Introduction
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure that aims to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes. It can correct sagging or droopy eyelids, remove excess skin and fat, and improve peripheral vision. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several popular and well - reputed hospitals for external blepharoplasty. This article will introduce you to the top five among them.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a specialized eyelid surgery. The term “blepharoplasty” comes from the Greek word “blepharos,” which means “eye, eyelid.” It focuses on removing or repositioning excess skin, muscle, and fat around the eyelids. This procedure can address various concerns such as bags under the eyes, hooded upper eyelids, and sagging skin that may obstruct vision. As one of the most commonly performed facial plastic procedures, it offers patients a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Types of Blepharoplasty
- Upper Eyelid Surgery: Incisions are made within the natural creases of the upper eyelid. This helps to conceal the scars. It addresses loose or sagging skin on the upper lids, lifts the eyelid to reveal more of the pupil, enhances vision, and creates a more alert look. It also deals with excess fat and puffiness around the eye, resulting in a smoother contour.
- Lower Eyelid Surgery: Incisions can be placed either just below the lash line or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival approach). It targets under - eye bags, excess skin, and puffiness. It helps smooth and minimize fine wrinkles under the eyes, tightens the lower eyelid to enhance the eye’s shape and overall facial balance, and may reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Asian (Double) Eyelid Surgery: This creates a defined upper eyelid crease for those seeking a double eyelid appearance, which complements the facial structure of Asian patients.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
- Enhanced Appearance: Patients enjoy a brighter, more alert look, making them appear years younger. It gives a rejuvenated and natural appearance around the eyes.
- Improved Vision: Removing sagging skin can expand the field of vision if droopiness was causing obstruction, which is especially beneficial for those with limited peripheral vision due to eyelid sagging.
- Removal of Under - Eye Bags: Eliminating under - eye bags makes the eyes look fresher and rejuvenated, boosting the patient's self - confidence.
- Long - Lasting Results: While natural aging continues, the outcomes of blepharoplasty often last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment in one's appearance.
Top Five Popular and Well - Reputed Hospitals for External Blepharoplasty in New York City
1. NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Many well - regarded doctors perform blepharoplasty at this prestigious institution. For example, Dr. Adam Jacoby, Dr. Thomas Imahiyerobo, and Dr. Lisa Gfrerer are on staff here. The hospital has a reputation for high - quality medical care and state - of - the - art facilities. The doctors at NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center have extensive experience in facial plastic surgery, including advanced blepharoplasty techniques. They are able to provide personalized treatment plans based on each patient's unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
The hospital also offers comprehensive pre - and post - operative care. Before the surgery, patients undergo a thorough consultation, which includes an assessment of their eyelids, a medical review, and potentially ophthalmologist clearance. After the surgery, patients receive detailed instructions on post - operative care, such as using cold compresses, taking medications, and following up for suture removal. This holistic approach helps to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
2. Mount Sinai
At Mount Sinai, blepharoplasty surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis at their private, ambulatory surgery center. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation, depending on the patient's needs and the complexity of the procedure. The doctors here are experienced in using the most common form of blepharoplasty, which uses a camouflaged incision in the crease of the upper eyelid and another just below the lash line of the lower eyelid. In certain instances, they also utilize the transconjunctival approach.
Prior to surgery, patients are given detailed instructions regarding medications and how to prepare for their recovery. After surgery, patients are usually given a short course of antibiotics and mild pain medication as some mild discomfort may persist for the first few days. The hospital's staff provides continuous support during the recovery process, and patients can expect to return to work or social activities within one to two weeks after surgery, as long as they follow the post - operative guidelines.
3. Dr. David Cangello's Practice
Dr. David Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. His practice has established a reputation for providing top - notch results and unmatched expertise. He is trained in general surgery as well as plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Cangello combines his surgical expertise with an artistic eye, allowing him to create beautiful aesthetics that complement a patient's natural anatomy.
He offers personalized consultations to patients considering blepharoplasty. During the consultation, he assesses the patient's eyelids, discusses their goals, and creates a customized treatment plan. The blepharoplasty procedures at his practice may involve excision of excess skin, laser resurfacing, excision of fat bulging from the eyelids, repositioning of fat, or tightening of the lower eyelid. The incisions are carefully placed to ensure minimal scarring, and the doctor uses very fine sutures to close the incisions, resulting in natural - looking results.
4. Dr. John E. Sherman's Plastic Surgery Office
Dr. John E. Sherman is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years of experience in the field. He specializes in facial rejuvenation, including blepharoplasty. He offers both upper - eyelid surgery and lower - eyelid surgery for patients in New York City.
