My mother had been complaining about consciously seeing a flesh-colored gradation because of her sagging crease on the eyelids. Whenever she applies eyeliner on, it would turn out as if there was no application done. Her worry was that as she would get older, the build-up of skin on that eye area will prompt her to open her eyes more or probably raise her eyebrows just to see. Clearly, this wasn’t plainly about an aesthetic issue.
Looking at the mirror every day, she seemed to focus her gaze on the aging folds on her lids and became genuinely curious on the eyelid surgery called blepharosplasty. This procedure can lift sagging skin around the eyes, decrease bags around the eyes, and diminish eyelid puffiness. See wikipedia page for more information: What is blepharosplasty?
So upon seeing a deal online (PhP 31,000 PhP 8,999), she decided to go for the eyelid surgery at MedAsia Aesthetic Center without batting an eyelash. In full support, I accompanied her to visit Renouve Aesthetic and Wellness Center, a partner of MedAsia, in Timog Avenue, Quezon City on November 8, 2014, Saturday.
Eyelid Surgery at MedAsia Aesthetic Center (Timog Avenue, Quezon City)
Consultation to Examine Patient’s Eligibility
The first step was a consultation with the cosmetic surgeon named Dr. Anthony Joson. He said not everyone is eligible to go through this kind of surgery. The doctor has to see if there would be enough flesh left if ever the excess skin on the lids is removed. He determined that my mom’s case is positive for the treatment and so it was safe for her to proceed.
Dr. Joson also pointed out that the resulting effect of the eyelid surgery may not last for forever since it’s normal for people’s skin to age. As aging continues, there is no stopping the excess skin to reappear on the upper eyelid. But for most people, it lasts for long years. Removal of hooding and upper eyelid skin is a procedure that is performed only once.
Key Takeaways – When to Consider Eyelid Surgery
- If you have excess, hanging skin covering the natural fold of the upper eyelids
- If you have loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids over the eyelashes that impairs your vision
- If your eyelids appear puffy, making your eyes look tired and aged
- If you have deep grooves under your eyes
The "Before" Picture
Preparation – Drawing of Markings
For the second step, Dr. Joson made precise markings to indicate where excess tissues will be removed in the upper eyelids. Anesthesia was injected (no sedation) so my mom won’t feel anything throughout the procedure, otherwise it would be really painful.
I then excused myself from the operating room because I don’t like seeing blood and all kinds of surgery-type things that may cause me to pass out. Hihihi. π I was only called back to the room after 40 minutes when the surgery was done.
The Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Typically in blepharosplasty, the surgeon removes tissue through incisions using surgical instruments, including scalpels, surgical scissors, radiofrequency cutting devices, and sometimes, cutting lasers.
Dr. Joson recounted that he made a small incision across the natural crease of my mom’s upper lids. Through the slits, fat deposits and excess tissue were removed. Incisions were stitched up with dissolvable sutures. Here’s how my mom looked like right after the eyelid surgery:
Aftercare and Recovery
Mom was prescribed medicines to relieve pain and also antibiotics to take for the next seven days. Swelling is expected to become minimal after a week. To reduce swelling, she had to apply cold compress on her eyes and follow the surgeonβs instructions for care. Doing strenuous activities must be avoided.
Also, to protect the eyes from irritation and probably to disguise oneself from going through the surgery (in case you don’t want others to know), wear dark sunglasses. Normal activities can be resumed a week after the eyelid surgery. Scars will be hidden in the natural eyelid creases, making them almost indiscernible.
The stitches were removed on the fourth day. Here’s how my mom looked after:
Wrap Up
I don’t personally know anyone who has gone through the eyelid surgery except for my mom. I thought that sharing her experience will help others who are interested in blepharoplasty know more about it and not feel scared. If you have been wanting to have the excess skin obscuring the natural fold of your eyelids removed, you can consult with a cosmetic surgeon and check if you’re a good candidate.
Mom felt satisfied with the resulting appearance after the eyelid surgery at MedAsia. The hooded skin on her upper lids is now gone, making her appear younger. She’s also happy that she doesn’t anymore experience vision problems related to overhanging eyelids. π
I’ll be posting her picture after a month when recovery is full. She’s applying Contractubex, an effective treatment that promotes the healing process of the skin and reduces scarring from within.
