Do you look old?

[Cataholic]

Someone I know personally (mid 40s) met with her first of two potential plastic surgeons for an 'estimate'. She wants her eye lids done, and gets a chemical peel all thrown in for a little over $5000.00.

[Marigold2]

Someone I know personally (mid 40s) met with her first of two potential plastic surgeons for an 'estimate'. She wants her eye lids done, and gets a chemical peel all thrown in for a little over $5000.00.

The quote seems a bit high but not outrageously so. I am assuming this is just the Dr’s cost and not the cost for the hospital or anesthesia which is quite a bit more.
It is an out patient surgery, very routine.
Medicare pays for this surgery called ptotis, almost all elderly people have it done as their eyelids droop and it interferes with their vision.
Some people have it done in their 40’s most in their 60’s and 70’s when they notice their vision is obstructed by the drooping lids.
People come into the office and have a visual field done. One test is done with the eyes open as they normally are, the field is then redone with the lids taped up as they would appear after surgery. The test shows how much better the patient can see after the surgery, this info is sent to the insurance company and they decide weather they will pay for the surgery or not. Medicare pays automatically but then audits.
The results are dramatic people are so happy to be able to see again. A good surgeon makes it look like nothing has been done; you don’t have a Kenny Rodgers look, your eyes are just open more.
It makes life so much more enjoyable and safe when people can see to drive, walk, cook, dance, watch TV and just go about their normal business.
Your friend should see if the insurance will cover her surgery, can't hurt to try. The chemical peel is not covered that is just cosmetic.

[Cataholic]

The quote seems a bit high but not outrageously so. I am assuming this is just the Dr’s cost and not the cost for the hospital or anesthesia which is quite a bit more.
It is an out patient surgery, very routine.
Medicare pays for this surgery called ptotis, almost all elderly people have it done as their eyelids droop and it interferes with their vision.
Some people have it done in their 40’s most in their 60’s and 70’s when they notice their vision is obstructed by the drooping lids.
People come into the office and have a visual field done. One test is done with the eyes open as they normally are, the field is then redone with the lids taped up as they would appear after surgery. The test shows how much better the patient can see after the surgery, this info is sent to the insurance company and they decide weather they will pay for the surgery or not. Medicare pays automatically but then audits.
The results are dramatic people are so happy to be able to see again. A good surgeon makes it look like nothing has been done; you don’t have a Kenny Rodgers look, your eyes are just open more.
It makes life so much more enjoyable and safe when people can see to drive, walk, cook, dance, watch TV and just go about their normal business.
Your friend should see if the insurance will cover her surgery, can't hurt to try. The chemical peel is not covered that is just cosmetic.

The quote included ALL costs, they own their own surgery center...

[Marigold2]

If it makes her happy I say go for it.

The quote included ALL costs, they own their own surgery center...

[M&M's Mommy]

I do. But I think as long as I don't FEEL old, I'm okay

[ChrisH]

My personal manifesto

I would never trade friends, my life, my family for less grey hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying something I enjoy. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with ageing.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?

I will dance with myself to the music I enjoy, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love .. I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.They, too, will get old.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a beloved pet dies? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning grey, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself any more. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it)

[Lillycat]

ChrisH, I love your post above......think we all should have a copy of it hanging on the wall, just as a reminder of what is important.....sometimes i think we forget.....Thanks!