Introduction
Double - eyelid surgery, also known as Asian blepharoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure. In New York City, there is a significant demand for high - quality Korean double - eyelid surgery due to its refined techniques and natural - looking results. This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking list of doctors in New York City who are skilled in performing this surgery, along with detailed information about the surgery itself and relevant factors to consider.
Understanding Korean Double - Eyelid Surgery
What is Korean Double - Eyelid Surgery?
Korean double - eyelid surgery is a specialized form of blepharoplasty that focuses on creating a natural - looking double eyelid fold. It takes into account the unique anatomical features and aesthetic preferences of Asian patients. Approximately half of all Asians are born with single eyelids, which may make the eyes look smaller and can sometimes cause vision problems or other issues like eyelashes grazing the corneas (as reported by Medical Departures). The goal of this surgery is to create a crease on the upper eyelid, enhancing the overall appearance of the eyes and giving a more open and youthful look.
Techniques Involved
- Incision Technique: This involves making a small incision across the eyelid to form the double crease. It is most suitable for patients with thick or excessive eyelid skin, or fatty tissue. The advantage of this technique is that the results are permanent. However, recovery times are longer, and scarring may be slightly more visible. For example, patients with a lot of redundant eyelid skin will benefit from this method to ensure a long - lasting and well - defined double eyelid (as detailed on Medical Departures).
- Non - Incision (Suture) Techniques: These techniques are suitable for patients with thinner skin and who do not have obvious fatty deposits. Creases are formed by folding the eyelid skin and stitching the fold. The main advantage is the shorter downtime, with many patients able to return to work after a week, and little or no scarring. But the results are not permanent and may last for several years, or sometimes less (according to Medical Departures).
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor
Experience
A doctor with extensive experience in performing Korean double - eyelid surgery is more likely to deliver satisfactory results. Surgeons who have performed numerous procedures are familiar with different anatomical variations and can handle unexpected situations during surgery. For instance, a doctor who has worked on a large number of Asian patients will have a better understanding of the unique features of Asian eyelids, such as the epicanthal fold (source: insights from multiple plastic surgery clinics).
Board Certification
Board - certified plastic surgeons or oculoplastic surgeons are held to higher standards of training and ethical practice. They have completed rigorous education and training programs and have passed comprehensive exams. A doctor who is board - certified in plastic surgery or ophthalmology (in the case of oculoplastic surgeons) has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform double - eyelid surgery safely and effectively (RealSelf lists many board - certified doctors for double - eyelid surgery in New York).
Patient Reviews
Reading patient reviews can provide valuable insights into a doctor's skills, bedside manner, and the overall patient experience. Reviews can give you an idea of the doctor's ability to communicate effectively, address patients' concerns, and achieve satisfactory results. Real - life stories from previous patients can help you gauge whether a doctor is a good fit for you (as seen on platforms like RealSelf and Healthgrades).
Portfolio of Before - and - After Photos
A doctor's portfolio of before - and - after photos can give you a clear idea of their aesthetic sense and the quality of their work. Look for natural - looking results that are in line with your personal preferences. Pay attention to details such as the symmetry of the eyelids, the depth of the crease, and the overall appearance of the eyes after surgery (many plastic surgery websites display such portfolios).
The Ranking List of Doctors for Korean Double - Eyelid Surgery in New York City
Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao is a board - certified plastic surgeon. He has 16 years of experience and accepts virtual consultations. He allows patients to show exactly what they want with tape during the consultation and can complete a suture - technique double - eyelid surgery within 30 minutes according to real - patient stories on RealSelf. He is widely recognized as one of the best upper eyelid surgery and Asian eyelid plastic surgeons in New York. As a double - board certified plastic surgeon, he is a frequent guest on the aesthetic publication, New Beauty, where they rely on his expertise. His upper eyelid surgery specialty attracts patients from all over the country for his aesthetic artistry.
Dr. Jimmy C. Sung
Dr. Jimmy C. Sung is also a board - certified plastic surgeon with 25 years of experience. He offers gender - affirming care. One patient on RealSelf reported that it had been 5 weeks post - (Asian) double - eyelid surgery and the results were already looking super natural, although still slightly swollen. His long - standing experience in the field and positive patient feedback make him a strong candidate in the ranking.
Dr. Brett S. Kotlus
Dr. Brett S. Kotlus is an oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology. He has 19 years of experience and accepts virtual consultations. Multiple patients on RealSelf have had an amazing experience with him. One patient was nervous about the surgery due to the healing downtime but was highly satisfied with the results. His specialization in oculoplastics gives him in - depth knowledge of the eye area, which is beneficial for double - eyelid surgery.
Dr. Edward S. Kwak
Dr. Edward S. Kwak is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon with 18 years of experience and holds 2 board certifications. He listened carefully to a patient's concerns during an Asian blepharoplasty and epicanthoplasty procedure and was able to give realistic expectations as mentioned on RealSelf. He has a comprehensive understanding of Asian eyelid anatomy, which is crucial for achieving natural - looking results in Korean double - eyelid surgery.