About MedAsia
MedAsia Aesthetic Center is an organization consisting of well-known cosmetic surgeons in the country and the first to offer a formal training program in cosmetic surgery. The center has the aim of contributing to the onset of the medical tourism trend thatβs estimated to be a substantial income-generating business.
MedAsia is backed by seven well-respected cosmetic surgeons in the country who have studied and trained locally and abroad. They are also members of international organizations such as the International College of Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, International Society of Aesthetic Surgery and the Asian Pacific Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
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About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
woah!! tita looks better and I guess doing that kind of surgery would definitely help her in her daily activities… just remember though no strenuous activities and follow the doctor’s instructions… and of course follow through with the meds… ^_^ Have a good one
Thanks! She’d be so happy to hear that. Although she was advised to have no strenuous activities, she still couldn’t help clean and move around the house. But yeah, her addiction to cleaning did minimize a bit for a week. :))
So happy that she was satisfied with the results. She looks great.
Thank you! She’s also very happy that the pain and the cost of it were all paid off. π
I actually have loads of friends how had a double eyelid surgeries (mostly get them done on their late teens/early twenties) but those are purely for aesthetic purposes, of course. They too had been warned that they would have to correct the surgery in around 20 years-time. I’m extremely scared of needles so i don’t think i would ever go under the knife if it’s not health related (like in your mum’s case), thankfully i already have double eyelids even though they’re tapered and not parallel!
Lucky you to have double eyelids! I did hear that a lot of women ask for a double eyelid surgery as they can make you look more beautiful. But I also don’t think I could do it with all the needles and pain. I can’t even imagine the procedure!
Great that she was happy with the surgery! Looks like it turned out pretty well too.
Yes, she’s very satisfied and we’re expecting the result to even get better as the wound heals. π
I don’t think I could ever have surgery by my eyes, other parts yes but not my eyes. I’m glad she loved her results though and was happy.
Me too! I applaud her for the courage she has. No fear at all. π
Wow, she looked younger after the surgery!
A lot of people did notice that. She even asks other people to guess her age and feel so happy that everyone thinks she’s younger than her actual age. π
I would love to have this done as well although I don’t know if I would have enough nerve to go through with it! I hate my eyelids and the difference in your mother’s is incredible.
Well, according to my mom, she didn’t feel any pain during the procedure. So I guess the only solution is to stop imagining the surgery and be brave. (Though I couldn’t do it myself. Hehe)
That’s definitely one of the not-so-fun parts about aging. She looks so refreshed now!
That’s true. No matter how young and active you feel, such physical signs still wouldn’t be able to deny the fact. But she’s so happy that this procedure did make her look younger.
Quick recovery for your mom Roch. I’m sure it would look even better as she recovers.
Thank you! We’re also expecting it to get better while my mom feels so excited about the development. π
She’s a trooper too in trying this out. It’s so nice of you for sharing this experience.
Actually it’s my mom who wanted me to share this! Haha.
I had no idea they had this kind of surgery.. she looks great after it all..
My mom just researched about it as well when she got desperate of wanting to remove the excess skin on her eyelids. Thankfully, the result of the surgery turned out great.
Omg never even knew about eyelid surgery!! Glad she loved the after look π
Yup! She was so excited when she found out about it and more so, a discount on such a procedure. We’re also looking forward to her look as the wound heals more. π
Your mom is a beautiful lady. She looks happy with her results.
Thank you, Erica! And she’s becoming even more beautiful each day now as the scar fades out. π
She looks great after it all, I love posts like this!
Thank you! We all love her new and younger look. π
Congrats to your mom for going through with it, I would have chickened out. I hate pain :(… She looks gorgeous! Now she needs to take out lots of selfies ;)…
Thank you! I also salute her for her bravery in going under such surgery. Pictures and selfies are sure to follow. Haha π
wow. what a difference the surgery made.
Yes! The surgery made her double eyelids show up again like how they were when she was in her younger years. π
My mom had eyelid surgery too: it easily too 10 years off of her. I can tell you, based on her alone, I’ll get it done someday too – totally worth it.
Wow, that’s great! Thumbs up for your bravery that I couldn’t have. Though when that day time comes for me, I guess I’ll have no choice as well. π
Wow, this is pretty interesting, she looks great!!
