Introduction
Double - eyelid surgery, also known as Asian blepharoplasty in some contexts, has become a popular cosmetic procedure worldwide. In New York City, a diverse metropolis with a large demand for aesthetic enhancements, there are several top - notch institutions offering European double - eyelid surgery. This article will provide a comprehensive review of these regular institutions, including details about the surgery, the institutions themselves, and what patients can expect.
Understanding Double - Eyelid Surgery
What is Double - Eyelid Surgery?
Double - eyelid surgery aims to create a visible crease or fold on the upper eyelid when the eye is open. Approximately half of all Asians are born with single eyelids, which can make the eyes look smaller and may sometimes cause vision - related problems or other issues like eyelashes grazing the corneas. In Western patients, the surgery may also be sought to correct certain conditions such as baggy eyelids. It's also worth noting that in different regions, the name for this surgery varies. In Europe and the United States, it is called “upper blepharoplasty,” while in East Asia, it is often known as “double - eyelid surgery.”
Types of Double - Eyelid Surgery Techniques
There are two main types of techniques used in double - eyelid surgery: the incision technique and non - incision (suture) techniques.
- Incision Technique: This involves making a small incision across the eyelid to form the double crease. It is most suitable for patients with thick or excessive eyelid skin, or fatty tissue. The advantage of this technique is that the results are permanent. However, the recovery time is longer, and there may be slightly more visible scarring.
- Non - Incision (Suture) Techniques: These techniques are appropriate for patients with thinner skin and no obvious fatty deposits. Creases are formed by folding the eyelid skin and stitching the fold. The main benefit is the shorter downtime; many patients can return to work after a week, and there is little or no scarring. But the results are not permanent and may last for several years or sometimes less.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Double - Eyelid Surgery?
For Asian patients, those among the 50% with single eyelids may be suitable. They must be over 18 years old and have reasonable expectations of the outcome. Western patients seeking to correct conditions like baggy eyelids can also be candidates. However, patients with certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or those with insufficient tear production may face increased risks during the surgery.
The Double - Eyelid Surgery Procedure
The surgery typically takes between half an hour and an hour and can be carried out as an outpatient procedure. Patients are usually given local anesthesia and sedation. After the procedure, patients are generally able to return to their hotel or home after a few hours at the clinic.
Recovery Time and Post - Surgery Considerations
After surgery, patients can expect swelling and bruising. For the non - suture technique, it may take one or two weeks for these symptoms to subside, while for the incision technique, recovery may be twice as long. Stitches are typically removed between five and seven days after the procedure. After that, patients can wear makeup to disguise any swelling, bruising, and scarring. It will take several months for the tissue around the eyes to settle down and look natural, with the healing process being entirely complete within six months to a year.
Complications of Double - Eyelid Surgery
Although double - eyelid surgery is common, it comes with certain complications that can be divided into two main categories: disordered complications and esthetic complications.
Disordered Complications
Complication | Description | Treatment |
---|---|---|
Hematoma | One of the most common complications, usually caused by inadequate hemostasis, improper application of epinephrine, or poor coagulation. Hemorrhage mostly occurs from the vessels in the orbicularis oculi muscle or pre - aponeurotic fat. | Applying cold compress within three days of surgery can prevent or control it. Hematomas are usually absorbed within a short time post - operatively. |
Infection | Relatively rare. Skin bacteria are the primary pathogens, but infections caused by streptococcus and mycobacterium have also been reported. Orbital cellulitis is a serious type of postoperative infection. | Using postoperative antibiotic ointment is a prophylactic method. Cephalosporin or broad - spectrum antibiotics can be used for treatment, and surgical incision may be necessary in severe cases. |
Dry Eyes | Occurs especially in middle - aged and older patients, with an incidence rate between 8% and 21%. It can be caused by intraoperative local anesthesia, injury to the orbicularis oculi muscle, or excessive incision of the upper eyelid skin. | Patients can use artificial tears or other lubricants, and wearing moist chamber spectacles during sleep can help. Schirmer’s test can be used for preoperative evaluation. |
Blepharoptosis | Diagnosed when the upper eyelid covers more than 2 mm of the cornea in forward - looking eyes. It can be caused by various factors such as loose upper eyelid skin, intraoperative swelling, injury to the levator aponeurosis or Müller’s muscle, or a high double - eyelid crease. | Treatment depends on the cause and may involve further surgical correction. |
Retrobulbar Hemorrhage | A rare but extremely dangerous complication that can lead to blindness. It may be related to a medical history of hypertension, vascular diseases, or damage to periorbital muscles and vessels during surgery. | Surgical decompression, such as lateral canthotomy and decompression, should be performed as soon as possible. |
Esthetic Complications
- Asymmetry: Unequal bilateral double - eyelid height is a common issue. It can be due to inaccurate preoperative design, differences in bilateral levator palpebrae superioris muscle power, inappropriate intraoperative manipulation, or differences in periorbital muscle activity on both sides.
