Introduction
In the bustling city of New York, the demand for external blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, has been on the rise. As one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, blepharoplasty aims to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes, reducing signs of aging such as sagging skin, puffiness, and dark circles. With numerous public institutions and plastic surgeons offering this service, it can be challenging for individuals to determine which ones are the best. This article will explore the ranking of public institutions for external blepharoplasty in New York City, providing insights into the top doctors, the procedure itself, and important considerations for those considering this cosmetic surgery.
Understanding Blepharoplasty
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. It involves trimming and/or resurfacing excess skin, removing excess fat, and repositioning the surrounding facial tissue. This surgery can address a variety of concerns, including sagging or drooping eyelid skin, puffiness, fat protrusion from the lower eyelids (creating “eye bags”), and deep skin grooves under the eyes. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, eyelid surgery is one of the top five most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in America (Newsweek, 2022).
Candidates for Blepharoplasty
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are typically men and women in good health who are unhappy with the changes that age, genetics, or environmental factors have caused to their eyelid area. These changes may include excess, hanging skin on the upper eyelids or drooping lower lids, excess fat deposits around the eye area, deep skin grooves under the eyes, or a hollowed appearance of the junction between the lower eyelid and cheek. However, individuals with certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, dry eyes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes may not be suitable candidates and may require approval from an ophthalmologist before undergoing the procedure (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2024).
Ranking of Public Institutions and Doctors for Blepharoplasty in New York City
Newsweek's Ranking
In 2022, Newsweek partnered with Statista Inc. to find America's best plastic surgeons. For eyelid surgery, several New York - based doctors made it onto the list. Some of the top - ranked doctors in New York City include:
| Rank | Doctor's Name | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sherrell J. Aston, MD | 90.60% | 728 Park Avenue, New York, NY |
| 5 | Glenn W. Jelks, MD | 84.71% | 875 Park Avenue (between 77th and 78th), New York, NY |
| 7 | Alan Matarasso, MD | 83.33% | 1009 Park Ave, New York, NY 10028 |
| 19 | Charles H. Thorne, MD | 72.69% | 812 Park Avenue, New York, NY |
| 20 | Dr. John E. Sherman, MD, FACS | 72.52% | 1016 5th Avenue, New York, NY |
Healthgrades' Ranking
Healthgrades also provides rankings for blepharoplasty doctors in New York and Brooklyn. In New York, some highly - rated doctors are:
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Freilich, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 14 e 96th st apt c, New York, NY 10128 |
| Dr. Bryan Winn, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 880 3rd ave fl 2, New York, NY 10022 |
| Dr. Lisa Gfrerer, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 515 6th street, Brooklyn, NY 11215 |
| Dr. Lora Dagi Glass, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 880 third avenue, New York, NY 10022 |
| Dr. Elena Geller, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 309 w 23rd st, New York, NY 10011 |
Popular Public Institutions Offering Blepharoplasty in New York City
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai offers blepharoplasty surgery on an outpatient basis at its private, ambulatory surgery center. The goal of the procedure at Mount Sinai is to improve eyelid contour, tighten the skin, and create a smoother, more refreshed appearance. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. Patients are given pre - surgery instructions regarding medications and how to prepare for recovery, and after surgery, they are usually given a short course of antibiotics and mild pain medication. Most patients can return to work or social activities within one to two weeks after surgery and are asked to avoid strenuous activities for two weeks (Mount Sinai, 2024).
Cangello Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery is one of the top - board certified plastic surgeons in New York City. He takes an artistic approach to plastic surgery and is dedicated to providing personalized care. Dr. Cangello will have a detailed consultation with patients, discussing their reasons for seeking blepharoplasty, assessing their eyelids and periocular tissues, and reviewing their medical history. He offers a variety of techniques for blepharoplasty, including excision of excess skin, laser resurfacing, excision of fat, and repositioning of fat. The recovery process is also carefully managed, with patients given pre - operative and post - operative guidelines (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2024).
Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Dr. John E. Sherman is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years of experience in New York. He specializes in facial rejuvenation and offers both upper - eyelid surgery and lower - eyelid surgery. Dr. Sherman is well - known for his transconjunctival blepharoplasty procedure, which is ideal for younger patients with puffy eyelids. He carefully examines each patient to determine the most suitable treatment option, taking into account factors such as the amount of fat, skin elasticity, and the patient's overall goals (New York Plastic Surgery, 2024).