Thanks, Michelle! She’d be glad to know that. π
My mother actually thought about having this surgery. She never actually went through with it, but she talked an awful lot about having it done.
My mom also talked about it a lot before finally deciding to get it done. Fortunately, she found a discount on such a procedure that made her really pursue it. π
Wow! That made a big difference! So glad she is happy with how it turned out.
Yup, it did. We’re very satisfied with the result that would even get better as the scar disappears over time. π
I love that she looked a lot better and its just more appealing. Sulit! Thanks for the share. I had no idea such thing was even possible.
Yes, super sulit! I actually wasn’t expecting a lot when she told me about the procedure, but now that I saw the result, I’m also amazed as to how great she looks after.
My mom had this surgery done about a year ago. She had great results.
That’s great! We’re also anticipating the result on my mom as the wound heals more. π
What an informative article! You can definitely tell a difference with the before / after photos. It’s good to know there are options out there – especially when her eyelids were impacting her vision.
Yes, this procedure did not only make her look more beautiful but it also helped her finish her daily activities. No more disturbing sagging eyelids for mom! π
She is courageous. I’m not sure I would have gone.
She is, indeed. And I’m admiring her more each day. π
Wow this is so interesting! Looks great on your mom!!
Thank you! Fortunately, it turned out great for her. π
ahhh so scary! i don’t know if i would want to see pictures of myself getting the surgery done. i’m so freaked out at looking at blood. it looks great though.. and pretty much everyone in korea gets it done. π
Same here! She even wanted me to take a video of the procedure for her to watch after. Eek! But thankfully, the surgery made her look younger and more beautiful. π
First time to know this eyelid surgery. Hoping for the best…for your mother and her early recovery. Nowadays, this is just a normal thing maybe. Also, nice to know this MedAsia.
Thanks! Several beauty enhancement procedures are already being introduced and offered in the Philippines as they get accepted more by the public with a more affordable price. But yes, especially in Korea, these kinds of surgeries are considered normal already. π
It sure made a big difference. I am a scaredy-cat when it comes to going through things like that. π
Yes, her double eyelids appeared again that were present when she was younger. And this is a must-celebrate event for her especially since the sagging skin is already gone. π
Amazing huge difference with the before and after photo of your mom. Looks like she’s happy with the outcome of the surgery. I think i should recommend medasia with my dad too.
Yes, very happy and satisfied! Even with the pain after the surgery, she wasn’t complaining because the result has been great anyway. π Let the doctor check your dad’s condition first if the procedure can be performed on him. Good luck! π
Ah I do not think I could get do that. I nearly had a panic attack just looking at the pictures.
Same here! I can’t stand all the blood especially the surgery is near the eye part. Oh no. Haha
I can’t even imagine getting my eyelids done. I am very funny about my eyes.
I was actually the one scared for mom because I also don’t think I can handle the knife and all the blood. But I guess a person can do anything just to look better and feel more comfortable about themselves. π
Wow the results are already great. Once she is all healed i bet she is going to look amazing.
Yup! The scar is actually not that noticeable now since it just looks like a part of her eyelids. But of course, we still anticipate a better result when the scar completely disappears.
I am glad your mom’s surgery went well. You can definitely tell the difference!
Thanks! We’re also very thankful that the surgery and results are paying off. π
Hi Kirstin! Is it ok to use this surgery with uneven eyelids?
Hello! I think the surgery can correct it but it still depends on the doctor’s advice. Try asking for a consultation first to know what you can do about it. Good luck! π
She looks great. I know that surgery can be scary I have had a number of procedures and but I have always been happy with the results.
Wow, that’s so brave of you! I actually can’t imagine myself going under such surgery but if the results would be great like how it turned out on you and my mom, then I guess I’d only hesitate a bit. π
First time to hear this kind of surgery. Good thing your mom is recovering now. Yes, contractubex is effective and I hope the healing process will be fast.
In about a month’s time of continuous healing and reduction of scars, I guess the appearance will be back to original (like in her younger years). π
Your mother looks so beautiful so you tell her to stop worrying about her aging she is adorable! She is a brave one for going through with the surgery and looks happy with the results!
