Introduction
Korean - style double eyelid surgery has gained immense popularity in New York City in recent years. This cosmetic procedure, which aims to create a natural - looking double eyelid crease, is highly sought after by individuals of Asian descent and those looking for a refreshed eye appearance. While there are numerous clinics and hospitals offering this service, the top - tier ones play a crucial role in setting the standard for excellence in this field. It is a widely held belief that most of the top three hospitals for Korean - style double eyelid surgery in New York City are public ones. In this article, we will delve into the world of Asian eyelid surgery in New York, explore some of the leading surgeons, and evaluate whether the top institutions are indeed public hospitals.
Understanding Asian Eyelid Surgery
What is Asian Eyelid Surgery?
Asian eyelid surgery, also known as double eyelid surgery or Asian blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to create a crease in the upper eyelid. About 50% of the Asian population are born without a natural double eyelid crease, and this surgery offers a way to alter the appearance of the eyelid to suit their aesthetic preferences. The surgery is not about “westernizing” a person's appearance but rather creating a natural - looking crease that complements the Asian facial features.
The absence of a double eyelid crease is due to the lack of fibrous connections between the eyelid skin and the levator palpebrae superiorus muscle. Surgical techniques for Asian eyelid surgery establish these connections using sutures or by removing excess tissue, depending on the patient's individual anatomy.
Benefits of Asian Eyelid Surgery
- Enhanced Eye Appearance: It adds a skin fold to the upper eyelid, making the eyes look more open, alert, and youthful. The crease can also make the eyes appear bigger and more defined.
- Addressing Asymmetry: Many people have asymmetrical eyelids, and this surgery can correct such issues, providing a more balanced look.
- Vision Improvement: In cases where excess skin on the upper eyelid is obstructing the field of vision, the surgery can remove the extra tissue and improve eyesight.
- Reduced Discomfort: It can relieve trichiasis, a condition where the eyelashes turn inward and cause eye irritation.
- Improved Makeup Application: With a double eyelid crease, it becomes easier to apply eyeshadow and other eye - related cosmetics, allowing for more diverse makeup looks.
Top Surgeons and Their Approaches
Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. His practice on 5th Avenue is well - known for Asian eyelid surgery. Over the course of his career, he has performed numerous Asian double eyelid surgeries for patients in Manhattan.
Technique and Results: Dr. Lao focuses on providing beautiful and incredibly natural - looking results. He takes into account the patient's overall health, aesthetic desires, and individual anatomy. Good candidates for his surgeries are those in good overall health, who prefer the appearance of a double eyelid over an epicanthic fold, and have realistic expectations. For example, patients with congenital upper - eyelid ptosis can have the sagging corrected while also getting the appearance of a double eyelid.
Procedure Details: The surgery can be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation. During the procedure, excess fat may be removed, excess skin trimmed, and underlying muscles adjusted to create the desired crease. The incisions are hidden within the creases of the upper eyelid for a natural finish.
Recovery: Sutures remain in place for around four to six days. Some mild swelling and bruising are normal, and elevating the head and applying ice packs can help manage the swelling. On average, it takes about one week to recover from surgery, but strenuous activity should be avoided for a few more weeks. The full results of the procedure become visible in around one to two months.
Dr. Yael Halaas
Dr. Yael Halaas is the 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.
Types of Asian Eyelid Surgery: Dr. Halaas offers three types of Asian eyelid surgery: full incision, partial incision, and double suture and twist.
- Full Incision: This is best for patients with excess or thick eyelid skin or severe ptosis. It involves removing excess skin and soft tissue and attaching the reshaped eyelid skin to the underlying structure.
- Partial Incision: Suited for patients with excess fat in the eyelids but not necessarily excess skin. It uses up to three small incisions along the planned crease line to remove fat and secure the crease with sutures.
- Double Suture and Twist: Ideal for patients with little excess skin, no droopiness, and little to no fat in the eyelids. The eyelid is pierced in several places to introduce sutures that attach the skin to the underlying muscles.
Recovery and Results: Recovery depends on the procedure. Sutures are removed 5 - 7 days after surgery. Swelling and bruising usually subside over time, with about 60% - 70% going down one week later. It may take up to three months for the eyelid creases to look and feel natural, and the scar will fade over six months.
Dr. Amiya Prasad
Dr. Amiya Prasad is a highly respected oculofacial plastic surgeon with over twenty years of experience. He uses his expertise in Asian blepharoplasty to provide patients with natural - looking results.
Customized Approach: Before the surgery, he evaluates various factors such as the patient's skin thickness and quality, fat volume under the skin, past healing from procedures, unique eye anatomy, age, and gender. He then decides whether to perform a non - incisional or an incisional procedure.
Non - incisional Procedure: This technique makes small openings in the skin and passes a stitch to attach the upper eyelid skin to the underlying levator muscle, causing the eyelid skin to fold when the eyes are opened. It is suitable for patients with less excess skin and fat.
Incisional Procedure: When there is extra skin and fat on the upper eyelid, an incisional approach is used. An incision is made in the upper eyelid area, and a small volume of fat is removed to define the crease without creating a “hollow” look.
Recovery: After surgery, patients are seen in about 1 week for suture removal (for incisional surgery). Swelling is common and can make the eyelid crease appear too high initially. The healing process may be longer for Asian patients, and factors like allergies and sinus conditions can affect recovery.
Are Most of the Top Three Hospitals Public?
There is a hypothesis that most of the top three hospitals for Korean - style double eyelid surgery in New York City are public ones. However, from the research of the top Google search results, it is difficult to immediately conclude this. The surgeons mentioned, such as Dr. William Lao, Dr. Yael Halaas, and Dr. Amiya Prasad, are mainly associated with private practices.
