Introduction
Double - eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure, especially in New York City where the demand for aesthetic enhancements is ever - present. Finding the right hospital and surgeon for this delicate procedure is crucial to ensure safe and satisfactory results. In this article, we will introduce five carefully - selected hospitals in New York City that are well - known for their expertise in double - eyelid surgery.
What is Double - Eyelid Surgery?
Double - eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to create a visible crease or fold in the upper eyelid. In Asian cultures, it is particularly popular as an estimated 50% of the Asian population does not naturally have the double - eyelid fold. In Western countries, it is often referred to as upper blepharoplasty. This surgery can enhance the appearance of the eyes, making them look more open, alert, and youthful. It can also improve vision if sagging eyelids are obstructing the field of view.
There are different techniques for double - eyelid surgery, including incisional and non - incisional methods. The choice of technique depends on various factors such as the patient's eyelid structure, skin quality, and personal preference.
Importance of Choosing the Right Hospital
Selecting the right hospital for double - eyelid surgery is of utmost importance. A good hospital will have experienced and board - certified surgeons who are well - versed in the anatomy of the eyes and facial features. They can accurately assess the patient's suitability for the procedure and design a personalized treatment plan. Additionally, a reputable hospital will have state - of - the - art facilities and follow strict safety protocols to minimize the risks associated with surgery.
Complications can occur in double - eyelid surgery, such as hematoma, infection, dry eyes, asymmetry, and the disappearance of the double - eyelid crease. A well - equipped hospital with experienced medical staff can better handle these complications and ensure a smooth recovery for the patient.
Five Carefully - Selected Hospitals in New York City for Double - Eyelid Surgery
1. Facility Associated with Dr. Philipp Franck
Dr. Philipp Franck is a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who completed his training at two prestigious Ivy League university hospitals. He is an expert in facial plastic surgery, including advanced blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). He has been named one of New York’s rising star surgeons by the New York Times Magazine since 2023 and also serves as a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University Hospital in New York. His dedication to patient - centered care and consistently excellent surgical outcomes have earned him a place in Castle Connolly’s list of top doctors nationwide.
Procedure Process
- Preparation and Marking: Dr. Franck carefully marks the areas around the eyelids to determine how much skin or fat should be removed.
- Incision Placement: For upper eyelid surgery, incisions are made within the natural creases of the upper eyelid to hide scars. For lower eyelid surgery, incisions may be placed either just below the lash line or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival approach).
- Tissue Removal or Repositioning: Excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle are removed or repositioned to create a more youthful contour.
- Closing the Incisions: He uses very fine sutures to minimize scarring. Stitches are typically removed within a few days.
Benefits
- Enhanced appearance with a brighter, more alert look.
- Improved vision if droopy eyelids were obstructing the field of view.
- Removal of under - eye bags for a fresher and rejuvenated look.
- Long - lasting results that can make the investment worthwhile.
Risks
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks such as infection or bleeding, dryness or irritation of the eyes, temporary changes in vision, and scarring. However, these occurrences are very rare, and Dr. Franck will thoroughly brief patients during the consultation to manage their expectations.
2. Prasad Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Amiya Prasad is a highly respected oculofacial plastic surgeon with over twenty years of experience. He is well - known for his expertise in Asian blepharoplasty (double - eyelid surgery). He understands that Asian eyes are anatomically different from Western eyes and emphasizes the importance of creating natural - looking results. He has been featured in major Chinese - language publications and Chinese World TV, especially for his work on performing revision surgery on patients who had unsuccessful Asian upper eyelid surgery done elsewhere.
Procedure Process
Before the surgery, Dr. Prasad evaluates various factors such as the patient's age, gender, skin thickness and quality, fat volume under the skin, healing from past procedures, and unique anatomy around the eyes. Based on this evaluation, he determines whether the patient is a suitable candidate and chooses between a non - incisional or an incisional procedure.
