The Review of the Top Five Hospitals for Upper Eyelid Skin Tightening in New York City

Introduction

As we age, the skin around our eyes undergoes significant changes. The upper eyelids, in particular, are prone to sagging, developing excess skin, and fat deposits, which can lead to a tired, aged appearance. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics offering upper eyelid skin - tightening procedures. This article aims to review the top five institutions that stand out in this field, providing detailed information on their services, expertise, and patient experiences.

1. The Practice of Dr. John E. Sherman

Expertise and Experience

Dr. John E. Sherman is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years of experience. Throughout his career, he has performed thousands of surgeries and has achieved various recognitions for his expertise. He is also an active researcher in various medical journal publications, which indicates his commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in the field of plastic surgery.

Upper Eyelid Lift Procedure

An upper eyelid lift, or upper blepharoplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure offered at Dr. Sherman's practice. As we age, collagen and elastin fibers begin to degrade, usually starting in our mid - 30s. This leads to the weakening of the dermis, causing tiny pockets of fat and excess skin to droop over the eyelid, creating “hooded” eyes. Dr. Sherman's procedure subtly tightens and contours the tissues above the eye, promoting a more rejuvenated and youthful look.

The operation may be performed either under local anesthesia or with sedation administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. Dr. Sherman makes a tiny horizontal incision within the crease of the eyelid, which ensures that any scarring is easily hidden. A small portion of skin and a small amount of the orbicularis muscle (the muscle surrounding the eye) are removed, and the two fat pockets of the upper eyelid are trimmed. This restores a cleaner, youthful look to the upper eyelid.

Patient Experience and Results

Patients can expect to have a personal consultation with Dr. Sherman. During this consultation, he will outline an individualized treatment plan that addresses the patient's upper eyelid concerns. He will also discuss the necessary steps for recovery and the possibility of other complementary procedures, such as Botox to relax crow’s feet wrinkles around the eyes. The recovery period is relatively short, with patients usually able to return home the same day. The results of the eyelid lift typically last about 10 to 15 years, depending on the patient's rate of aging and lifestyle factors.

Contact Information

To get started, patients can call his office in New York City at (212) 535 - 2300 or request a consultation via his contact form.

2. Philipp Franck M.D. Facial Aesthetic Specialist

Doctor's Background

Dr. Philipp Franck is a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who completed his training at two prestigious Ivy League university hospitals. He is an expert in facial plastic surgery, including advanced blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Named one of New York’s rising star surgeons by the New York Times Magazine since 2023, he also serves as a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University Hospital in New York. His dedication to patient - centered care and consistently excellent surgical outcomes has earned him a place in Castle Connolly’s list of top doctors nationwide.

Blepharoplasty Services

Blepharoplasty is among the most sought - after cosmetic procedures at Dr. Franck's practice. Upper blepharoplasty is typically done under local anesthesia with sedation, but some patients may opt for general anesthesia depending on individual needs and comfort levels. Lower blepharoplasty is typically performed under anesthesia as it tends to be more complex.

The process begins with careful marking of the areas around the eyelids to determine how much skin or fat should be removed. Incisions for upper eyelid surgery are made within the natural creases of the upper eyelid to hide scars, while for lower eyelid surgery, incisions may be placed either just below the lash line or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival approach). Excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle are removed or repositioned to create a more youthful contour, and very fine sutures are used to minimize scarring.

Benefits and Recovery

The benefits of blepharoplasty at Dr. Franck's practice include an enhanced appearance, improved vision (if sagging eyelids were obstructing sight), removal of under - eye bags, and long - lasting results. Patients usually return home the same day and experience minimal discomfort. In the first week, there may be mild swelling, bruising, or irritation, which can be managed with cold compresses and head elevation. Sutures are usually removed within 5 - 7 days, and many people resume light activities within a week or two, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks.

Consultation Process

The consultation process is comprehensive. Dr. Franck will assess the patient's eyelids, evaluate the skin and underlying structures, review the patient's medical history, and may require clearance from an ophthalmologist. He will also explain the procedure in detail, including incision placement, anesthesia options, and likely recovery timelines. Patients will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their concerns, ensuring they feel well - prepared and confident moving forward.

3. Manhattan Surgical Care with Dr. Basil Pakeman

Surgeon's Qualifications

Dr. Basil Pakeman is a double - board certified cosmetic surgeon. His expertise makes him a reliable choice for upper eyelid rejuvenation surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty.

Procedure for Upper Eyelid Rejuvenation

Upper eyelid rejuvenation surgery is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure at Manhattan Surgical Care. It addresses puffiness and sagging in the eyelids, which can make a person look tired and older than they are. In some extreme cases, sagging eyelids can interfere with the field of vision.

During the procedure, Dr. Pakeman makes small incisions in the contour of the upper eyelid. These incisions are strategically located so as to be virtually unnoticeable after recovery. He then repositions and adjusts the fat and muscle tissue of the upper eyelid and removes any excess skin that may be causing problems. Finally, he closes the incisions and provides the patient with a comprehensive recovery plan.

Candidate Selection and Consultation

The ideal candidates for this surgery are those with sagging skin that disrupts the upper eyelid’s natural contour to the point of impairing their vision. They should be in good health, non - smokers, and have realistic expectations of the surgery’s outcome. However, people with certain medical conditions such as hypertension, chronic dry - eye, thyroid problems, circulation disorders, heart disease, or diabetes should not undergo the procedure. Those with glaucoma should consult with Dr. Pakeman first.

