This post is a result of having had a lower blepharoplasty at the Bassin Center for Plastic Surgery. All opinions are strictly my own.
The author today with a little lipstick & mascara at 70 years old.
I used to believe (and still do to a certain degree) that we should embrace our aging with a bit of grace. At 70 years old I’m not fooling anyone but myself if I go under the knife to look like a 20-year-old. Plus, in all honesty, I was 20 in the 70s which would not be a good look on me today. I always thought that when it comes to enhancing our appearance as we age, there’s often a fine line between subtlety and overdoing it. But it’s funny how these ideals have changed as I’ve aged. First of all, I have HATED the way my eyes looked as long as I can remember. I was talking with a friend about Junior High School and her now husband had asked her why she didn’t embrace the dark circles and bags like Zippy did. To which she replied – Zippy uses so much concealer and product under her eyes to CONCEAL the circles and bags (obviously to no avail). Yes, not only have I had them for many years, but others have noticed them (and frankly, I probably singly kept Sephora and Ulta in business with all of the products that I’ve purchased to try to cover them up).
It’s been 15-20 years that I’ve considered a lower blepharoplasty. I’m definitely slow at pulling the trigger when it comes to anything beauty (or medical). But, I finally decided it was time to take the plunge—and I did a LOT of research. I had been talking with a PR person who represented plastic surgeons and I had toyed with doing this publicly, but before I could sign on, I had to have a FULL DOSSIER on the doctor, the staff, and even the center where I was going to have the procedure done. Product exchanges for a new lipstick – NOT a big deal (I can toss it away if I don’t like it), but this…this was something permanent and potentially life-changing. So, I went to work. I became a private eye of ocular and plastic surgeons, and by the time I was finished with everything I knew exactly who I wanted to perform the procedure: Dr. Bassin at Bassin Plastic Surgery. Looking back, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself and I’m about to tell you why.
The author 2 weeks before her lower blepharoplasty
Here’s why Dr. Bassin was my surgeon of choice, and why I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Pre-Op appointment with Dr. Bassin (yes, he’s pointing out my bags)
Why I Chose Dr. Bassin
Choosing a plastic surgeon is not a decision to be taken lightly, especially for something as delicate as a lower blepharoplasty, a procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the lower eyelids to reduce puffiness and under-eye bags. Dr. Bassin had something that very few others did. He began his medical career as an ophthalmologist and went on to become an eyelid and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, his fellowship training approved by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Not only is he a fabulous plastic surgeon, but his specialty initially was EYES. It became very clear from all of my research that Dr. Bassin was more than just a highly skilled surgeon; he was someone I could trust with my face.
Expertise in Facial Rejuvenation
One of the main reasons I chose Dr. Bassin was his expertise in both the eyes and the face. While there are many surgeons who offer a range of cosmetic procedures, few specialize in the art and science of the face and eyes like Dr. Bassin does. His extensive experience and deep understanding of facial anatomy meant that I could trust him to deliver the natural results I was hoping for. Because he specializes I knew that not only would my eyes look natural and refreshed, but the one thing I always worried about was symmetry and he is just an artist with the scalpel.
The author with her “franken-eyes” one week post op.
During my consultation, Dr. Bassin explained what my procedure would be like in detail, and I felt immediately reassured by his knowledge and confidence. He took the time to walk me through the process, including what to expect during surgery and recovery, and he answered every one of my questions thoroughly. He made me feel completely at easy (no easy feat) and he never made me feel silly with all of the questions that I had. He also has the bedside manner of a friend that you want to hang out and laugh with, but trust with all of your secrets. Isn’t that what you want in a plastic surgeon? Someone who’s an artist, a doctor and a bestie that will make you feel relaxed.
The author surprised that it looks so good only 2 weeks post op.
Natural Results, Not Overdone
Let’s face it: none of us want to look like we’ve “had work done.” What drew me to Dr. Bassin was his reputation for producing results that enhance your natural beauty rather than having you walk into a room to questions like “Who does your work?”. He has a gift for making subtle tweaks that give you a refreshed, youthful appearance while maintaining the integrity of your facial expressions.
When it came to my lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Bassin understood that I wanted to look like a more rested version of myself, not someone who had drastically changed overnight. His approach is one of artistry—he tailors each procedure to the individual, and that’s what made me feel so comfortable putting my trust in him.
Stellar Patient Reviews and Results
Another reason I chose Dr. Bassin was the sheer volume of glowing patient reviews. Time and time again, people raved about how attentive and caring he was, both before and after their procedures. Many mentioned how natural their results were, which only reinforced my belief that he was the right surgeon for me. At each of my appointments both pre and post surgery I took good long looks at the patients in the waiting room whom I knew were there for follow-up appointments. I liked what I saw (hint, I never would have thought to do this before, but sit in your car looking at the people going in and out – that will be the clincher).
