Introduction
In New York City, Korean - style double - eyelid surgery, also known as Asian eyelid surgery or Asian blepharoplasty, has gained significant popularity. This type of surgery is designed to create a crease in the upper eyelid, enhancing the appearance of the eyes. For about half of Asian men and women who are born with a “single eyelid,” this procedure offers a way to achieve a more defined and open - eyed look. In this article, we will explore some of the popular hospitals and surgeons in New York City for this surgery, as well as understand the intricacies of the procedure itself.
Understanding Asian Eyelid Surgery
What is Asian Eyelid Surgery?
Asian eyelid surgery is a special type of blepharoplasty that creates a crease in the upper eyelid. It is mainly performed on people of Asian descent who want to improve the definition of their eyes or make their eyes appear larger in relation to the face. The goal is not to “westernize” the appearance but to form a natural crease similar to those in some Asian family members or friends. According to various sources, about 50% of Asians are born with a crease in the upper eyelid, and those without it often seek this surgery to achieve a similar look.
Differences between Asian and Caucasian Eyelids
Asian and Caucasian eyelids differ in several aspects such as the position, height, shape, and length of the eyelid crease. Asian eyelid creases start near the eyelashes and typically extend upward as the crease gets further from the nose. The fold becomes larger until the mid - point of the pupil and is parallel to the eyelash line. On the other hand, Caucasian eyelids can be up to 20 percent larger or wider and form a reversed “u” shape instead of running parallel to the eyelash line.
Types of Asian Eyelid Surgery
Full Incision
This approach is best for patients with excess or thick eyelid skin or severe ptosis (droopy eyelid). The surgeon makes an incision along the upper eyelid, which can be hidden within the created crease. Then, minimal to moderate excess skin is removed, and some fatty tissue may also be taken out. The re - shaped eyelid skin is attached or fixed to the underlying eyelid structure. There are several structures that can be used for fixation, and each will affect the appearance of the crease and the function of the eyelid after healing.
Partial Incision
It is often performed on patients with excess fat in the eyelids but not necessarily excess eyelid skin. Instead of a single long incision, up to three small incisions are made along the planned crease line. Excess fat is removed through these incisions, and then the incisions are secured with sutures that define the crease line.
Double Suture and Twist
This technique is suitable for patients with little excess skin around their eyes, no droopiness in the eyelids, and little to no fat in the eyelids. The eyelid is pierced in three or four places, and sutures are introduced to attach the eyelid skin to the underlying eyelid muscles, creating the crease.
Popular Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City for Asian Eyelid Surgery
Manhattan Surgical Care
Dr. Pakeman at Manhattan Surgical Care offers Asian eyelid surgery. He has performed many double - eyelid surgeries and can tailor the procedure to meet the aesthetic goals of patients while maintaining their Asian appearance. The procedure here involves making an incision along the upper eyelid, removing minimal to moderate excess skin and some fatty tissue to create a natural - looking double crease. This surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis, and patients can return home afterward. The healing process is similar to that of traditional blepharoplasty recovery, with the ideal results settling in over one to two months. The office also offers a virtual consultation for patients who travel from outside of the state or country. If the excess skin on the upper eyelid impairs the patient's vision, insurance may cover the cost of the Asian blepharoplasty. To schedule a consultation, patients can call 212 - 308 - 1566.
Dr. Yael Halaas
Dr. Yael Halaas is a leading female facial plastic surgeon in the Westchester and NYC area. She is double - board - certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Her specialized technique for Asian eyelid surgery has been recognized by Digital Journal. She offers three types of Asian eyelid surgery: full incision, partial incision, and double suture and twist. Dr. Halaas works closely with each patient to understand their aesthetic desires and can customize the treatment to fit their budget. Her office is implementing safety measures for patients and staff, such as rescheduling patients with a temperature over 100.4 and thoroughly disinfecting each room between patients. She also encourages telehealth consults before in - office appointments.
Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao is a board - certified plastic surgeon who has performed numerous Asian double - eyelid surgeries for patients in Manhattan. He focuses on providing beautiful and natural - looking results. Good candidates for his Asian eyelid surgery should be in good overall health, prefer the appearance of a double eyelid, and have realistic expectations. The procedure can be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation. During the surgery, excess fat may be removed, excess skin can be trimmed, and underlying muscles are adjusted to create the desired crease. The incisions are hidden within the creases of the upper eyelid. The average cost of Asian eyelid surgery in New York City with Dr. Lao typically starts at $3,000 and can go up to around $8,000, depending on factors such as anesthesia costs and surgeon fees. The best way to get an accurate cost is to schedule a consultation. He has been featured in numerous publications about his surgical techniques and has a lot of positive patient reviews.
Dr. Richard Westreich
Dr. Richard Westreich is a renowned board - certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in Asian eyelid surgery in NYC. He uses different surgical techniques such as full incision, partial incision, and the suture technique (dst method), depending on the patient's individual eyelid anatomy and aesthetic goals. He is also skilled in revision Asian eyelid surgery, addressing issues like asymmetrical eyelids or unsatisfactory crease placement. Additionally, he can perform Asian ptosis surgery to correct drooping eyelids and epicanthoplasty to reshape the eyelid for a more elongated look. Dr. Westreich is double - board certified in both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery and provides a detailed consultation process. His clients can receive treatment at his office in New York City or a nearby accredited surgical suite, which offers outstanding client care in a safe and innovative environment.
Dr. Amiya Prasad
Since the mid - 1990s, oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Amiya Prasad has been a highly sought - after specialist for East Asian blepharoplasty. He understands the anatomical differences between Asian and Western eyes and emphasizes the importance of a surgeon having a thorough understanding of Asian eye anatomy. He 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 eye anatomy during the pre - surgery consultation. Based on this evaluation, he decides whether to perform a non - incisional or an incisional procedure. The non - incisional approach involves making small openings in the skin and passing a stitch through to attach the upper eyelid skin to the underlying levator muscle. The incisional approach is used when there is extra skin and fat on the upper eyelid, where an incision is made and a small volume of fat is removed. The surgery usually takes about 1 hour, and patients are at the clinic for approximately 3 hours including preparation and immediate post - operative recovery. The recovery process has three phases: inflammatory, proliferative, and collagen remodelling, with the collagen remodelling phase lasting up to one to two years.
Dr. Lesley Rabach at LM Medical NYC
Dr. Lesley Rabach at LM Medical NYC is a highly experienced facial plastic surgeon who specializes in various types of blepharoplasty, including Asian eyelid surgery. The goal of Asian blepharoplasty here is to create a beautiful, balanced, and natural - appearing eye shape without losing the ethnicity of the eye shape. She has achieved excellent results for patients desiring eyelid lifts or Asian eyelid surgery, improving the shape and function of the eyes. Patients considering Asian eyelid surgery to add a double upper eyelid or an eyelid lift to address excess skin can contact the clinic in Greenwich Village and the Upper East Side to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Lesley to discuss the procedure and determine the best solution for their desired eye shape.
Dr. Lissauer at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital
Dr. Lissauer is an oculoplastic surgeon with a practice dedicated to the rejuvenation of the area surrounding the eyes. His training in ophthalmology and plastic surgery makes him skilled in cosmetic Asian eyelid surgery. He can address the size and shape of the eye, the position of the upper eyelid crease, the position of the crease by the nose (epicanthal fold), and other variations that make Asian eyelid surgery different from Western eyelid surgery. The most commonly performed Asian eyelid plastic surgery at his practice is double - eyelid surgery, which is designed to create or enhance the upper eyelid crease. The procedure is done as an outpatient at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York, with local sedation administered by an anesthesiologist. The patient is awake but relaxed, and the procedure is painless, usually taking about one to two hours. To schedule a consultation, patients can contact the New York office at 212 - 717 - 2150.