Yup, she has a brave heart no doubt. I can’t imagine myself going through the same. Thanks for your comment. I’m sure she will appreciate it! π
I agree, your mom does look younger now. I kept on looking at the before and after photos.
Thanks, Mauie! She’s aging beautifully.
Wow! Kudos to your mom for having the courage to go through this surgery! And to think that you found the deal on the internet… I myself would be a little wary. But I’m sure glad everything went really well. Research and resolve is really needed to go through something like blepharosplasty. π
On the other hand, I actually have somewhat hooded lids so thanks for sharing about this. I might have to go through blepharosplasty too or something similar when the time comes. Crossing my fingers that I won’t have to though. Haha! XD The thought of getting incisions on my lids sends shivers down my spine. >.<
Anyway, wishing your mom a fast recovery! π Excited to see her "after" photo! ^^
After she has gone through the surgery, she had found another clinic offering the same procedure. It was confirmed that the regular price of the operation won’t be below PhP 30,000. Hence it was proven that she had a great deal indeed.
Haha yeah you might consider this one but maybe not for now. You look very young and pretty as you are. π I’m also crossing my fingers as I think I won’t be able to handle the thought even.
Thanks, Sumi!
What an interesting procedure. Glad it helped her!
Yeah, she has been watching lots of videos of the procedure uploaded on YouTube. At last, she met this deal that saved her trouble.
Are you planning also to do a similar procedure? Though I think your eyes are already pretty enough.
Haha thanks, Franc. Nope, I’m not thinking of doing it–at least, my answer is a big NO at this point in time (and hopefully still in the future).
I don’t know anyone that has done this surgery. Your mom looks great. I can see were it would benefit some as far as eye sight goes. Thanks for sharing.
Not a lot of people here in our area goes through eyelid surgery and I think that only a few know about it as well. May this post serve as an eye-opener (well, not literally) and bring educational info based on my mom’s firsthand experience. You’re welcome! π
Looks good after four days! Yes, the drooping upper lids can be a problem not only aesthetically, but also with the function of the eye. The big price drop would have scared me (too good to be true), but you just proved the opposite.
Yeah it’s good to share this kind of success story for those who are afraid or those who hesitate to do it.
I never thought that there were eyelid issues that can affect your eyesight like this. The thought of having surgery done on or around the eye scares me…I am glad your Mom’s turned out well. I remember when my Mom had Lasik eye surgery, and I was so paranoid that she was going to go blind, but she said it was one the best things to happen to her.
My mom also wants to have her eyes be lasered through Lasik eye surgery but after consultation with the doctor, we found that she’s not yet a good candidate for it. So no matter how badly she thinks she needs it, she just have to be more patient with wearing her spectacles to read (and also finding it whenever it gets lost). π
Ohhh my gosh, so scary! I would be too afraid to do something like this. I would have loved to see fully healed before and after pictures, side by side to compare.
Oh yes, I’ll do that soon and note the update at the bottom of the blog post. π
As they say, no pain…no gain. Sometimes, we have to undergo such kind of tedious process to achieve that perfect look we wanted for ourselves. If only the fountain of youth is real…
Exactly. I remember watching “Death Becomes Her” before. It’s a movie that centers on a love story featuring a kind of potion that makes people young but a deadly one that lengthens your life to the point that even makes one immortal for eternity haha. I won’t like that kind of extreme effect.
Glad to see that the surgery went ok. I was initially doubtful due to the huge discount of the procedure but it went well. Cheers for a great recovery to your mom and hoping it won’t go back to the point that you would consider doing this again. π
Yup, even I myself would be dubious as to what type of surgery effect since the discount was too high. We’re all happy that it turned out well anyway. π Thanks, Allen! See you again soon.
It’s actually my first time to hear about eyelid surgery. It only takes a short while to recover from this kind of surgery. Your mom looks happy!
Yup, it’s not even a month since it was done yet the result is evidently good. π
I’m sure she’s back to normal now like nothing happened.
Yup, actually some of our friends and relatives have already noticed. Now the stitches are gone and even the marks. π
I am afraid to go under the knife. Kudos to your mom for having the courage. She looks younger on the after photo.
Hehe thanks, Mommy Levy! She’s really a strong and brave woman. Everyone who knows her know that, so there’s no second-guessing that she’ll withstand the pain on this one. π
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