I Had Surgery! My Upper Bleph Experience

The Dr. Tyna Show Episode 182

Today, I’m sharing something deeply personal — my experience with an upper blepharoplasty. This voluntary surgery removes excess skin from the eyelids to improve appearance or vision. While many rave about how simple it is, my journey has been far more complex, and I want to share the truth about what it’s like, from preparation to recovery and the emotional aftermath.

Tune in to hear everything I learned and what I wish I knew before I did the deed, including:

• How to prepare for any elective surgery to ensure smoother recovery
• What I wish I’d done differently to manage healing and swelling post-surgery
• The emotional toll and lessons learned from altering my appearance

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1. Why I Opted for an Upper Blepharoplasty

For years, I felt my hooded eyelids made me look tired and older. My vision was also starting to be impacted, so I decided to move forward with this procedure. Everyone I consulted — friends, colleagues, even the internet, had glowing reviews:

• “Best thing I ever did!”
• “Super easy recovery, no big deal.”

But here’s the truth: it’s not always that easy. Voluntarily having part of your body cut and sewn back together is not insignificant, and I underestimated its physical and emotional impact.

2. What I Wish I Had Done to Prepare

Preparation is key for any elective surgery, and here’s what I would do differently next time:

• Plan Timing Carefully: Avoid scheduling during stressful periods (e.g., hormonal cycles, holidays, or busy work seasons). I scheduled mine right before my period, which amplified swelling and emotional stress.
• Nutrition and Supplements: 
• Cut out alcohol, sugar, gluten, and refined carbs at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Increase intake of bone broth, vitamin C, and zinc to promote healing and collagen production.
• Consider IV nutrient therapy before and after surgery.

• Prepare Your Space: 
• Buy an inclined wedge pillow for sleeping at an angle to reduce swelling.
• Stock up on lubricating eye drops and ointments.
• Adjust home lighting to softer tones (red or incandescent bulbs) to reduce light sensitivity.
• Rest is Non-Negotiable: Avoid screens, intense activity, and work for at least 3 days post-procedure.

Honestly, give yourself at least two weeks to prepare your body, mind, and home for a smoother recovery.

3. The Healing Process: Managing Swelling and Discomfort

The first few days post-surgery were unexpectedly uncomfortable. My biggest challenges included:

• Swelling and Pressure:
• Use ice packs every hour for short intervals (5 minutes). I underestimated how much this helps.
• Sleep at an incline to prevent fluid from pooling around the eyes.

• Dry Eyes:
• Surprisingly, excessive eye watering is often a sign of dryness. Use preservative-free glycerin eye drops multiple times daily.
• Protect your eyes with yellow-lensed glasses to reduce light sensitivity.

• Immune and Histamine Reactions:
• I had histamine flare-ups (itchiness, swelling, redness). Supplements like NAC and anti-histamine support can help.
• Avoid histamine-inducing foods (e.g., alcohol, fermented foods) during recovery.

• Physical Rest and Gentle Movement:
• Walking is beneficial early on, but avoid strenuous activity.
• Tools like a power plate (gentle vibration therapy) can improve lymphatic movement and healing. 

Healing takes time. Be prepared for weeks of swelling, discomfort, and sensitivity.

4. The Emotional Toll: Expectations vs. Reality

I’ve struggled with body image issues for most of my life, and this surgery brought them to the forefront. Some important realizations include:

• Plastic surgery won’t “fix” deeper insecurities. I thought improving my eyelids might make me feel better about my appearance, but it didn’t solve my underlying struggles.
• Healing emotionally is just as important as healing physically. The post-surgery anxiety and self-doubt were intense:
• “What have I done?”
• “Did I make the right choice?”

To manage these feelings, I leaned on tools like:

• Mindfulness practices (e.g., tapping or gentle self-massage).
• Nervous system support through supplements like Chill Pill and Relax Tonic.
• Self-compassion. Reminding myself that healing, both physically and emotionally — takes time.

Be kind to yourself. Your emotional response is valid and part of the healing process.

5. What I Learned and Recommendations for Others

If you’re considering an elective procedure like an upper blepharoplasty, here are my final tips:

• Prepare Physically and Mentally:
• Optimize your nutrition, hydration, and supplements.
• Plan for ample rest and recovery time.
• Manage Expectations:
• Healing takes months, not days. Swelling, scars, and discomfort are normal.
• Be patient and trust the process.
• Listen to Your Body:
• Don’t rush back to work, exercise, or daily activities.
• Recognize and address emotional struggles that arise.
• Support Healing Naturally:
• Use tools like ice packs, glycerin eye drops, and gentle movement therapies.
• Prioritize rest, hydration, and supportive supplements (bone broth, vitamin C, etc.).
• Find a Surgeon You Trust:
• My results weren’t the surgeon’s fault; they were beautiful. Your mindset and preparation can greatly influence your experience.

Final Thoughts: Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery

Healing—whether from surgery, emotional challenges, or personal struggles—requires patience, preparation, and self-compassion. If you’re on a journey to improve yourself, know this: the real work is within.

• Focus on preparation, both physically and mentally.
• Be kind to yourself during recovery, and don’t rush the process.
• Manage your expectations — lasting changes take time.

I hope sharing my experience helps you navigate your own journey with more insight and confidence. Whether you’re facing surgery, healing, or working on self-acceptance, remember: healing is not linear, and you are not alone.

Show Links: 

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Relax Tonic 

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Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided in this blog/podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Tyna Moore. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.