Droopy Eyelids Threatened His Quality of Life Until Dr. Adele Restored His Vision and Made Him Look 10 Years Younger

Have your sagging upper eyelids become more than a cosmetic procedure?

This was the situation for Christiaan. “It’s hereditary,” Christiaan begins, “And soon enough, my upper eyelids started closing in on me. My vision and being able to see clearly in lower light were becoming compromised,” Christiaan explains.

The excess skin on his upper eyelids gradually hooded over his eyes, blocking more and more of his visual field. This condition is commonly referred to as eyelid ptosis.

“Finally, it got to the point where it was very bothersome and somewhat dangerous, as I couldn’t see much at the top of my vision,” he recalls.

For many people dealing with age-related eyelid changes, the problem isn’t just about looking tired. When excess fat and excess skin accumulate on the upper lid, they can create significant functional problems. The upper eyelid skin droops so severely that it actually blocks vision. That’s when the condition goes beyond cosmetic reasons into genuine medical necessity.

How did previous cataract surgery lead to finding the ideal blepharoplasty surgeon?

Already being a patient at AGEI meant Christiaan had experienced their level of care firsthand. When he met Dr. Adeleh Yarmohammadi, known as Dr. Adele to her patients, the connection was immediate.

“I had cataract surgery a little over two years ago at AGEI, so I was already in and out of the office. And then I met with Dr. Adele, and we talked about the blepharoplasty,” Christiaan explains.

As a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastic surgery, Dr. Adele has a unique combination that many cosmetic surgeons don’t. As an ophthalmologist who focuses on the delicate structures around the eye, she understands not just the aesthetics but the functional aspects of eyelid surgery. Her training means she approaches upper blepharoplasty with the precision of an eye surgeon and the sensibility of an artist.

“At first, Dr. Adele suggested that I have my vision tested to see how badly my eyelids were affecting my vision,” Christiaan said. The results were sobering. “They took a scan to see how much peripheral vision I had, and it was pretty abysmal.” An upper eyelid blepharoplasty was the obvious recommendation.

Watching family members undergo eyelid lift surgery first

Christiaan wasn’t unfamiliar with the procedure. It was part of the family’s medical history. “My mother had it done in her 50s, and my sister in her 40s. I waited until now, in my 70s,” he says.

Seeing his family members go through upper blepharoplasty gave him a frame of reference, but waiting until his 70s meant the problem had progressed significantly. Christiann’s natural aging process, combined with hereditary factors, meant his droopy upper eyelids had reached a point where they were genuinely interfering with daily life.

What surprised Christiaan was Dr. Adele’s natural artistic talent.

What makes an oculoplastic surgeon different from a cosmetic surgeon?

“Dr. Adele has an artistic flair, as a sculptor would, just a great perception and awareness.”

As an artist himself, Christiaan recognized something special in Dr. Adele’s approach. “We actually had a little bit of conversation about art, and it was wonderful. That’s rare nowadays, to just be able to sit down and have a little conversation with a doctor. It was just wonderful, very enjoyable, and personable.”

This artistic sensibility matters tremendously in eyelid lift surgery. The goal isn’t simply to remove tissue, but to work with the natural crease of the eyelid, preserving its appearance while restoring function. Dr. Adele explained this to Christiaan during their consultation.

“She sits down and talks with you, explaining how she works with the natural creases in your skin and that she’ll be very careful not to alter the structure of your face, just improve upon certain things,” he remembers.

This careful approach distinguishes truly excellent oculoplastic surgeons from those who simply perform eyelid surgery as just another procedure among the many appearance-altering surgeries they do. Dr. Adele’s training in anatomy and aesthetics allows her to create a balanced, natural appearance.

Moreover, this dual focus of vision and appearance sets oculoplastic surgery apart. Many people seek upper eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons, hoping for a more youthful appearance or to address hooding that makes them look tired. Others, like Christiaan, need it for genuine visual field restoration.

The streamlined upper blepharoplasty experience from consultation to surgery

The blepharoplasty procedure itself is typically performed as outpatient surgery, often using local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. For upper eyelid surgery specifically, the surgical procedure involves making an incision (cut) along the natural eyelid crease. Then the excess tissue is removed or repositioned. Lastly, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures designed to heal with minimal scarring.

“We scheduled the operation, and everything went fine. It was very streamlined and smooth. Dr. Adele was very comforting.” Christiaan says.

Dr. Adele’s bedside manner made the entire experience less stressful for Christiaan. “Her bedside manner is great, and she takes her time,” he notes.

In an era when many patients feel rushed through appointments, having a surgeon who genuinely listens and explains makes an enormous difference.

How quick is the recovery?

Recovery from upper blepharoplasty is generally faster than many people expect. Most patients can return to normal activities within a week or two, though healing time varies. The key is following postoperative instructions, which Christiaan is adamant he followed closely. They typically include using cold compresses to reduce swelling and discoloration, keeping the head elevated, avoiding strenuous activity during the initial healing period, and attending all follow-up appointments.

Is Christiaan pleased with the results?

“The results are fantastic. I was in really bad shape,” Christiaan reflects. “I didn’t have a lot of light entering my eyes anymore. I was really concerned about the trouble I was having with my vision, and now things are great.”

He was very pleased with his surgeon, too. “Dr. Adele is very pleasant, and you can tell, from her personality and her work, that this isn’t just a job for her. She actually really enjoys the experience of making you healthier and improving your quality of life,” Christiaan emphasizes.

What surprised him most wasn’t just the functional improvement, though that was dramatic; it was his appearance. “I wasn’t really concerned with the look of my eyes and how they would turn out, but other people do look at me and say, ‘Oh my gosh, you look 10 years younger!'”

The cosmetic benefit of his plastic surgery was not his primary goal. Yet, it turned out to be a wonderful bonus. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty naturally creates a more alert, refreshed appearance by removing the heavy, tired look that sagging eyelids can create.

Still, Christiaan says the real revelation was sensory. “Colors are more vivid. My depth perception and my field of vision… I wake up and look out the window, and it’s just amazing.”

After years of gradually losing light, having it flood back in changed everything. The world literally looked different, brighter, more vibrant, more alive.

What makes eyelid surgery truly transformative beyond the operating room?

Christiaan’s story illustrates an important point about upper blepharoplasty: when it’s performed for the right reasons by the right surgeon, it’s genuinely life-changing. The combination of functional restoration and aesthetic rejuvenation creates results that feel almost miraculous to patients who’ve been struggling.

Yes, the surgery corrects a physical problem, removing excess upper eyelid skin and opening up visual fields. But the impact extends far beyond that. For someone like Christiaan, an artist who depends on his vision, getting that clarity back meant reconnecting with his passion and his work in a way that had been slowly fading.

Why choose AGEI for upper eyelid surgery and oculoplastic procedures?

At Assil Gaur Eye Institute, oculoplastic specialists like Dr. Adele combine surgical precision with genuine artistry. Whether you’re experiencing vision problems due to droopy eyelids, considering eyelid lift surgery for cosmetic reasons, or dealing with other conditions affecting the eyelids and surrounding structures, comprehensive care from a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon makes all the difference.

Enjoy taking a look at some before and after photos.

AGEI serves patients throughout Southern California, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.