Aug. 4, 2025

This piece is sponsored by Vance Thompson Vision.

When it comes to eye concerns, some conditions affect not only how you see the world — but also how the world sees you.

That was the case for Lujaen Alhabubi, a young woman whose right upper eyelid began to droop because of a condition called ptosis, partially obstructing her vision.

But just as important to her was the aesthetic impact: She also was interested in adding a cosmetic component to her surgery to enhance the aesthetic outcome.

“I experienced very bad headaches as well as some forehead lines from constantly raising my eyebrows,” she said.

Though commonly assumed to be a sign of aging, excess upper eyelid skin and ptosis can appear in younger individuals too. Alhabubi, only 33, noted the issue of ptosis to be disruptive to both her professional and personal life.

“I was struggling at work,” Alhabubi said. “I was having trouble seeing the whole field of view when using a microscope.”

Seeking a solution that addressed both function and appearance, she turned to Vance Thompson Vision.

“That’s when I reached out to Vance Thompson Vision to look at my options,” she said.

During her consultation, it became clear that she would need ptosis surgery to help lift the right upper eyelid and improve the field of vision. Alhabubi also was interested in getting a beautiful cosmetic result.

She was particularly interested in adding a surgery for hooded upper lids — upper blepharoplasty. Dr. Zac Keenum employed a custom approach to the lid surgery by performing a right-sided ptosis repair combined with a cosmetic upper blepharoplasty.

“Everything was great,” Alhabubi said. “The facility was clean and beautiful, the staff were so friendly, smart and upbeat.”

She described receiving clear, compassionate guidance throughout the process.

“My surgeon explained what my condition was, what my options were, the price and what I can expect from the healing process after surgery.”

To correct her vision, Alhabubi underwent ptosis repair on her right eyelid — but the transformation didn’t stop there. She also elected to undergo a custom cosmetic upper blepharoplasty, a popular oculoplastic procedure that enhanced the symmetry and appearance of her eyes while relieving her physical discomfort.

“I barely remember anything, which is great for me!” she said of her time in surgery.

And the outcome?

“I no longer felt the weight and heaviness of my brows and eyelid anymore,” she explained.

“My eyelids are now at the same level, and I no longer need to force my eyes open to see the whole picture anymore.”

Freed from the physical and emotional weight of droopy eyelids, Alhabubi has fully embraced her rejuvenated look.

“It feels so good to be out in my garden and not have to worry about my vision,” she said.

“Now that I have eyelid space, I can even try new, fun makeup looks.”

Having experienced firsthand the life-changing effects of ptosis repair combined with cosmetic upper blepharoplasty, she wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it — or Vance Thompson Vision.

“I have two family members who had (eye) surgery done with them, and they both feel the same,” she said. “The staff (at Vance Thompson Vision) take all the worry out of surgery and replace it with excitement and confidence.”

If you’re experiencing heavy eyelids or are curious about the benefits of eyelid surgery, schedule a consultation at Vance Thompson Vision. A refreshed, more youthful look — and a clearer view of the world — might be just one step away.

To schedule your visit, call 605-361-EYES (3937).

To learn more, visit here.