Dr. Edmund Kwan
Dr. Edmund Kwan is a board - certified plastic surgeon with 29 years of experience. A patient on RealSelf had double - eyelid surgery with him and was up and out the next day with no complications or pain, not even needing to take pain medication. His long - term experience in the field and ability to provide a relatively smooth surgical experience make him a notable doctor on the list.
Dr. Dilip D. Madnani
Dr. Dilip D. Madnani is a facial plastic surgeon, board - certified in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. He has 18 years of experience and 2 board certifications. Many patients on RealSelf have been happy with their results. For example, a patient named Frida was glad to have found him after a long search for the right doctor. His dual board certifications and extensive experience contribute to his reputation in performing double - eyelid surgery.
Dr. James R. Gordon
Dr. James R. Gordon is an oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology, with 25 years of experience. He has solved problems like bad eye bags and heavy upper lids overhanging for patients, as reported on RealSelf. His long - standing practice in oculoplastics and successful surgical outcomes make him a reliable choice for double - eyelid surgery.
Dr. George Yang
Dr. George Yang is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon with 19 years of experience and 2 board certifications. A patient who was a stock - bond analyst and new to plastic surgery found him after thorough research. He was able to put the patient at ease during the process. His experience and board certifications make him a valuable option for those seeking Korean double - eyelid surgery.
Dr. Richard G. Reish
Dr. Richard G. Reish is a board - certified plastic surgeon with 16 years of experience. He offers gender - affirming care. He was very attentive and caring during a patient's recovery, keeping in contact multiple times a day. His patient - centered approach and surgical skills make him a well - regarded doctor in the field of double - eyelid surgery (RealSelf).
Dr. Andrew Miller
Dr. Andrew Miller is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon with 24 years of experience and 2 board certifications. He has performed multiple procedures on the face, including blepharoplasty, and patients have reported amazing results. His wide range of experience in facial plastic surgery and successful double - eyelid surgeries contribute to his place on the ranking list (RealSelf).
Additional Notable Doctors in New York for Eyelid Surgery
Beyond the above - mentioned doctors who are well - known for Korean double - eyelid surgery, there are other notable doctors in New York City who perform eyelid surgery in general. These doctors have also received high ratings from patients:
Doctor Name | Rating (out of 5) | Location |
---|---|---|
Dr. Neil Nichols, MD | 4.40 | 114 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016 |
Dr. I Rodgers, MD | 4.30 | 229 E 79th St, New York, NY 10075 |
Dr. Bryan Winn, MD | 4.60 | 880 3rd Ave Fl 2, New York, NY 10022 |
Dr. Rasa Zarnegar, MD | 4.80 | 525 E. 68th Street, New York, NY 10065 |
Dr. Brendan Finnerty, MD | 5.00 | 520 East 70th Street Starr Pavilion, 8th floor, New York, NY 10021 |
Dr. Paul Langer, MD | 4.50 | 90 Bergen St, Newark, NJ 07103 |
Dr. Christopher Starr, MD | 4.40 | 1305 York Avenue 12th floor, New York, NY 10021 |
Dr. Gary Lelli, MD | 3.80 | 1305 York Avenue 12th floor, New York, NY 10021 |
Dr. Emil Chynn, MD | 4.40 | 102 E 25th St, New York, NY 10010 |
Dr. David Freilich, MD | 4.30 | 14 E 96th St Apt C, New York, NY 10128 |
Dr. Elizabeth Maher, MD | 3.60 | 20 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017 |
Dr. Harsha Reddy, MD | 5.00 | 77 Worth St, New York, NY 10013 |
The Process of Korean Double - Eyelid Surgery
Consultation
The first step is a consultation with the chosen doctor. During this consultation, the doctor will examine your eyelids, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the most suitable technique. It is important to be open and honest about your expectations. For example, if you prefer a more natural - looking double eyelid or a more pronounced crease, the doctor can take this into account when planning the surgery (based on industry best practices for plastic surgery consultations).
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the surgery, you may need to undergo some pre - operative tests to ensure your overall health. You may also be advised to stop taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin. The doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including any dietary restrictions or skin - care regimens to follow (general guidelines from plastic surgery clinics).
The Surgery
The surgery usually takes between half an hour and an hour and is typically performed under local anesthesia and sedation. The doctor will use the chosen technique (incision or non - incision) to create the double eyelid fold. After the surgery, you may need to stay at the clinic for a few hours for observation before being allowed to go home (from Medical Departures).
Recovery
After surgery, you should expect swelling and bruising, which may take some time to disappear. For the non - suture technique, it may take one or two weeks, while for the incision technique, recovery may be twice as long. Stitches are typically removed between five and seven days after the procedure. You can wear makeup to disguise any swelling, bruising, or scarring after the stitches are removed. It will take several months for the tissue around your eyes to settle down and look natural, and up to six months to a year for the healing process to be entirely complete. You should follow the doctor's post - operative instructions carefully, which may include using eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and getting enough rest (from Medical Departures).
Cost Considerations
The cost of Korean double - eyelid surgery in New York City can vary widely. Factors that affect the cost include the doctor's experience, the technique used, the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia costs, and the location of the clinic. On average, the cost of eyelid surgery in New York City can start at $3,000 and range up to $10,000 or more (as mentioned