- Multiple Creases: Caused by excessive dissection and resection of the pretarsal tissue or the orbital septum, resulting in ectopic adhesion between the levator aponeurosis and the skin. It is often accompanied by a high double - eyelid fold or sunken upper eyelid.
- High Double - Eyelid Fold: Patients may have sunken upper eyelids and multiple creases. It often happens when patients try to achieve a European eye shape without considering ethnic anatomical differences. Resection of upper eyelid skin or tissue transfer may be used for correction.
- Disappearance of the Double - Eyelid Crease: Caused by improper operation or hyperactivity of orbital muscles. Pre - operative injection of botulinum toxin may be used to inhibit muscle activity in some cases.
Top Regular Institutions for European Double - Eyelid Surgery in New York City
Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Dr. Darrick Antell is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York. His practice emphasizes aesthetic cosmetic surgery, including eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). He performs blepharoplasties in his accredited state - of - the - art surgical facility in New York.
- Procedure Details: Eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and light intravenous sedation. It can be done in a doctor’s office, outpatient surgical center, or a hospital, most often on an outpatient basis. The length of the procedure depends on whether it is an upper, lower, or double blepharoplasty. A double blepharoplasty may take about 2 hours, while a single blepharoplasty will conclude faster.
- Scarring: Dr. Antell carefully makes incisions along the natural folds of the eyelids to minimize scarring. Although there will be incisions, the scars will fade as the swelling and bruising dissipate in a few days.
- Risks: Complications are infrequent and minor when performed by a competent surgeon. Patients may experience bruising, swelling, temporary problems with eyelid closure, and blurring of vision. In rare cases, the lower eyelid may be pulled down (ectropion), and further surgery may be necessary.
- Cost: The cost depends on various factors such as the type of blepharoplasty, operational costs of the surgical facility, surgeon’s fees, anesthesia costs, additional tests, prescription medications, and surgical garment costs.
- Recovery: Patients’ eyelids will be swollen immediately after the treatment. They should avoid physical activities on the day of surgery, sleep in an inclined position for the first few days, and avoid watching TV for the first 24 hours. Mild physical activities can be resumed after about 10 days, and full physical activities can be resumed after 4 weeks.
Dr. Amiya Prasad's Prasad Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Amiya Prasad is a highly respected oculofacial plastic surgeon with over twenty years of experience. He specializes in Asian eyelid surgery, which can also include elements of creating a European - style double - eyelid for some patients.
- Procedure Customization: He evaluates multiple factors such as skin thickness and quality, fat volume under the skin, healing from past procedures, unique eye anatomy, age, and gender to customize the procedure. Depending on the amount of extra skin and fat on the upper eyelid, he may choose a non - incisional or an incisional approach.
- Non - Incisional Approach: For patients with no fat preventing the crease formation and no need for skin removal, this approach is used. Small openings are made in the skin, and a stitch is passed through to attach the upper eyelid skin to the underlying levator muscle, causing the eyelid to fold when the eyes are opened.