During the consultation, Dr. Pakeman will discuss the surgery at great length, recommend the best treatment options, and assess the patient's specific situation. He will evaluate the patient's medical history, eye structure, skin laxity on the eyelids, and skin type. Patients are also encouraged to talk about their lifestyle behaviors, medications, and past eye procedures.

Recovery and Results

After the surgery, patients may experience temporary blurry vision. They will need to apply antibiotics on the surgical site and use artificial tear drops to prevent dryness. A cold compress or ice pack and sleeping with several pillows propping the head up can help reduce swelling. Patients are advised to rest for one to two weeks or longer, limit screen time, and avoid strenuous activities. The result of the surgery is a more invigorated, youthful appearance.

Cost and Insurance

If sagging, puffy upper eyelids are interfering with vision, the insurance plan may cover the cost of the surgery. The staff at Manhattan Surgical Care will assist patients in understanding their insurance coverage. If the plan does not cover the procedure or if it is for purely aesthetic reasons, the practice offers attractive financing options.

Contact Information

Patients can call Manhattan Surgical Care at 212 - 308 - 1566 to schedule a consultation for upper eyelid rejuvenation in New York City.

4. Dr. Adam R. Kolker - Best Eyelid Surgery in NYC

Surgeon's Skills and Approach

Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a New York City plastic surgeon skilled in all nuances and techniques in the rejuvenation of the eye area. He brings vast experience, technical finesse, meticulous attention to detail, and artistry to achieve the most beautiful results. His approach emphasizes maintaining the natural shape and “personality” of the eyes while making subtle changes that rejuvenate and beautify.

Eyelid Rejuvenation Techniques

A traditional blepharoplasty at Dr. Kolker's practice might include the removal of excess upper eyelid skin, excess eyelid fat, and excess lower eyelid skin. In addition to these basic procedures, a variety of other techniques may be used alone or in combination. These include non - surgical lower eyelid rejuvenation using injectable facial fillers to restore volume to the tear trough and soften the lid - cheek junction, laser resurfacing to improve color, texture, and tone of the eyelid area, skin - pinch blepharoplasty to remove a small amount of excess skin of the lower eyelid, transconjunctival blepharoplasty to remove excess lower eyelid fat without external incisions, fat grafts for tear trough and volume loss, and lower eyelid fat repositioning to tighten the lower lid support mechanisms.

Patient Journey and Care

From the first visit through the blepharoplasty perioperative process and throughout the recovery and follow - up, patients can expect thoroughness, attention to detail, and warmth from Dr. Kolker and his team. During the consultation, he will consider all facets of the patient's physical attributes and goals and formulate a customized eyelid rejuvenation treatment strategy. Patients are provided with detailed instructions for preparation, recovery, and aftercare.

Recovery and Exercise

After the blepharoplasty, patients recover in the recovery room and are cared for by a registered nurse. They usually go home with a friend or relative one to two hours after the completion of surgery. Cold compresses are used to minimize bruising and swelling around the eyes. The primary swelling and bruising resolve in about one week, and most patients can go back to work or resume social activities around this time. Dr. Kolker suggests light cardio exercises for approximately two weeks after the surgery, after which unrestricted exercise and activity may be resumed.

Contact for Consultation

Patients are invited to schedule a consultation to discuss blepharoplasty in NYC with Dr. Kolker and experience his personalized care.

5. William Lao, MD - Thermage and Upper Eyelid Surgery

Doctor's Reputation

Dr. William Lao is a double - board plastic surgeon who is widely recognized as one of the best upper eyelid surgery and Asian eyelid plastic surgeons in New York. He is a frequent guest on the aesthetic publication New Beauty, where his expertise is highly regarded. His patients come from all over the world, and he is known for placing patient safety as a top priority.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, is one of Dr. Lao's most popular procedures. It is designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes and correct severe eyelid sagging. Over time, the upper eyelids can droop, making a person look tired and older. In cases of severe ptosis, the vision may be obscured. Dr. Lao can use his technical precision and eye for facial aesthetics to deliver natural - looking and beautiful results.

The best candidates for upper blepharoplasty in Dr. Lao's practice are patients who are in good overall physical health, non - smokers, and want to improve their upper eyelids. Many Asian patients also request a double fold in their eyelids, and this surgery can achieve that desired look.

There are different techniques available, such as incisional and non - incisional blepharoplasty. The choice of technique depends on the patient's age, the amount of excess skin and fat, and other individual factors. After the surgery, some swelling and bruising are normal, but these issues will dissipate over time. Most people take around one week off work, and more strenuous activities should be avoided for around two weeks.

Thermage Treatment

In addition to upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Lao offers Thermage, a radio - frequency therapy procedure. Thermage is a non - invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) technology to tighten the skin. It is best used around the eyes and on the face and can also be used on the body. The treatment is highly customizable and can take years off the face by tightening the skin and promoting new collagen growth. It has little to no downtime, and many patients are able to return to work on the same day.

Cost and Consultation

The average cost of upper eyelid surgery in New York City at Dr. Lao's practice typically starts at $3,000 and can range up to $10,000 or more, depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia costs, and surgeon fees. The cost of Thermage treatments typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 per session, with prices varying based on the specific area treated, the size of the treatment area, and the expertise of the provider. Patients are recommended to schedule a consultation for a personalized cost estimate and detailed information about the procedures.

Contact Information

Patients interested in upper eyelid surgery or Thermage can contact Dr. Lao's office to schedule a consultation.

Comparison of the Five Institutions

Conclusion

In New York City, there are several outstanding hospitals and clinics for upper eyelid skin tightening. Each of the