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Pre - operative Preparation
Before undergoing blepharoplasty, patients need to make several preparations. At most institutions, patients will have a consultation where they discuss their medical history, goals, and expectations. Some pre - operative instructions may include discontinuing blood thinners, supplements, and medications that can interfere with the surgery or recovery process. Smokers are usually advised to stop smoking several weeks before and after the surgery as nicotine can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. Patients also need to arrange transportation after the surgery and plan for time off from work and social commitments to allow for proper recovery (New York Plastic Surgery, 2024; Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2024).
During the Surgery
The surgical technique for blepharoplasty can vary depending on the patient's needs. For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the incision usually follows the natural crease in the eyelid, making the resulting scar virtually undetectable. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision can be made inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) or just below the lower lash line, ensuring a hidden scar. In some cases, if excess skin needs to be removed from the outside of the lower eyelid, an external incision may be made. The surgeon will then gently separate the skin and muscle from the underlying tissue, remove excess fat, skin, and muscle as needed, and close the incisions with tiny sutures. The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on whether one or both sets of eyelids are being operated on (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2024).
Post - operative Recovery
After blepharoplasty, patients can expect some discomfort, bruising, and swelling. Pain medication is typically prescribed to alleviate discomfort. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help reduce bruising and swelling. Bruising usually peaks on the second or third day and improves significantly within one to two weeks. Swelling may last up to three weeks, and the final result is usually obtained in about two months. External sutures are usually removed within one week. Patients are advised to avoid excessive activity for three to five days and can typically resume regular activities three weeks after the surgery (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2024; New York Plastic Surgery, 2024).
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Public Institution for Blepharoplasty
Surgeon's Experience and Reputation
The experience and reputation of the surgeon are crucial factors. Surgeons with many years of experience in performing blepharoplasty are more likely to have encountered a wide range of cases and can handle potential complications more effectively. Patients can look at the surgeon's ratings on platforms like Healthgrades and Newsweek rankings, as well as read patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of their reputation (Healthgrades, 2024; Newsweek, 2022).
Quality of the Institution
The quality of the public institution matters. Institutions with well - equipped operating rooms, experienced nursing staff, and a good track record of patient safety are preferred. For example, institutions like Mount Sinai have a reputation for high - quality medical care and state - of - the - art facilities (Mount Sinai, 2024).
Cost
The cost of blepharoplasty can vary depending on the type of procedure, the amount of work required, and the institution. While cost should not be the only factor, it is an important consideration. Some institutions may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost. Insurance usually does not cover blepharoplasty if it is done for purely cosmetic reasons, but it may cover it if it is needed to improve vision (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2024; New York Plastic Surgery, 2024).
Personalized Approach
A personalized approach is essential. The surgeon should take the time to understand the patient's unique needs, goals, and concerns. They should be able to customize the treatment plan to achieve the most natural - looking results. For instance, Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery and Dr. John E. Sherman focus on personalized consultations and treatment planning (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2024; New York Plastic Surgery, 2024).
Potential Risks and Complications of Blepharoplasty
Like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty has potential risks and complications. These can include adverse reactions to anesthesia, poor healing, infection, bleeding, dry eye, and visible scarring. However, when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon on appropriately selected patients, the risks are relatively low. Surgeons usually discuss these potential risks with patients during the consultation to ensure they are fully informed before making a decision (Mayo Clinic, 2024; Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2024).
Conclusion
When it comes to external blepharoplasty in New York City, there are many excellent public institutions and plastic surgeons to choose from. By considering factors such as the surgeon's experience, the quality of the institution, cost, and personalized approach, patients can make an informed decision. The top - ranked doctors and institutions mentioned in this article have a proven track record of providing high - quality blepharoplasty services. Whether you are looking to reduce signs of aging around your eyes or improve your vision, external blepharoplasty can be a transformative procedure.
If you are considering blepharoplasty, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, you can ask questions, discuss your goals, and learn more about the procedure. By taking the time to do your research and choose the right surgeon and institution, you can increase your chances of achieving the results you desire. Share this article with friends and family who may be interested in learning more about blepharoplasty in New York City.
