eye protection and vanity).
Seven weeks into this, I am starting to see the promised land. My right eye looks like it did about 15 years ago. But the left is still swollen, bruised and looking much like the bags I wanted to remove. There have been some funny and positive episodes: a friend and I went to a crowded restaurant within a week of my surgery. There was a long line for tables, but when I lifted my sunglasses to ask the hostess, she immediately seated us. I still have better eyesight than before the surgery, although my surgeon says that won't last. And taking Valium for the first week post-op to help me sleep gave me freedom from hot flashes. I now find waiting in lines at stores more entertaining as I look at other women and try to guess if they have had their eyes done. There is no denying my timing was awful. Undergoing cosmetic surgery while engaged in the launch of my company was foolish, and I hate being foolish. So what would I have done differently: Arnica before Surgery. Friends later told me they took it pre-surgery to avoid bruising. My doctor says there's no proof to support that claim but even if it did nothing, I would have felt I tried everything. A Third Opinion: I would feel like my choice of surgeon was more thorough rather than just picking one because I didn't like the other. Expect the Worst, Hope for the Best: Going in with a more realistic view would have made recovery less worrisome. So, knowing what I know now, would I do it all over again? Yes, but with the changes I've noted throughout this story. If my left eye does get to the same condition as my right -- it's hard to have faith in that right now -- I will no longer wince at my bags when I see a photo. If it doesn't, my "yes" will become an "absolutely not." I'll report back. What I Wish I'd Known...Everything in this series Have Something to Say? | ADVERTISEMENT  |
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Posted: Oct 1, 07 5:21am
Wow---I had a basal cell carcinoma sitting between my right eye and eyebrow, and didn't do any research. Just went to the plastic surgeon the dermatologist sent me to. He did both sides to make sure I'd come out of it symmetrical. I knew I'd be bruised because I'd seen the results of one of my aunts' elective surgery. I was totally surprised and delighted that I hardly bruised at all, and took about 3 days to recover. THis from the work of a little podunk central Texas plastic surgeon who was in my husband's Biochemistry class only 8 years ago.
Lucky me!
Posted: Oct 1, 07 6:29am
Having my first "Eye Job" in December but it is to remove a cataract in my left eye. It will be great to see clearly again!
Posted: Oct 25, 08 4:17pm
Older,
I've had lens put in both eyes. They both work great. You will be able to see streetsigns after dark. I had very little discomfort after the first one. Went to work the next day. Could see without glasses. only needed reading glasses. Then the second one a couple years later. Different Dr. The first one stopped taking my medical insurance. TRI-CARE. It went well. That was about 8 years ago. I still need glasses only to read and drive at night.
Posted: Oct 1, 07 9:40am
gf,
you will love your look in 3 months-u look great now! i can see your upper lids that i couldn't see on ur pre-op photos-
i adored my eye lift-it really lifted me-i got my eyes back and i've always liked my eyes...
you've learned what we all learn when we go to plastic surgeon-don't believe their recovery time frame-they all under evaluate this aspect because they want us to think 'oh good, in 6 weeks i'll be so cute...'
nope, more like 3 to 6 months...
Posted: Oct 1, 07 9:41am
also remember this-you are a bruiser...some are, some aren't...next time, u'll be better prepared...i know, i know, you'll likely saying, 'there will be no next time....' let's talk in 3 years..:-))
Posted: Oct 1, 07 1:25pm
Thanks for the most candid approach to cosmetic surgery I have ever read. I sit in front of the mirror at the hairdresser's and pull the skin back to my ears and wonder how I would look without the pouches under my eyes. Your surgery snapshots, however, have added 10 years to any tentative timeline I might have had in my head about having any procedure done...
Posted: Oct 1, 07 1:58pm
robin,
first, congratulations on a clean bill of general health. and thanks so much for sharing this very personal experience in such an eloquent and helpful way.
your sage advice and recommendations regarding research are invaluable, and your personal insights and struggles make this story both useful and moving.
i've thought many times about the eyelift procedure and only budget prevents me. if the opportunity should present itself i will certainly consider all you've shared in this superb piece.
again, thank you.
Posted: Oct 1, 07 2:12pm
Robin, I think you know that it was your review of Nora Ephron's "I Feel Bad About My Neck" that brought me to Keep on Growing and then to TEEBEEDEE. I continue to be amazed and inspired by your ability to say so clearly what lots of people are feeling. And your willingness to share this personal adventure with the public is awe-inspiring. You are truly amazing.
There is so much misinformation out there about procedures like yours which makes these 5 pieces even more of a gift.
I think it is also important for successful, powerful women to speak frankly about the desire to have such surgery. This is the only way we will weed out the cranks and the crackpot procedures.
Thanks for being such a wonderful leader on this issue.
Posted: Oct 1, 07 3:53pm
Thanks Robin for sharing all of this. You provided what is missing. Not everyone is going to go through it exactly the same. But no one tells you all of what you could go through...regarding any procedure, and they know.
