Exploring Eyelid Bag Surgery in New York City The Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Gulou Hospital Insights

Introduction

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, the demand for eyelid bag surgery has been on the rise. Whether it's for aesthetic reasons or to address functional issues, patients are seeking the expertise of renowned medical institutions such as the Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Gulou Hospital, along with other well - known clinics. This article delves deep into the world of eyelid bag surgery in New York, covering aspects like the types of surgeries, suitable candidates, associated risks, and the expertise of different medical providers.

Understanding Eyelid Bag Surgery

Types of Asian Eyelid Surgeries

One of the most common reasons for seeking eyelid surgery in the Asian community is to create a double eyelid or to correct various eyelid - related issues. There are multiple types of Asian eyelid surgeries:

• Asian Blepharoplasty: Estimated that about 50% of the Asian population naturally have a single eyelid. Asian blepharoplasty aims to create a natural eyelid crease or “double eyelid.” This surgery gives the upper eyelid a visible crease, making the eyes look brighter and more open. It also makes it easier for women to apply eye makeup. Surgeons like Dr. Amiya Prasad, an oculoplastic surgeon, highlight the importance of understanding the unique anatomy of Asian eyes as they are different from Western eyes. Ethnicity, age, gender, skin quality, and general health need to be considered in developing a proper strategy for this surgery. There are 4 types of Asian eyelids: eyelid with no crease, eyelid with partial crease, eyelid with multiple creases, and eyelid with double crease. The natural creases vary among patients, and the procedure is customized accordingly.
• Asian Ptosis Surgery: Eyelid ptosis, which can be caused by aging or genetics, makes the upper eyelids droop, causing the person to appear sleepy, disengaged, or sluggish. During the procedure, local anesthesia is administered. The doctor creates an incision in the eyelid crease to make adjustments and then uses ultra - fine sutures to seal the incisions, which are removed after about one week, around the time patients can return to work.
• Epicanthoplasty: The epicanthal fold is a distinct feature of Asian eyes. It stretches over the central area of the eyelid and significantly affects the eye's appearance. Epicanthoplasty is a procedure to adjust this fold so that the inner corners of the eyes (inner canthus) are revealed. The eyelid crease can look longer, and the eye can appear wider. This surgery can be performed with or without Asian double eyelid surgery. Surgeons like Dr. Kwak take great care to minimize scarring through a conservative approach with fine - tuned, nuanced instruments.

Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)

Lower blepharoplasty is mainly used to reduce signs of aging in the lower eyelid. It addresses issues such as skin laxity, lower eyelid bags, and tear troughs. A study (Liu, Huang, & Song, 2022) reviewed 913 patients who underwent lower blepharoplasty from 2008 to 2020. They pre - operatively classified patients into different grades based on their characteristics, such as the presence of fat herniation, skin laxity, and tear troughs:

Suitable Candidates for Eyelid Bag Surgery

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for eyelid bag surgery. The following factors are considered:

• Overall Health: Good candidates should be in good overall health. They should not have any underlying medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders. For example, patients with bleeding disorders may have a higher risk of excessive bleeding during and after the surgery.
• Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. They should understand that while eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of the eyes, it may not completely transform their face or solve all their aesthetic concerns. For instance, they should not expect to look like a different person after the surgery.
• Age: While many candidates for eyelid surgery are over the age of 35 years, as aging is a common cause of eyelid problems such as sagging skin and bagginess, younger patients with genetic predispositions to droopy or baggy eyelids may also be considered for the surgery.

Benefits of Eyelid Bag Surgery

Eyelid bag surgery offers several benefits:

• Reduced Fine Lines: The majority of patients notice a dramatic improvement in early aging signs such as fine lines. Lifting the lower and upper lids can help minimize the lines around the corners of the eyes as well as in the lower eyelid area.
• No Under - Eye Sagging: Lower eyelid surgery is effective in removing the baggy areas under the eyes. This is achieved by eliminating excess tissue and skin underneath the eye, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
• A Refreshed Look: The blepharoplasty procedure can significantly improve the overall shape and look of the eyes. This refreshed, youthful appearance noticed after the procedure helps boost self - esteem and self - confidence.
• Correction of Vision Problems: In some cases, excessive skin on the upper eyelids can interfere with vision. Eyelid surgery can correct this issue by removing the excess skin and improving the field of vision.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Eyelid - Related Care

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches in New York City offer an alternative or complementary perspective to eyelid - related care.

TCM Treatments

• TCM Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a core TCM treatment method. It uses surgical - grade, sterile disposable needles (0.12 mm to 0.35 mm in thickness) that are inserted into “acu - points” on the body. These acu - points have been mapped over thousands of years of TCM history. In the context of eyelid - related issues, acupuncture may help regulate the flow of chi, which is believed to be related to overall health and may potentially improve eyelid muscle function or reduce swelling in some cases.
• TCM Moxibustion: Moxibustion involves burning moxa or other herbs on carefully selected “acu - points” or meridian channels to apply thermal therapy. It can be performed as a standalone treatment or combined with other methods. While not directly related to eyelid surgery, it may contribute to overall well - being, which can be beneficial during the recovery process.
• TCM Herbal Medicine: TCM herbal medicine uses the four natures and five flavors of herbs. Each herb or combination of herbs is specifically selected to target a particular organ system. In the case of eyelid - related issues, herbal prescriptions may be tailored to address problems such as inflammation, poor blood circulation, or fatigue, which could potentially affect the appearance and health of the eyelids.
• TCM Cupping Method: Cupping uses suction cups or fire cups to create a vacuum on the skin. The locations are selected to trigger channels connecting to deep organ systems. Although it may not be directly used for eyelid bag surgery, it can help with pain management and overall body balance, which may aid in the recovery process after surgery.

