Introduction
As time goes on, the eyes often show the first signs of aging. Issues such as sagging eyelids, puffiness, and dark circles can make a person look tired and older than they actually are. Internal approach blepharoplasty, also known as transconjunctival blepharoplasty, is a popular solution for these problems. This surgical procedure focuses on removing the fat pads from the lower eyelids through an incision made inside the eyelid, leaving no visible scar. If you're considering internal approach blepharoplasty in New York City, this guide will help you make an informed decision when choosing a plastic surgery hospital.
What is Internal Approach Blepharoplasty?
Internal approach blepharoplasty is a type of lower eyelid surgery that is suitable for younger patients or those with good skin elasticity. It involves making an incision inside the lower eyelid, allowing the surgeon to access and remove the excess fat pads that cause puffiness and bags under the eyes. Since the incision is made inside the eyelid, there is no visible scar on the outside, and the recovery time is often shorter compared to the external approach.
The main benefits of internal approach blepharoplasty include:
- Removal of excess fat pads, reducing puffiness and bags under the eyes.
- No visible scar on the outside, resulting in a more natural - looking result.
- Shorter recovery time, allowing patients to return to their normal activities sooner.
Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Internal Approach Blepharoplasty in New York City
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai is a well - known medical institution in New York City. Their plastic surgery department has experienced surgeons who can perform internal approach blepharoplasty with precision. Blepharoplasty at Mount Sinai is usually done on an outpatient basis at their private, ambulatory surgery center. The surgeons can use local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation depending on the patient's needs. They also provide detailed pre - and post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Benefits of choosing Mount Sinai:
- High - quality medical facilities and equipment.
- Experienced and skilled plastic surgeons.
- Comprehensive pre - and post - operative care.
Dr. Thomas Romo III's Practice
Dr. Thomas Romo III is one of the most experienced and respected plastic surgeons for blepharoplasty in the world. His practice draws patients from New York City, across the United States, and internationally. He is known for his meticulous minimally invasive surgical techniques and for achieving natural - looking results with a shorter recovery period. During the consultation, Dr. Romo will carefully examine the patient's eyelids and surrounding skin, discuss the patient's concerns and goals, and determine if internal approach blepharoplasty is the right procedure.
Why choose Dr. Romo's practice:
- World - renowned surgeon with extensive experience in blepharoplasty.
- Focus on minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery and better results.
- Personalized treatment plans based on each patient's unique needs.
Dr. Jennifer Levine's Practice
Dr. Jennifer Levine is a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon. She uses precise techniques to perform blepharoplasty, making small incisions to remove excess tissue. In the case of internal approach blepharoplasty, she can effectively target and remove the fat pads while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissues. Dr. Levine is also globally recognized for her synergistic treatments that can be combined with blepharoplasty to achieve more comprehensive results.
Advantages of Dr. Levine's practice:
- Double - board certified, ensuring high - level expertise in facial plastic surgery.
- Ability to combine blepharoplasty with other procedures for enhanced results.
- Artistic eye for creating natural - looking and balanced facial aesthetics.
Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Dr. John E. Sherman is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years of experience in the field. He specializes in facial rejuvenation and has routinely performed transconjunctival blepharoplasty operations over the past 30 years. He was even featured in an article describing this procedure in Elle magazine. Dr. Sherman will carefully assess each patient's condition to determine if they are a suitable candidate for internal approach blepharoplasty and provide personalized treatment options.
Reasons to choose Dr. Sherman's practice:
- Long - standing experience in performing internal approach blepharoplasty.
- Thorough assessment of each patient's suitability for the procedure.
- Focus on achieving natural - looking results in facial rejuvenation.
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. Steven Pearlman at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery is a dual board - certified facial plastic surgeon. He provides support to patients from consultation to recovery and beyond. When it comes to internal approach blepharoplasty, Dr. Pearlman makes incisions inside the lower eyelid to hide them, ensuring that the results look natural. He can also help patients determine if other procedures should be combined with blepharoplasty to achieve their aesthetic goals.
Benefits of Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery:
- Dual board - certified surgeon with in - depth knowledge of facial plastic surgery.
- Comprehensive patient support throughout the treatment process.
- Ability to recommend combination treatments for optimal results.
What to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital
Surgeon's Qualifications and Experience
The most important factor when choosing a plastic surgery hospital for internal approach blepharoplasty is the surgeon's qualifications and experience. Look for surgeons who are board - certified in plastic surgery or facial plastic surgery. Board certification ensures that the surgeon has met the high standards of education, training, and ethical practice. In addition, consider the surgeon's experience in performing internal approach blepharoplasty. Surgeons with more experience are likely to have better techniques and be able to handle any complications that may arise during the procedure.
Hospital Reputation and Accreditation
The reputation of the plastic surgery hospital is also crucial. You can research online reviews and patient testimonials to get an idea of the hospital's quality of care and patient satisfaction. Accreditation is another important aspect. Accredited hospitals adhere to strict safety and quality standards, which means that you can have more confidence in the surgical procedures and the overall care you will receive.