- Incisional Approach: When there is extra skin and fat on the upper eyelid, an incision is made in the upper eyelid area after drawing the appropriate pattern. A small volume of fat is removed to define the crease.
- Recovery: Sutures are removed in about 1 week for incisional surgery. Swelling is common and can make the eyelid crease appear too high. The healing process may take longer than for non - Asian patients, and factors such as allergies, sinus conditions, and sensitive skin can affect the recovery time.
- Cost: The cost of double - eyelid surgery or Asian blepharoplasty is customized to the individual patient and includes surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, and facility fees.
Dr. John E. Sherman's Plastic Surgery Office
Dr. John E. Sherman is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years of experience in New York. He specializes in facial rejuvenation and offers various options for blepharoplasty.
- Procedure Options: He offers transconjunctival blepharoplasty, which is ideal for younger patients with puffy upper and lower eyelids. The incision is made inside the eyelid, avoiding visible scars. For older patients with lax eyelids, he may perform lower eyelid resuspension or canthopexy to reposition or tighten the lower eyelid. He also offers laser resurfacing of the eyelids to provide a younger, fresher look.
- Recovery: After surgery, patients need to maintain an ice compress on the eyelids for several hours to reduce bruising. Discomfort is usually minimal, and bruising typically disappears within 10 days. Swelling usually lasts up to three weeks, and the final eyelid result is obtained in two months.
- Cost: The cost is determined by the type of blepharoplasty and the amount of work required. Financing options are available to help with the payment process.
Dr. Yael Halaas' Practice
Dr. Yael Halaas is a double - board - certified facial plastic surgeon in NYC. She can customize the eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to enhance patients’ natural features.
- Types of Eyelid Surgery: She offers upper eyelid surgery to address loose, drooping skin on and around the upper eyelids, lower eyelid surgery to smooth puffy bags and fill dark circles under the eyes, and Asian eyelid surgery to create a fold in the upper eyelid and reduce excess tissue.
- Benefits: Eyelid surgery can provide benefits such as smoothed and reduced eye bags, improved vision, eliminated skin irritation, a renewed appearance, reduced dark circles, and reduced muscle tension.
- Recovery: Patients should take about a week off from work. There will be swelling and bruising that will diminish over time. They should sleep on their back for 1 - 2 weeks, wait 10 - 14 days before using contacts again, and avoid strenuous exercise and significant sun exposure for 2 - 4 weeks.
- Cost: The starting cost for upper blepharoplasty is $7,500, lower blepharoplasty is $11,000, and when combined, the cost starts at $15,000. The final cost is tailored to each patient's needs.
Choosing the Right Institution
When choosing an institution for European double - eyelid surgery in New York City, several factors should be considered.
- Surgeon's Experience and Credentials: Look for board - certified surgeons with extensive experience in double - eyelid surgery. Check their educational background, years of practice, and any specializations.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of their experiences, the quality of the surgery, and the level of patient satisfaction.
- Facility Accreditation: Ensure that the surgical facility is accredited and meets all safety and quality standards.
- Cost and Payment Options: Consider the overall cost of the surgery, including all associated fees. Look for institutions that offer financing options if needed.
- Pre - operative Consultation: A good institution will provide a thorough pre - operative consultation to understand your goals, evaluate your suitability for the surgery, and answer all your questions.
Conclusion
European double - eyelid surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance the appearance of the eyes. In New York City, there are several top - notch institutions like those led by Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Amiya Prasad, Dr. John E. Sherman, and Dr. Yael Halaas. Each institution offers different approaches and has its own strengths. It's crucial for patients to do their research, consult with multiple surgeons, and carefully consider all aspects before making a decision.
If you're considering European double - eyelid surgery in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to these institutions for consultations. Take the time to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations with the surgeons. You can also share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about double - eyelid surgery. Stay informed and make the best choice for your aesthetic journey.