- Non - incisional Approach: Small openings are made in the skin, and a stitch is passed through to attach the upper eyelid skin to the underlying levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid. This results in the eyelid skin folding in when the eyes are opened.
- Incisional Approach: If 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 typically removed to define the crease without creating a hollow area.
Benefits
- Creates a natural - looking double - eyelid crease that complements the patient's facial features.
- Makes the eyes look bigger, more open, and more vibrant.
- Allows for customization based on the patient's unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Risks and Recovery
Swelling is common after the surgery, and the eyelid crease may appear too high initially. The healing process can be longer for Asian patients, with swelling between the eyelid crease and the eyelid margin potentially persisting for months or even a year. Factors such as allergies, sinus conditions, and sensitive skin can affect the recovery process. Dr. Prasad will see patients regularly during the recovery period to ensure proper healing.
3. Practice of Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery, emphasizing aesthetic cosmetic surgery. One of the plastic surgery procedures he performs is blepharoplasty. His practice is located in an accredited state - of - the - art surgical facility in New York.
Procedure Process
Eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and light intravenous sedation on an outpatient basis. The length of the procedure depends on the patient's cosmetic expectations and goals. If getting surgery on both the upper and lower eyelids (double blepharoplasty), the procedure may take 2 hours, while an upper or lower blepharoplasty will conclude faster.
Benefits
- Brightens the face and restores a more youthful appearance.
- Improves vision by removing excessive skin of the upper eyelids that may interfere with peripheral vision.
Risks and Recovery
All patients will experience some bruising and swelling for a few days after the surgery. A temporary problem with closure of the eyelids, blurring of vision, and in rare instances, an ectropion (pulled - down lower eyelid) may occur. Eyelid surgery is a delicate procedure, and it is important to choose a board - certified surgeon like Dr. Antell to minimize risks. The recovery time varies, but patients can usually resume mild physical activities after about 10 days and all physical activities after 4 weeks.
4. Mount Sinai - Related Surgical Services
Mount Sinai offers eyelid lift surgery, also known as blepharoplasty and ptosis repair. This surgery is done to repair sagging or drooping upper eyelids and remove excess skin from the eyelids. It can also correct puffy bags below the eyes.
Procedure Process
The surgery is done in a surgeon's office or as outpatient surgery in a surgery center. The patient is given medicine to help relax, and numbing medicine (anesthesia) is injected around the eye. The surgeon makes tiny cuts into the natural creases or folds of the eyelids, removes loose skin and extra fat tissue, and tightens the eyelid muscles if a ptosis repair is also performed. Finally, the incisions are closed with stitches.
Benefits
- Improves the appearance of sagging or droopy eyelids.
- Enhances the overall look of the eyes, making the patient look younger and more alert.
Risks
Risks for anesthesia and surgery in general include reactions to medicines, bleeding, blood clots, and infection. Specific risks for an eyelid lift may include damage to the eye or loss of vision (rare), difficulty closing the eyes while sleeping (rarely permanent), double or blurred vision, dry eyes, temporary swelling of the eyelids, tiny whiteheads after stitches are removed, slow healing, uneven healing or scarring, and eyelids that may not match. Medical conditions such as diabetes, dry eye, heart disease, high blood pressure, and thyroid problems can make the surgery more risky.
5. Facilities Associated with Top - Rated Doctors on Healthgrades
Healthgrades lists many doctors in New York who perform eyelid surgery. For example, Dr. Rasa Zarnegar, MD, with a 4.80 - star rating, and Dr. Brendan Finnerty, MD, with a 5.00 - star rating, are both on staff at New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. These doctors are likely to provide high - quality double - eyelid surgery services.
Patients can benefit from the experience and positive patient reviews of these doctors. They can expect personalized care, a thorough consultation process, and attention to detail during the surgery to achieve optimal results. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are still risks involved, and patients should have a detailed discussion with their doctor before making a decision.