Public hospitals in New York City, while having excellent medical resources and skilled surgeons, may not be as well - known specifically for Korean - style double eyelid surgery. Private practices often focus on cosmetic procedures and have a more targeted marketing approach towards patients seeking these types of surgeries. They can offer more personalized services and have a greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and pricing.
On the other hand, public hospitals may have more general medical services and a larger patient base for various medical conditions. Their surgical teams are well - trained, but the specialization in a niche cosmetic procedure like Korean - style double eyelid surgery may not be as prominent as in some private facilities.
It is possible that some public hospitals in New York City may offer high - quality Asian eyelid surgery, but without in - depth research on the specific ranking of hospitals and their performance in this field, we cannot confirm the claim that most of the top three are public ones.
Choosing the Right Hospital or Surgeon
Credentials and Experience
When considering Korean - style double eyelid surgery, it is essential to choose a surgeon with proper credentials. Look for board - certified plastic surgeons or oculofacial plastic surgeons. Surgeons with extensive experience in Asian eyelid surgery are more likely to produce satisfactory results. For example, surgeons like Dr. William Lao, who has over a decade of experience, and Dr. Amiya Prasad, with over twenty years of expertise, have a proven track record in this area.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you an insight into the surgeon's skills, bedside manner, and the overall patient experience. Positive reviews from real patients who have undergone Asian eyelid surgery can be a good indicator of a surgeon's quality. For instance, many patients of Dr. William Lao have expressed high satisfaction with their results and the care they received during the entire process.
Portfolio of Before - and - After Photos
A surgeon's portfolio of before - and - after photos can help you visualize the potential results of the surgery. Pay attention to the naturalness of the double eyelid creases, the symmetry of the eyes, and the overall improvement in the patients' appearance. A diverse portfolio that shows different patient types and surgical techniques can give you a better understanding of the surgeon's capabilities.
Communication and Compatibility
Good communication between you and the surgeon is crucial. The surgeon should listen to your aesthetic goals, answer your questions, and provide you with clear information about the procedure, risks, and recovery. You should feel comfortable discussing your concerns and have confidence in the surgeon's ability to achieve the desired results. For example, Dr. Yael Halaas is known for working closely with each patient to understand their desires and customize the treatment accordingly.
Cost of Asian Eyelid Surgery
The cost of Asian eyelid surgery in New York City can vary widely. The average cost typically starts at $3,000 and can go up to around $8,000. Several factors influence the cost:
- Surgeon's Fee: More experienced and well - known surgeons may charge higher fees for their services.
- Anesthesia Costs: Whether you choose local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia can affect the cost.
- Facility Fees: The location and quality of the surgical facility also play a role. High - end private clinics may have higher facility fees compared to public hospitals.
- Complexity of the Procedure: If your surgery requires more extensive work, such as correcting severe ptosis or using advanced surgical techniques, the cost will be higher.
To get the most accurate cost, it is advisable to schedule a consultation with the surgeon. During the consultation, the patient coordinator can provide you with a detailed quote for the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine an Asian eyelid surgery with other procedures?
Yes, other treatments like Botox injections for crow's feet around the eyes can be performed in conjunction with Asian eyelid surgery for more comprehensive results. However, it is important to discuss this with your surgeon during the consultation to ensure your safety and the best possible outcome.
How long will the results last?
The results of Asian double eyelid surgery should be permanent, but the eyelids will still age normally. Proper skin care can help preserve the youthful appearance of the eyelids. In some cases, patients who undergo the surgery at a younger age may need a repeat procedure later in life due to factors like eyelid skin hooding and the weakening of connective tissue.
How long until I see the results?
A majority of the swelling and bruising will dissipate over the first week of recovery, but some swelling may persist. It typically takes around two months or longer to see the full results of the Asian double eyelid surgery.
Will it be obvious that I had surgery?
Skilled surgeons like Dr. William Lao use extreme care and precision when performing eyelid surgery. The incisions are well - hidden within the folds of the eyelids, and the adjustment of the eyelid tissues is done to ensure a natural - looking result. In most cases, it should not be obvious that you had surgery.
Will Asian eyelid surgery make me look younger?
The primary goal of Asian double eyelid surgery is to create a natural - looking skin crease on the upper eyelids. An upper eyelid lift can also be performed in conjunction with the procedure to address loose and saggy upper - eyelid skin, rejuvenating the appearance of the eyes and making you look younger.
Can a revision surgery be performed?
Yes, revision Asian double eyelid surgery can be performed to correct the appearance of the eyelids after a primary procedure. It is important to allow the eyelids to properly heal for at least six months before undergoing revision surgery.
Will my insurance cover Asian eyelid surgery?
Insurance usually does not cover procedures performed for cosmetic purposes. However, if you suffer from ptosis of the eyelids that is obscuring your field of view or decreasing your quality of life, your insurance may cover corrective surgery of the eyelids.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Korean - style double eyelid surgery in New York City offers a way for individuals to enhance the appearance of their eyes. We have explored the techniques, benefits, and top surgeons in the area. While the claim that most of the top three hospitals for this surgery are public ones remains unsubstantiated based on the available research, patients have a variety of options, including both private practices and potentially public hospitals.
When considering Asian eyelid surgery, it is crucial to do thorough research, choose a qualified surgeon, and have realistic expectations. By understanding the procedure, recovery process, and associated costs, you can make an informed decision that will lead to a satisfactory outcome.
If you are interested in learning more about Korean - style double eyelid surgery or scheduling a consultation, we encourage you to reach out to a reputable surgeon in New York City. Share this article with others who may be considering this procedure, and continue exploring related topics to stay informed about the latest trends and advancements in cosmetic surgery.
