Introduction

Double - eyelid surgery, especially the Korean - style, has gained significant popularity in New York City. Many Asian individuals are seeking this cosmetic procedure to enhance the appearance of their eyes, making them look more open and energetic. In this article, we will explore the top three hospitals in New York City for Korean - style double - eyelid surgery and provide in - depth information about the surgery, including its procedures, candidates, recovery, and more.

Understanding Korean - Style Double - Eyelid Surgery

Before delving into the top hospitals, it's essential to understand what Korean - style double - eyelid surgery is. Asian eyelid surgery, or double - eyelid surgery, is a special type of blepharoplasty that creates a crease in the upper eyelid. It is particularly popular among people of Asian descent who want to improve the definition or apparent size of their eyes. The Korean - style often emphasizes a natural and aesthetically pleasing look that complements Asian facial features.

About 50% of Asians are born with a single eyelid, lacking the muscle attachment to the skin that causes the upper eyelid crease. Double - eyelid surgery aims to address this by creating a crease, which gives the eyes a more open and vibrant appearance. It can also make it easier for women to apply eye makeup.

Types of Double - Eyelid Surgery Techniques

There are several techniques for double - eyelid surgery, and the choice depends on the patient's individual anatomy, comfort, and aesthetic goals. Here are the main types:

1. Full Incision: This approach is suitable for patients with excess or thick eyelid skin, or severe ptosis (droopy eyelid). It involves removing the excess skin and soft tissue and attaching or fixing the reshaped eyelid skin to the underlying eyelid structure. The structures used for fixation can affect the appearance of the crease and the function of the eyelid after healing. For example, in cases where a patient has a lot of loose skin due to aging or other factors, the full - incision method can provide a more dramatic and long - lasting result.
2. Partial Incision: This technique 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 sutures are used to define the crease line. It is a good option for those who want a less invasive procedure with a relatively shorter recovery time.
3. Double Suture and Twist (Suture Technique): This method is ideal 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. It offers the least post - operative discomfort, with minimal swelling and bruising compared to the other procedures.

The Top Three Hospitals for Korean - Style Double - Eyelid Surgery in New York City

1. Practice of 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.

Expertise in Asian Eyelid Surgery

Asian eyelid surgery is one of Dr. Halaas's specialties. Her specialized technique for Asian eyelid surgery has been recognized by the Digital Journal. She takes a personalized approach, working closely with each patient from a personal and aesthetic perspective to understand their goals. Whether a patient desires a subtle or more pronounced crease, Dr. Halaas can customize the procedure to meet their needs and budget.

Procedure and Recovery

Dr. Halaas performs all three types of Asian eyelid surgery: full incision, partial incision, and double suture and twist. The procedures are performed under local anesthesia and take about one hour. After surgery, patients can expect some discomfort from the incisions and swelling, which can be minimized with ice packs and pain relievers. Sutures are removed 5 - 7 days after surgery, and about 60% - 70% of the swelling and bruising should go down one week later. However, 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.

Patient Care and Safety

At Dr. Halaas's office, patient and staff health is taken very seriously. Safety measures are in place, such as rescheduling patients with a temperature over 100.4 and asking them to see their primary care doctor. Water and snacks are removed from the waiting area, and each room is thoroughly disinfected between patients. Telehealth consults are encouraged beforehand to plan for the in - office visit.

2. Practice of Dr. Richard Westreich

Dr. Richard Westreich is a renowned board - certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in Asian eyelid surgery in NYC. He is double - board certified in both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery.

Ideal Candidates and Treatment

Ideal candidates for double - eyelid surgery with Dr. Westreich are those who lack a crease in the upper eyelid, do not heal with thick scars, are in good health both physically and mentally, and have reasonable expectations based on doctor consultation. He offers different surgical techniques, including full incision, partial incision, and the suture technique (DST method). The choice of technique depends on the patient's individual eyelid anatomy, such as the thickness of the eyelids, the volume of fat, prior procedures, age, and gender.

Special Procedures

In addition to standard double - eyelid surgery, Dr. Westreich also performs revision Asian eyelid surgery for patients who are not satisfied with the results of previous surgeries. He can address issues such as asymmetrical eyelids, a poorly placed crease, or the buildup of scar tissue. He also offers Asian ptosis surgery to correct drooping eyelids and epicanthoplasty, which can be performed in tandem with Asian double - eyelid surgery or as a stand - alone procedure to reshape the eyelid and give the eyes a more elongated look.

Facility and Patient Experience

Dr. Westreich offers treatment on - premises at his acclaimed office in New York City or a nearby accredited surgical suite. Patients can expect outstanding client care in a safe, innovative environment with groundbreaking technology and state - of - the - art equipment. The team of compassionate and seasoned RNS, surgical techs, and medical assistants is on hand to provide support throughout the process.

3. Practice of Dr. Amiya Prasad

Dr. Amiya Prasad is a highly sought - after oculofacial plastic surgeon. Since the mid - 1990s, he has been a specialist for East Asian blepharoplasty and has been featured in major Chinese - language publications and Chinese World TV, especially for his work on revision surgery for patients with unsuccessful previous Asian upper eyelid surgeries.

