This blade-free eyelid procedure reduces loose skin and fatty tissue around the eyes and addresses lower eye bags and hooding of the upper eyelids that commonly develops with age. Droopy eyelids can often result in tired looking eyes that can add years to your age. If you have droopy, sagging eyelids, iLidlift is an effective procedure that will rejuvenate your appearance. Check out Marilyn’s Pre-upper-iLidLift consultation with Dr. Bense.
Pre-upper-iLidLift Consultation
One of our very own Patient Care Coordinators, Marilyn, shares her day-to-day journey over the course of her upper-iLidLift™ transformation. My journey begins with a consult with Dr. Bense and Kristine R.N. to verify if I was a candidate for the procedure. Great news, I am a candidate! I am now on my way to having my surgery. Now to look through dates to book my big day.
December 10th, 2014 is my surgery date. I now have to get my surgery work up. My pre-procedure is done with Allison, a patient care coordinator. During my pre-procedure, Allison went through my consent form, answered all my questions, took my ‘before’ photos, discussed the surgery protocol, and reviewed my prescription and post-care instructions.
With my pre-procedure now complete I have two more appointments remaining, one for pre-procedure Botox and my eye exam. Kristine R.N. did my Botox and I am happy to say it was quite comfortable. I understand that Botox can take up to 2 weeks to have its full effect. So I am now looking forward to seeing the results of my Botox, as well.
My third and final surgery work up appointment is my eye exam. This appointment was completed at Bense Optical and Optometry with Dr. Jonathan Bense, where he did a full eye exam. With my surgery work up complete I am now looking forward to December 10th, 2014 more than ever!
Day of Surgery
December 10th, 2014 – it’s here! I arrived at Bense SurgiSpa and was greeted by Anne, a patient care coordinator. She then proceeded to show me into a private room where I was to change. Once I had changed into my procedure outfit, Jackie, an aesthetic technician entered to prepare me for my surgery and gave me a glass of water to take my meds. I was now ready to see Dr. Michael Bense.
Upon entering the O.R. I felt comfortable and relaxed. There was music playing and there was a number of smiling faces to take care of me. I was hooked up to a blood pressure cuff and an oxygen monitor for safety reasons. Dr. Bense then positioned me to start and proceeded to administer the local anesthesia (similar to the dentist) to freeze the area. I am happy to report that Jackie, the aesthetic technician held my hand from start to finish.
I have to say I was amazed at how easy the procedure was. I remember saying to Dr. Bense at one point “that’s it” and he jokingly replied, “when you’re good, you’re good.” Personally, I think Dr. Bense is the best! With over 20 years experience and thousands of surgeries complete, I am happy to say that the decision to have my procedure with Dr. M. Bense was the easiest decision I ever made. I would recommend having a procedure done with Dr. Bense to anyone.
Post upper-iLidLift Care and Recovery
With my surgery complete I was then off to recovery. Mardi, an aesthetic technician was there to take care of me and had the recovery room all set up with cold compresses and a warm blanket. I relaxed in recovery for approximately 30 minutes before getting ready to go home. The staff took great care of me and helped me in every way possible. I was now ready to head home and begin my road to recovery.
My husband was there to pick me up and drive me home, as you are unable to drive yourself immediately after the procedure. The staff gave my husband the after hours number when we were leaving in case he needed to contact Dr. Bense. Once I arrived home I got ice and cold compresses together and settled in for a nice winter’s nap. My day was full of ice, cold compresses, movies, comfort food and being waited on. Personally, I think this is a great way to spend my day off. I had a little trouble sleeping on my back in the night time, since I am a side sleeper, however being propped up on two pillows really helped.
One day post-procedure, I am a little swollen and have a small bruise under my right eye. My post-care instructions stated that I could take Tylenol as needed, however, I was feeling great. No discomfort or pain at all. I have my one-day check-up today at 9:00 am with Jackie, an aesthetic technician. During my check-up, Jackie cleaned the area, reviewed my post-care instructions, and took my photos. I was then seen by Dr. Bense and Kristine R.N. and the area was assessed. With my check-up complete, I was back home to relax with my ice and cold compresses.
Two days post-procedure and I am doing/feeling great. Back to work today wearing a pair of sunglasses when needed. I just have to remember that I am not allowed to bend forward, and no heavy lifting. I thought I might be limited with the time I was able to work on a computer, which might be a little challenging since 95% of my work is computer based. I was extremely surprised that I was able to do a full days work, including my computer, with no issues.
Three days post-procedure and I realized there were a number of things I had to do around my house. Grocery shopping was the first chore on my to-do list. So with sunglasses in one hand and a grocery list in the other, I headed out to do some shopping. I thought I might get a couple of funny looks and maybe a stare or two, but I am very happy to report that not one person gave me a second look. Going to the grocery store with a pair of sunglasses on must be the newest fashion statement in Newfoundland!
Four days post-procedure and I am really starting to see the difference. I look amazing, my husband told me that it is looking great. I can not believe how quick I am healing from my surgery. The swelling is down and the bruise under my right eye is starting to fade. Today is going to another busy day, I have to start decorating for Christmas. Most of the lifting and bending will be done by my husband, but I will be there to supervise.
Five days post-procedure and I am thrilled with my results. I am at work today, without my sunglasses. Other than my stitches and a little bruise under my right eye, which Kristine R.N. helped me to cover, no one would know I had surgery only 5 days earlier. All of the patients are telling me how great I look, and are very surprised at how quickly I am healing after the procedure. I would recommend having this surgery to anyone. In fact, I think I have a patient or two considering.
Six days post-procedure, I love my eyes! Every morning I see an improvement and I couldn’t be happier. I am now only two days from getting my stitches out and three days from wearing make-up. I have to remember to pick up a new eyeliner, mascara, concealer, and press powder, just as a precaution. With Christmas just around the corner, I will be definitely looking forward to wearing my make-up.
Seven days post-procedure, I have to say that I am a true believer. We tell our surgery patients that they will require a downtime of approximately 7 to10 days and I have seen a number of surgery patients at their one-week check-ups that look amazing. However, I was a little skeptical when I saw myself immediately after surgery and into the next day. I remember a friend of mine wanting me to drop into her house so she could see my eyes, but I told her that I couldn’t because I didn’t want to frighten her little girl. But now, looking at my beautiful eyes, I would do it all over again in a second. Anyone can hibernate for a week.
This is the end of my journey, here to see Dr. Bense to have my stitches reduced. Dr. Bense is so informative, gentle and with over 20 years of experience, he reduced my stitches with ease. There was a drop placed in both eyes followed by a little pull and then I was done. My stitches were reduced within a jiffy. I wish to thank Dr. Bense, Kristine R.N., Allison, Anne, Jackie, and Mardi for their kindness and positive reassurance. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I LOVE MY EYES!!!!
Marilyn, you look great!
If you’re ready for your own iLIDLIFT transformation, contact us to book your free consultation or call us at 709.722.4060 to speak with one of our knowledgeable team.