When I saw the before-and-after photos of patients who had undergone lower blepharoplasty, I was sold. The transformations were subtle yet significant. Just for fun, I looked through his before and after facelifts online (which are always very tell-tale) and none of them have that “pulled” or “overdone” look that can sometimes occur with facial surgeries.
One month post op and ready to go out on the town.
The Surgery Experience
On the day of the surgery, I arrived at Bassin Plastic Surgery feeling both excited and a little nervous, which I think is normal when undergoing any kind of cosmetic procedure. But from the moment I walked through the door, the team made me feel completely at ease. Dr. Bassin has a warm, calming presence, and he took the time to go over the procedure again to make sure I felt comfortable and informed. There was music playing in the room (Grateful Dead while I was there – WHICH I LOVE).
The surgery itself was straightforward and performed under local anesthesia with no sedation, just something to calm my nerves, and I didn’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. Dr. Bassin’s precision and attention to detail were evident as he worked. What I appreciated most was how seamless the entire experience was—everything was done with care and he had a nurse on either side of me to reassure and squeeze my hand when I needed it.
The Recovery Process
Recovery is a critical aspect of any cosmetic procedure, and Dr. Bassin made sure I had everything I needed to heal properly. He provided detailed post-operative instructions, including how to minimize swelling, reduce bruising, and care for my eyes. I stocked up on Arnica, and ice packs, and took plenty of time to rest, which made a big difference in my recovery.
I actually found this AWESOME product from Scar Science it’s perfect for sensitive skin and for old and new scars and comes in two no-touch application formats: brush or massage roller. Both are housed in a clickable, pen-like tube that is portable and easy to use, even for children. The odorless gel dries in minutes to form a flexible, breathable, non-tacky, waterproof protective covering over the affected area. Massage has long been recommended by doctors to break up collagen and thus soften tissue, improving the appearance of scars. The massage roller option combines this technique with clinically proven silicone technology to offer a unique two-pronged approach to scar reduction. I used this after I was done with the local antibiotic cream to continue my healing and I am left with no scars at all.
While there was a lot of swelling and bruising immediately after surgery, as expected, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I had anticipated (with the exception of that photo I took in the car after walking out of surgery – dumb idea). Within a week or so, the swelling had gone down significantly, and I could already see the results taking shape. I went back to see him once a week for a couple of weeks and then monthly for a while, and Dr. Bassin’s staff checked in with me regularly during my recovery (even having me send pictures of my healing along the way), making sure everything was healing as expected.
Thrilled that no matter what the angle, the results are just what I wanted.
The Results: Why I’d Do It Again in a Heartbeat
Now, let’s talk about the results. The moment I saw my “new” eyes, I was thrilled. I was told that it could take up to a year for the full results. He must have been joking, because within a few months, the under-eye bags that had been bothering me for years were gone, replaced by a smooth, refreshed look that made me feel years younger. As a matter of fact, he had jokingly asked in passing during one of my initial visits if I was ready to look younger. He wasn’t kidding. My eyes looked brighter, less tired, and more open, but what I loved most was how natural the results were—no one and I mean NO ONE (except those that I told) could ever tell I’d had surgery. I ran into old friends who commented on how rested and vibrant I looked.
The results exceeded my expectations, and I truly feel like Dr. Bassin gave me back my confidence. Gone were the tired, puffy under-eyes that made me feel self-conscious every time I looked in the mirror. Instead, I had a fresh, rejuvenated look that felt like the best version of myself. I still – 3 months later stop to look in the mirror whether I’m home or out shopping and think “WOW, that’s ME!”
I would do it again in a heartbeat because the entire experience—from the initial consultation to the final results—was nothing short of fantastic. Dr. Bassin and his team made me feel comfortable, cared for, and most importantly, confident in my decision to undergo the procedure.
Why I Recommend Dr. Bassin to Anyone Considering a Blepharoplasty
If you’ve been considering a lower blepharoplasty and are hesitant about taking the next step, I can’t recommend Dr. Bassin enough. His expertise in facial procedures, commitment to natural-looking results, and genuine care for his patients make him a standout in the world of cosmetic surgery. He has patients who travel from all over the US to see him (for good reason), so don’t think that just because you don’t live in Florida where he has four locations – Tampa, The Villages, Orlando, and Melbourne (where I had my procedure done) that you can’t come to see him. Make it a vacation (it’s a quick surgery – under half an hour), take a weekend off of work, and come on down, Florida is a fun place to visit and you can relax in the sunshine after your surgery.
Not only did he give me the results I was hoping for, but the entire experience was seamless from start to finish. If I ever decide to have another cosmetic procedure in the future, I know exactly who I’ll be calling—Dr. Bassin is, and always will be, my surgeon of choice.
- For more about my Lower Blepharoplasty- read my Baggage Claim post.
- Reach out to Dr. Bassin at the Bassin Center for Plastic Surgery