Customized Approach

Dr. Prasad takes a customized approach to Asian double - eyelid surgery. During the pre - surgery evaluation, he considers 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.

Procedures and Results

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, creating the crease. The incisional approach is used when there is extra skin and fat on the upper eyelid. A small volume of fat is typically removed to define the crease without creating a hollow area. Dr. Prasad's patients often achieve natural - looking results, and he has extensive experience in performing double - eyelid blepharoplasty for Asian patients from all over the world.

Recovery Process

The recovery process for Asian blepharoplasty with Dr. Prasad has three phases: the inflammatory phase (first week after surgery with redness, swelling, and elevation of the eyelid), the proliferative phase (body produces blood supply and collagen for healing), and the collagen remodelling or wound remodelling phase (disorganized collagen becomes organized, and incision lines flatten and soften, which can last up to one to two years).

Candidates for Double - Eyelid Surgery

Any individual whose upper eyelid lacks a defining crease can be considered for double - eyelid surgery. However, it's important to meet certain criteria:

• Good Health: Patients should be in good physical and mental health. Pre - existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and lung or heart conditions should be disclosed to the doctor before surgery. Smokers are usually advised to stop smoking at least several weeks before surgery to maximize the chances of successful treatment and hasten the recovery period.
• Realistic Expectations: It's crucial for patients to have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. The goal is to enhance the appearance of the eyes while maintaining consistency with Asian facial features, not to "westernize" the look.
• Age Considerations: Age can play a role in the type of surgery and the longevity of the results. For example, younger patients may require a different type of procedure compared to older patients, and the results may last longer in younger patients due to less skin stretching and fat accumulation over time.

Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery process after double - eyelid surgery varies depending on the surgical method and the individual patient. Here are some general aspects of recovery:

Immediate Post - Surgery

After the surgery, patients will experience some discomfort and swelling. Ice packs can be used to minimize swelling, and pain relievers may be prescribed. For incisional surgeries, sutures are usually removed 5 - 7 days after the procedure.

Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising are common after double - eyelid surgery. In general, Asian patients tend to swell more and for a longer period compared to Caucasian patients. It may take several weeks to months for the swelling to subside completely. Initially, the eyelid crease may appear too high or deep, but it will settle over time as the swelling goes down.

Return to Normal Activities

Most patients can return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about two weeks to allow the eyes to heal properly. It may take up to six months for the eyes to fully heal and settle into their new shape, but the eyelids will start to look natural after a couple of weeks.

Follow - up Care

Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential to ensure proper healing. The surgeon will monitor the progress, address any concerns, and provide guidance on aftercare, such as skincare and when it's safe to resume normal activities like wearing makeup.

Benefits and Risks of Double - Eyelid Surgery

Benefits

• Enhanced Appearance: Double - eyelid surgery can make the eyes look bigger, more open, and more energetic, enhancing the overall facial appearance.
• Improved Self - Confidence: Many patients report an increase in self - confidence after the surgery, as they are more satisfied with their appearance.
• Facilitates Makeup Application: For women, having a double eyelid makes it easier to apply eye makeup, which can further enhance their appearance.

Risks

• Swelling and Bruising: As mentioned earlier, swelling and bruising are common and can be a source of discomfort and temporary change in appearance.
• Scarring: Although efforts are made to minimize scarring, there is still a risk, especially with incisional techniques. However, in most cases, the scars will fade over time.
• Asymmetry: There is a small risk of the eyelids not being completely symmetrical after surgery. This can often be corrected through revision surgery if necessary.
• Infection: Like any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Following the surgeon's post - operative instructions, such as keeping the incisions clean, can help reduce this risk.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Choosing the right surgeon is crucial for the success of double - eyelid surgery. Here are some factors to consider:

• Board Certification: Look for a surgeon who is board - certified in facial plastic surgery or a related specialty. This ensures that the surgeon has the necessary training and expertise.
• Experience: A surgeon with extensive experience in Asian eyelid surgery is more likely to achieve satisfactory results. Ask about the number of double - eyelid surgeries the surgeon has performed and view before - and - after photos of their patients.
• Artistic Eye: The surgeon should have an artistic eye to create a natural - looking crease that complements the patient's facial features and ethnic heritage.
• Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients to get an idea of the surgeon's reputation and the quality of their work.
• Communication: The surgeon should be able to communicate effectively with the patient, listen to their concerns and goals, and provide clear explanations about the procedure, risks, and recovery.

Conclusion

Double - eyelid surgery, especially the Korean - style, offers an opportunity for individuals of Asian descent in New York City to enhance the appearance of their eyes. The top three hospitals mentioned - the practices of Dr. Yael Halaas, Dr. Richard Westreich, and Dr. Amiya Prasad - have highly qualified surgeons with extensive experience in Asian eyelid surgery. When considering double - eyelid surgery, it's important to carefully evaluate your candidacy, understand the recovery process, and choose the right surgeon. By doing so, you can increase the likelihood of achieving a natural - looking and satisfactory result.

If you are interested in double - eyelid surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top surgeons. They can provide you with personalized advice, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for you.