Selecting the Right Medical Provider in New York City

There are several well - known medical providers in New York City for eyelid bag surgery:

Plastic Surgeons

• Dr. Kwak: A double - board - certified facial plastic surgeon in NYC. He has a mastery of Asian eyelid anatomy, combines this knowledge with an understanding of each patient's motivations, and always considers the cultural and ethnic identities of his patients. He has extensive training at elite US hospitals and has studied with busy plastic surgery clinics in Korea. His skills are further honed by working alongside revered physicians in the nation. Asian double eyelid surgery is a demanding and challenging cosmetic surgery, and Dr. Kwak is known for his precision, skill, and ability to produce natural - looking results. He may also suggest additional procedures such as ptosis surgery or epicanthoplasty to enhance outcomes.
• Dr. Amiya Prasad: An oculoplastic surgeon who has been a highly sought - after specialist for East Asian blepharoplasty since the mid - 1990s. He was featured in major Chinese - language publications and on Chinese World TV. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique anatomy of Asian eyes and integrating factors like ethnicity, age, gender, skin quality, and general health into the surgical strategy. He evaluates various factors during the consultation to determine a patient's suitability for the surgery and chooses between non - incisional or incisional procedures based on the amount of excess skin and fat under the upper eyelid.
• Dr. Jessica Lattman: An expert in eyelid surgery, her specific training in Asian lid anatomy makes her an ideal choice for cosmetic or functional adjustment and repair of Asian eyelids. She has extensive experience operating on Asian eyelids, having studied the anatomy during her early training and developing her own techniques. She can customize the surgery to each individual eyelid to satisfy the patient's vision of how they want their eyelids to look.
• Dr. William Lao: A board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has performed numerous Asian double eyelid surgeries in Manhattan and focuses on providing beautiful, natural - looking results. He is proud to have attended Johns Hopkins University and has over a decade of experience. He has been listed as a top doc in the aesthetic magazine “New Beauty.” He provides a thorough evaluation during the consultation, offers expert recommendations, and addresses any questions the patient may have. His surgical team provides pre - and postoperative instructions to ensure patient safety and the best possible outcome.

The Surgical Process

Pre - Surgery

Before the surgery, a comprehensive consultation is essential. During this consultation, the surgeon will:

• Review the patient's medical history, including any past surgeries, allergies, and underlying medical conditions.
• Perform a physical examination of the eyes, including an assessment of the eyelid skin, muscle, and fat.
• Discuss the patient's goals and expectations for the surgery.
• Determine the most suitable surgical approach based on the patient's anatomy and desired outcomes.
• Provide the patient with pre - operative instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications (such as aspirin, which can increase bleeding risk), stopping smoking, and arranging for someone to drive them home after the surgery.

During Surgery

The surgical approach depends on the type of eyelid surgery. For example:

• Asian Blepharoplasty: This can be performed under local anesthesia and usually takes about one hour. The surgeon can choose between an incisional or non - incisional approach based on the patient's needs. In the 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. In the incisional approach, an incision is made in the upper eyelid area, and a small volume of fat may be removed to define the upper eyelid crease.
• Lower Blepharoplasty: As mentioned earlier, the approach depends on the patient's grade. The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with a 1:1 mixture of 2% lidocaine with adrenaline. Incisions are made, and the surgeon manipulates the skin, muscle, fat, and ligaments as necessary to achieve the desired results.

Post - Surgery

After the surgery, patients will experience a recovery period:

• Recovery Phases: For Asian blepharoplasty, there are three phases of wound - healing recovery. The first is the inflammatory phase in the first week after surgery, with redness, swelling, and elevation of the eyelid and the eyelid crease. The second is the proliferative phase, where the body produces blood supply and collagen for healing. The third is the collagen remodeling or wound remodeling phase, which can last up to one to two years, during which the incision lines become flat.
• Care Instructions: Patients are usually advised to keep the head elevated to reduce swelling, apply ice packs as recommended, and avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks. Sutures are typically removed within a week. They should also avoid applying makeup to the eyes, rubbing or stretching the eyelid tissues, or excessively cleaning the area to prevent complications.

Risks and Complications of Eyelid Bag Surgery

While eyelid bag surgery is generally considered safe, there are some risks and complications associated with it:

• Anesthesia Risks: General or local anesthesia with sedation is used during the surgery, and there are associated risks such as allergic reactions, breathing problems, or adverse reactions to the medications.
• Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding from the incision lines, which can cause hematomas (blood clots) under the skin. This may require additional treatment to resolve.
• Changes in Skin Sensation or Numbness: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation or numbness of the eyelashes due to nerve damage during the surgery.
• Difficulty Closing the Eyes: In some cases, patients may have difficulty fully closing their eyes after the surgery, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and an increased risk of infection.
• Dry Eyes: This is a common complication, especially in older patients or those with pre - existing dry eye symptoms. Long - term dry eyes can cause keratitis and even corneal ulcers.
• Ectropion or Lid Lag: Ectropion is the outward rolling of the lower eyelid, and lid lag is the pulling down of the lower eyelid. These can occur if too much skin or tissue is removed during the surgery.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site, which may require antibiotic treatment.
• Unfavorable Scarring: Although incisions are made to minimize scarring, some patients may develop noticeable or hypertrophic scars.
• Need for Revision Surgery: In some cases, the initial surgery may not achieve the desired results, and a revision surgery may be necessary.

Cost of Eyelid Bag Surgery in New York City

The cost of eyelid bag surgery in New York City can vary widely. The average cost of Asian