Dr. Sherman is well - known for his expertise in transconjunctival blepharoplasty, which is ideal for younger patients to those in their early forties who have inherited a family tendency for puffy upper and lower eyelids. In this procedure, the incision is made inside the eyelid, avoiding any visible scar. He also performs lower eyelid resuspension or canthopexy for older patients with lax eyelids and laser resurfacing of the eyelids to provide a younger fresher look. The doctor's personalized approach to each patient's needs and his long - standing experience in the field make his office a popular choice for blepharoplasty.
5. Dr. Lara Devgan's Practice
Dr. Lara Devgan is a highly skilled plastic surgeon who performs blepharoplasty in New York City. She is known for achieving beautiful, natural results. A blepharoplasty at her practice can address various problems such as tired - looking eyes, drooping eyelids, crepe - y skin of the eyelids, dark circles under the eyes, puffy bags under the eyes, deep tear troughs, hooding of the eyelids, and Asian eyelids that lack the upper lid crease.
The procedure is a short outpatient one, performed under sedation administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. All scars are either hidden inside the pink part of the eyelids or camouflaged along a skin crease. After surgery, patients can go home the same day. They may resume normal activities like shopping, walking, reading, and even working 1 - 2 days after surgery, although swelling and bruising typically take at least one week to subside. Dr. Devgan's commitment to patient safety and her track record of successful surgeries make her practice a well - reputed option for blepharoplasty.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
Selecting the right hospital and surgeon for your blepharoplasty is crucial for achieving the best results. Here are some factors to consider:
Surgeon's Experience and Qualifications
Look for a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing blepharoplasty. Check their credentials, including their medical education, training, and any awards or recognitions they have received. Surgeons with more experience are likely to be more skilled in handling different types of eyelid conditions and achieving natural - looking results.
Hospital's Reputation and Facilities
Choose a hospital with a good reputation for patient care and safety. Consider the quality of the facilities, such as the operating rooms, recovery areas, and the availability of advanced medical equipment. A well - equipped hospital can provide better support during the surgical process and the recovery period.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of other patients' experiences with the hospital and the surgeon. Positive reviews can give you confidence in your choice, while negative reviews can alert you to potential issues. Look for reviews that specifically mention blepharoplasty procedures and the outcomes.
Consultation Process
A thorough consultation with the surgeon is essential. During the consultation, the surgeon should listen to your concerns and goals, assess your eyelids, and provide a detailed explanation of the procedure, including the expected results, risks, and recovery process. They should also answer all your questions and make you feel comfortable and confident about the surgery.
Preparing for Blepharoplasty
Proper preparation is key to a successful blepharoplasty. Here are some general steps to follow:
Medical Evaluation
Undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a review of your medical history, current medications, and any existing medical conditions. Your surgeon may also recommend an ophthalmologist evaluation, especially if you have any eye - related problems such as glaucoma or dry eye syndrome.
Lifestyle Changes
If you are a smoker, it is recommended to quit smoking at least two to four weeks before and after the surgery. Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. Also, avoid taking medications and supplements that can thin the blood, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E, for a few weeks before the surgery, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Pre - operative Instructions
Follow your surgeon's pre - operative instructions carefully. This may include dietary changes, like avoiding certain foods or beverages, and preparing your home for the recovery period. You may also need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital and to stay with you for the first day or two after the surgery.
Recovery After Blepharoplasty
The recovery process after blepharoplasty is an important part of the overall procedure. Here's what you can expect:
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room until you are fully awake. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the eyelid area. Cold compresses will be applied to the eyes to reduce swelling, and pain medication may be prescribed to alleviate any pain.
First Week
During the first week, continue using cold compresses and keep your head elevated when lying down to further reduce swelling. You may notice that your eyelids feel tight and it may be difficult to close your eyes fully. Sutures are usually removed within 5 - 7 days.
Return to Normal Activities
Many people can resume light activities within a week or two, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks. Most patients are comfortable going out in public within ten days, and you can typically resume regular activities three weeks after blepharoplasty. However, it may take a few months for the swelling to completely subside and for you to see the final results of the surgery.
Conclusion
External blepharoplasty can be a life - changing procedure, providing patients with a more youthful and refreshed appearance and improving their vision in some cases. In New York City, the top five hospitals mentioned above - NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Mount Sinai, Dr. David Cangello's Practice, Dr. John E. Sherman's Plastic Surgery Office, and Dr. Lara Devgan's Practice - offer high - quality blepharoplasty services. By choosing the right hospital and surgeon, preparing well for the surgery, and following the post - operative instructions, patients can achieve excellent results.
If you are considering blepharoplasty, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon at one of these hospitals. Take the time to discuss your concerns and goals, and learn more about the procedure. With the right approach, you can take a step towards enhancing your appearance and boosting your confidence.