Pre - surgery Considerations
Candidate Requirements
Ideal candidates for Asian eyelid surgery should be in good overall health, both physically and mentally. They should lack a crease in the upper eyelid and have reasonable expectations based on doctor consultation. Those who do not heal with thick scars are also more suitable, although thick scarring is uncommon on the eyelids. Some patients may also have additional concerns like ptosis (droopy eyelids), which can be addressed during the surgery.
Consultation Process
During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate 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. The patient should be open and honest with the surgeon about their aesthetic desires, as good communication leads to optimal results. The surgeon will also provide expert recommendations and answer any questions the patient may have.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of Asian eyelid surgery in New York City can vary. The average cost typically starts at $3,000 and can go up to around $8,000, depending on factors like anesthesia costs, surgeon fees, and the complexity of the procedure. Insurance usually does not cover procedures performed for cosmetic purposes. However, if the patient suffers from ptosis of the eyelids that is obscuring their field of view or decreasing their quality of life, insurance may cover corrective surgery of the eyelids.
Post - surgery Recovery
General Recovery Timeline
As the local anesthesia wears off after surgery, patients will experience some discomfort from the incisions and swelling. Ice packs can be used to minimize swelling in the first couple of days, and a pain reliever can also help. Sutures are usually removed 5 - 7 days after surgery. About 60% - 70% of the swelling and bruising should go down one week later, but bruising and swelling may last as long as a month following surgery. It may take up to three months for the newly - defined eyelid creases to look and feel natural, and the scar from the incision will slowly fade away over six months.
Recovery Differences by Procedure Type
Patients who opt for the partial incision technique will experience a little less swelling than those with the full incisional technique, and sutures can be removed within 5 - 7 days. A return to work and most normal activities is usually possible within two weeks, but they should be aware that scarring might be more pronounced. The double suture and twist technique offers the least post - operative discomfort, with minimal swelling and bruising compared to the other procedures, and some patients may be able to return to work within a week.
Post - surgery Care Tips
During recovery, it is best to avoid applying makeup to the eyes, rubbing or stretching the eyelid tissues, or excessively cleaning the area, as these could compromise the results. Elevating the head can also help manage swelling. Strenuous activity should be avoided for a few more weeks after the surgery.
Potential Risks and Complications
Common Risks
Possible risks associated with Asian eyelid surgery include anesthesia risks, bleeding from the incision lines, changes in skin sensation or numbness of the eyelashes, difficulty closing the eyes, dryness in the eyes, ectropion (the outward rolling of the lower eyelid), infection, lid lag (pulling down of the lower eyelid), persistent pain, possible need for revision surgery, sensitivity to the sun or other bright light, swelling and bruising, temporary or possible permanent change in vision, and unfavorable scarring.
Minimizing Risks
To minimize these risks, it is crucial to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon. The surgeon should have in - depth knowledge of Asian eye anatomy and the surgical techniques involved. Following the pre - surgery and post - surgery instructions provided by the surgeon is also essential for a successful recovery and to reduce the likelihood of complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Asian eyelid surgery in New York City offers a way for individuals of Asian descent to enhance the appearance of their eyes by creating a natural - looking double eyelid crease. There are several popular hospitals and skilled surgeons in the city who specialize in this procedure. Before undergoing the surgery, patients should carefully consider the pre - surgery requirements, the type of procedure that suits them best, and the potential costs and insurance coverage. After the surgery, proper post - surgery care is necessary for a smooth recovery. By choosing a qualified surgeon and following all the guidelines, patients can achieve the desired results and boost their confidence.
If you are considering Asian eyelid surgery in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the surgeons mentioned in this article. Do your research, ask questions, and make an informed decision to ensure the best possible outcome for your aesthetic goals. Share this article with others who might be interested in learning more about Korean - style double - eyelid surgery in New York City!