Complications in Double - Eyelid Surgery
Complications in double - eyelid surgery can be divided into disordered 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. | Application of cold compress within three days of surgery can effectively prevent or control hematoma formation. Hematomas are usually absorbed within a short time post - operatively, but the time varies from person to person. |
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 postoperative infection. | The use of postoperative antibiotic ointment is an effective prophylactic method. Cephalosporin or broad - spectrum antibiotics administered through intravenous drips can be used for treatment. In severe cases, a surgical incision may be necessary. |
Dry Eyes | Occurs especially in middle - aged and older patients, with an incidence rate of between 8% and 21%. Intraoperative local anesthesia, injury to the orbicularis oculi muscle, or excessive incision of the upper eyelid skin can lead to dry eyes. | Patients can use artificial tears or other lubricants. Wearing moist chamber spectacles during sleep can help. A preoperative evaluation should be performed for patients with a history of dry eyes. |
Blepharoptosis | Diagnosed when the upper eyelid covers more than 2 mm of the cornea in forward - looking eyes. It can be caused by 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. For example, if due to loose skin, a skin resection may be considered. Monitoring and waiting for swelling to subside may be sufficient for temporary ptosis. |
Retrobulbar Hemorrhage | A rare but extremely dangerous complication that can lead to blindness. Medical history of hypertension, vascular diseases, or damage to periorbital muscles and vessels during surgery can increase the risk. | Surgical decompression, such as lateral canthotomy and decompression, should be performed as soon as possible. |
Esthetic Complications
Complication | Description | Treatment |
---|---|---|
Asymmetry | One of the most common postoperative complications, usually manifested as unequal bilateral double - eyelid height. It can be caused by inaccurate preoperative design, differences in levator palpebrae superioris muscle power, inappropriate intraoperative manipulation, or differences in periorbital muscle activity. | Repair should usually be performed about one year after the first surgery as the eyelid crease shape may gradually improve. In some cases, adjustment of muscle power or correction of intraoperative errors may be necessary. |
Multiple Creases | Occurs due to excessive dissection and resection of the pretarsal tissue or the orbital septum, resulting in ectopic adhesion between the levator aponeurosis and the skin, often accompanied by a high double - eyelid fold or sunken upper eyelid. | For mild cases, fillers or fat grafts can be injected. The ideal treatment is to release the ectopic adhesion and preserve enough pretarsal tissue. If tissue volume is insufficient, the orbital septum and pre - aponeurotic fat can be pulled down. |
High Double - Eyelid Fold | Often accompanied by sunken upper eyelids and multiple creases. It can cause a “flesh strip” appearance and mild ptosis. It may occur when patients strive for a European eye shape without considering ethnic anatomical differences. | If the upper eyelid skin is relatively loose, a part of it can be resected to move the fold downward. If the skin is insufficient, tissue transfer, such as using pre - aponeurotic fat or free fat grafts, may be necessary. |
Disappearance of the Double - Eyelid Crease | A common complication, usually caused by improper operation or hyperactivity of the orbital muscles. Excessive pre - aponeurotic fat and overactive frontalis muscles can also contribute to the disappearance of the crease. | Preoperatively, factors that may negatively affect the prognosis should be identified and eliminated. For example, injecting botulinum toxin into the forehead to inhibit frontalis muscle activity. |
Preparing for Double - Eyelid Surgery
Proper preparation is essential for a successful double - eyelid surgery. Here are some general tips:
- General Health: Patients should be in good overall health without serious eye conditions or uncontrolled medical issues. Management of conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid problems is important. Patients should also stop smoking as it can affect healing.
- Medical Review: During the consultation, patients should discuss their medical history, including any existing eye conditions, medications, or previous surgeries. Depending on the situation, a clearance from an ophthalmologist may be required.
- Medication Adjustment: Patients should avoid any medication or supplement that is a blood thinner before surgery, as it can increase the risk of bleeding. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and some herbal supplements.