Sure you have to go through it, but I think that I would've really freaked out and given up hope if I had seen what you saw on the second day. And the pain meds and their reactions.
I think that you have really provided a wonderful service to people by sharing your experience in the way that you did.
But I'm really pleased with your outcome so far, I think that you look great!
Posted: Oct 1, 07 6:06pm
Robin, You look terrific! My story parallels yours but I had my surgery in April. Six months later I finally feel pretty good about my eyes. I do have a tiny pucker at the corner of one eye. I'm sure my surgeon would be glad to "do a revision". I'm just not sure I can stand the thought of the knife again!
I do the same thing as you ... I check out everyone's eyes for signs of surgery. Either eye surgery is much more prevalent than I imagined or my eyes after surgery look more natural than I thought. I do feel better about my appearance and that was the whole purpose.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I wish I could have read your story before I had the surgery.
Posted: Oct 1, 07 9:58pm
Robin, I am at the tail end of the baby boom, have a few years before this topic comes up, so don't yet know whether it will be in my future. I appreciate your candid, personal account and the info/advice shared here. And you look great... in both pictures.
Posted: Oct 2, 07 9:55am
Robin,
I couldn't help but reflect on my own experience as I read your story. I had the surgery for the bottom of my eyes (not also the top) and while I remember all those feelings of did I make a mistake...I was on the much luckier end of the recovery curve.
I definitely remember thinking...am I really this vain?
I look back now and would definitely do it again. I LOVE feeling good about myself and if a little eye surgery makes looking in the mirror more pleasant than so be it. I spent a lot of years in my life, denying myself things that would be good for me.
Your after pictures look amazing! I am so happy you would do it again...I have aboslute faith that it will only look better.
You are truly special to share your story. That is NOT vanity. Thank you.
Posted: Oct 2, 07 12:49pm
Now that you opened yourself up to our comments about your vanity project I highly recommend that you get your eyebrows professionally shaped it will open up your eyes and flatter your face, those unshapen brows are doing nothing for your gorgeous bag free young eyes.
A terrific modern haircut from a top salon is the cost of getting older and wanting to look good. You have gone this far finish the makeover, it will help you look more contemporary; a top salon will give you a more flattering cut and multi-tonal chestnut hair coloring.
I find it very fascinating what bothers people about their personal appearance. What I saw in your eyes was an intelligent soulful interesting looking women, I did not see the "bags".
Now go get your eyebrows shaped ;-)
Have fun you look Great!
Posted: Oct 3, 07 7:08pm
I think your eyebrows look great, Robin!
Posted: Oct 3, 07 8:10pm
Your eyebrows suit your eyes and look natural. Don't become one of those women with overly-groomed or pencil-thin brows. Your hair looks terrific, too. Those multi-tonal color jobs never look natural. I say slap on your favourite brassiere, slash on some bright red lipstick, and go spend that high-maintenance money on having fun with friends instead of props.
Thanks for sharing your story. I bet after a whole year has gone by everything will even out. The human body is incredibly resilient.
Posted: Oct 3, 07 8:49pm
Each of us has our own view of what looks good on us and what doesn't. Do what works for you. Some of us are more comfortable wearing lots of makeup -some of us prefer none. Robin, you decided to do this surgery which many of us applaud you for and others probably think you were nuts. Same holds true for eye brows, makeup, lipstick, highheels, etc. Let's try to support each other in doing what feels good for us and not make judgments one way or the other. I think what all of these posts have prooven is that the old stereotypes are simply not valid anymore. Robin, do your eyebrows or not - whichever feels best. Don't let any of us talk you into or out of that.
Posted: Oct 4, 07 12:25pm
Please don't misinterpret what I meant, I did not say for her to become artificially groomed,
Some normal grooming of the eyebrows and a modern better hair color and cut goes a long way to making you look better and "natural".
Robin invested a small fortune to change her looks; I find it interesting that you all commend her for doing this, but you are calling basic stuff like more contemporary haircut and better dye job and a naturally shaped eyebrow "unnatural" looking!
Sorry but unlined, unwrinkled skin and colored hair on a 50 something year old women are never "natural" looking.
Being well groomed and taking care of your face on a daily basis is not less natural then plastic surgery.
We live in a crazy mixed up world if you think cosmetic surgery could ever be "natural".
Posted: Oct 2, 07 11:52pm
Mine didn't turn out so well
Posted: Oct 4, 07 9:19am
Would you like to elaborate on that, Debyandrus?
Posted: Oct 14, 07 4:53pm
Hi Robin,
Just want to say you look great ! I admire you sharing your experience with all of us. I know when I was interested in a procedure, I couldn't read enough about it. I always found the clean, aesthetic, version of the procedure, usually from the physician's perspective. It's refreshing to hear and see it from the patients perspective. It does take a solid 6 months before can truly appreciate any cosmetic procedure.