Range of Services
Some patients may want to combine internal approach blepharoplasty with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as brow lifts or facelifts. Therefore, it is beneficial to choose a plastic surgery hospital that offers a wide range of services. This way, you can have all your procedures done in one place, and the surgeons can coordinate the treatments to achieve the best overall results.
Pre - and Post - operative Care
Good pre - and post - operative care is essential for a successful blepharoplasty. Before the surgery, the hospital should provide detailed instructions on how to prepare, including avoiding certain medications and lifestyle changes. After the surgery, they should offer comprehensive follow - up care, including pain management, monitoring of the healing process, and advice on when to resume normal activities.
Cost
The cost of internal approach blepharoplasty can vary depending on the hospital, the surgeon's fees, and the extent of the procedure. It is important to get a clear understanding of the total cost before committing to the surgery. Keep in mind that while cost is a factor, it should not be the only consideration. Choosing a reputable hospital and an experienced surgeon is more important for achieving good results and ensuring your safety.
Preparing for Internal Approach Blepharoplasty
Once you have chosen a plastic surgery hospital and a surgeon for your internal approach blepharoplasty, you will need to prepare for the procedure. Here are some general steps to follow:
Consultation
During the consultation, the surgeon will examine your eyelids, discuss your concerns and goals, and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Be honest with the surgeon about your medical history, including any previous surgeries, allergies, and current medications. You should also ask any questions you have about the procedure, the recovery process, and the expected results.
Medical Tests
Your surgeon may order some medical tests, such as blood tests or an electrocardiogram (ECG), to ensure that you are in good health for the surgery. These tests help the surgeon identify any potential risks or complications and take appropriate measures to minimize them.
Lifestyle Changes
Before the surgery, you will need to make some lifestyle changes. For example, you should stop smoking at least two weeks before the surgery, as smoking can impair the healing process. You should also limit your alcohol intake and avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood - thinning medications, as they can increase the risk of bleeding during and after the surgery.
Arrange for Support
Since you will need someone to drive you home after the surgery and assist you during the initial recovery period, it is important to arrange for support in advance. Make sure you have a friend or family member who can stay with you for the first few days after the surgery.
The Internal Approach Blepharoplasty Procedure
Anesthesia
Internal approach blepharoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's preference and the surgeon's recommendation. Local anesthesia with sedation allows the patient to be relaxed but awake during the procedure, while general anesthesia puts the patient to sleep.
Incision and Fat Removal
Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon will make an incision inside the lower eyelid. Through this incision, the surgeon will carefully access and remove the excess fat pads that are causing the puffiness and bags under the eyes. The surgeon will be very precise to ensure that only the necessary fat is removed and that the surrounding tissues are not damaged.
Closure
After the fat is removed, the incision inside the lower eyelid will be closed. In most cases, dissolvable stitches are used, which means that you do not need to have the stitches removed later.
Recovery after Internal Approach Blepharoplasty
The recovery process after internal approach blepharoplasty is usually relatively short, but it still requires some care and attention. Here is what you can expect during the recovery period:
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored until the anesthesia wears off. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the eyes. Cold compresses can be applied to the eyes to reduce swelling and pain.
First Few Days
During the first few days after the surgery, you should rest as much as possible and keep your head elevated to reduce swelling. You may also be given eye drops or ointments to keep the eyes lubricated and prevent infection. Avoid strenuous activities, bending over, and lifting heavy objects during this time.
Return to Normal Activities
Most patients can return to work and normal activities within one to two weeks after the surgery. However, you should avoid wearing makeup for at least two weeks to allow the incisions to heal. You should also continue to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and wind.
Long - term Results
The final results of internal approach blepharoplasty will become more apparent as the swelling and bruising subside. The eyes will look more refreshed, with reduced puffiness and bags under the eyes. The results are long - lasting, but the natural aging process will continue, and you may notice some changes in the appearance of your eyes over time.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, internal approach blepharoplasty carries some risks and complications. However, these are relatively rare, especially when the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon in a reputable hospital. Some of the potential risks and complications include:
- Bleeding: There may be some bleeding during or after the surgery, which can usually be controlled. In rare cases, excessive bleeding may require further treatment.
- Infection: Although the risk of infection is low, it can still occur. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge from the eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your surgeon immediately.
- Dry eyes: Some patients may experience dry eyes after the surgery, which can usually be treated with eye drops.
- Asymmetry: In some cases, there may be a slight asymmetry between the two eyes. This can usually be corrected with additional surgery or non - surgical treatments.
- Changes in vision: Although rare, there is a small risk of changes in vision, such as blurred vision or double vision. If you experience any changes in your vision after the surgery, you should contact your surgeon right away.
Conclusion
Internal approach blepharoplasty can be a great option for those looking to improve the appearance of their lower eyelids and reduce puffiness and bags under the eyes. When choosing a plastic surgery hospital in New York City for this procedure, it is important to consider the surgeon's qualifications and experience, the hospital's reputation and accreditation, the range of services offered, pre - and post - operative care, and the cost. By doing thorough research and making an informed decision, you can increase your chances of achieving the desired results and having a successful surgical experience.
If you're considering internal approach blepharoplasty, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon in New York City. Take the time to discuss your concerns and goals, and ask any questions you may have. With the right hospital and surgeon, you can look forward to a more refreshed and youthful appearance.
