Here’s what I used to totally cover up my major black eye:

Mine was done in the surgeon‘s office. The only discomfort was the local anesthesia. The stitches were annoying but not painful. They came out in a week. In two weeks I was totally healed although my eyelashes were numb for a long time. Odd sensation but nothing to worry about. I’m so glad I did it.

I had my uppers and lowers done in 2003 in the surgeon's office under general anesthesia (IV in the arm). I don't know how long it took me to come around, but I don't think it was long. I awoke with no pain at all. My daughter took me home and stayed with me overnight. It was sore like a bruise if I touched my face, but otherwise the discomfort was very minimal. I think I took a vicodin or two that day but nothing after that. I naturally bruise very easily so I had plenty of bruising. Swelling was minimal. The stitches itched after a couple of days and then they were out. With some good concealer and dark glasses, you can venture out to take a walk or run short errands in a few days. I felt fine. Two weeks later I was pretty much good to go. It was worth every penny.

I was not nervous at all leading up to surgery. I had such horrendous under-eye bags and the prospect of getting rid of them made me happy, not nervous. You'll do great.

I had mine in 2005. Lynn and Bunny have given great advice. I would add stop taking any fish oil supplements or eating food high in vitamin K, as well as aspirin, as they can thin the blood. Fresh pineapple has healing power so stock up with some to eat, and many people swear by arnica tablets.

Your doctor will likely give you salves to put on your eyes at night and during the day. Be religious about those and any drops. If you have some itching after a couple of days, take a Benadryl. It will make you sleepy but will stop the itch. And you could use the sleep. I bruise easily too, but it wasn’t bad. After the stitches are out you doctor can tell you when it is ok to wear makeup and the concealer should be fine.

Yes, I forgot about stopping aspirin, etc. for a while and also took arnica, on the recommendation of the doctor. Still I bruised. :) I took photos of myself every day post surgery. I don't remember applying anything topically afterwards, but it's possible there was a salve. I had surgery on a Tuesday and the stitches came out on Saturday. Was I ever ready for that!

I had upper bleph and I also had an eyebrow lift so i had stitches in my scalp-that area is still a bit numb after all these years, but you cannot see a scar at all. I don't bruise easily so I avoided having major black eyes, but I did get a bit swollen.

Because I had the face lift (that's what they called it!) my surgery was done at the hospital with general anesthesia. My swelling went down pretty quickly, I was only off work a couple days-but again, my surgery was more than just my eyelids.

I do recall my lids being itchy but I stayed out of the sun and avoided rubbing them. Once the stitches were out and the swelling down it was literally like night and day-not only did I look so much better, I could see so much better. I had to get a new prescription for my eyeglasses! No more headaches from trying to hold my eyebrows up so I could see.

I didn't do anything special ahead of time, just followed my doctors advice.

I have a few friends that had uppers done and insurance paid because drooping upper lids affected their vision. I think there's more bruising when lowers are involved. I wanted my lowers done and only had minimal work done on uppers because I wanted an overall balanced look.

My surgeon gave me one of those gel ice packs. I slept with that on my eyes for two or three nights. I think I stood some Ambien so I slept soundly and didn’t toss. I pretty much stayed inside for the first week. Once the stitches were out I went out with sunglasses. Covermark is a great product for covering bruises. Mine were gone except for one small mark after two weeks. Good luck. You’ll be fine.

Boy, I would love to have this surgery. Maybe next winter when I won't care about going out. Sometimes, the before and after don't seem all that different to me and I worry about finding a really excellent surgeon-not easy to ask people who they used, don't ya know. So, if anyone can recommend someone in the northern VA, DC, MD area, I would be thrilled!

You will be so happy once you have gotten this done!

My opthalmologist says I will be a candidate when my right upper eye lid droops a bit more, to match the left. She said insurance will cover it. I will spring for the lowers.

Thank you so much for all the advice! My insurance would pay for it, EXCEPT my deductible is so high, that it will come out of pocket. Maybe I will need something else this year that insurance will cover..... I bought one of those triangular sit up pillows for the first few nights. Another friend wore her glasses to sleep, so in case that she went to rub or scratch her eyes, she didn't. That is one thing that I am more worried about, the itching. I will keep you posted.

The itching is only after a few days, before the stitches come out. Once they're out, it's smooth sailing.

I am just starting to research this very seriously. Does the original OP have any feedback?

thanks

I am a month past surgery. I think everyone heals differently. I am either still a little swollen or think that they didn't take enough off. I am still massaging the scar line, and should do that up to my next appointment in two weeks. I will keep you posted. The surgery was a breeze and not painful at all.

Thank you I have been following this and I'm glad to have a report back. Great that the surgery was a breeze and that you are okay. Hope your concern resolves itself in the swelling going down! Let us know how your appointment goes.

Just revisiting this thread as I recover from upper and lower eyelid surgery done yesterday. Iced all day after the procedure yesterday. My right eye is more swollen than the left. Just itchy and dry right now. I bought some derma blend at Ulta so I can venture out late next week.

I had serious bags and droopiness so I will be anxious to see my results.

I am in/near Naples FL and the doctor is a Boston based surgeon who has an office in this area as well.

Cmm, you will be so happy you did it! First week is the hardest because the stitches are annoying, but youll be fine.

Just an update on my upper and lower eyelid surgery. It took almost two weeks for a dark bruise to fade under my right eye. It was much worse than the left eye. . I used derma blend to cover it and a brand Of concealer called Hard Candy that I got from Wal Mart that worked very well for half the price.

Have to say I am very pleased with my lowers. My uppers are still a bit pink and swollen. I will notice the most difference when I see a picture of myself. I had gotten to the point where I wouldn’t allow anyone to take my picture.