Introduction

The desire for a well - defined double eyelid has been a significant trend in cosmetic surgery, especially in Korean and Asian - influenced aesthetics. In New York City, a cosmopolitan hub of beauty and medical excellence, finding the right doctor for Korean double - eyelid surgery is crucial. This article will introduce you to the top 5 selected doctors for this specialized procedure, providing you with comprehensive information to make an informed decision.

What is Korean Double - Eyelid Surgery?

Korean double - eyelid surgery, also known as Asian blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that creates a crease in the upper eyelid. This crease can enhance the definition of the eyes, make them appear larger and more open, and add a youthful and energetic look. It's important to note that the goal of this surgery is not to “westernize” the eyes but to create a natural - looking crease that is in harmony with the patient's Asian features.

According to research, approximately half of Asian men and women are born with a “single eyelid,” meaning their upper eyelids do not have a crease. This is what drives many people to seek double - eyelid surgery to achieve the look they desire.

Top 5 Selected Doctors for Korean Double - Eyelid Surgery in New York City

1. Dr. William Lao

Background and Expertise

Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon who has gained a reputation as one of the best upper eyelid surgery and Asian eyelid plastic surgeons in New York. He graduated from Johns Hopkins Medical School, one of the world's finest institutions. He has over a decade of experience and has been listed as a top doc in the aesthetic magazine, New Beauty.

Procedure Details

Dr. Lao's specialty is upper eyelid surgery, including Asian double - eyelid surgery. He can utilize his immense technical precision and a sharp eye for facial aesthetics to deliver results that look amazingly natural and beautiful. He focuses on providing beautiful results that look incredibly natural and has performed numerous Asian double - eyelid surgeries for patients in Manhattan.

During the procedure, he may remove excess fat, trim excess skin, and adjust the underlying muscles to create the desired crease. The incisions are hidden within the creases of the upper eyelid to ensure a natural - looking outcome.

Benefits for Patients

• His patients can benefit from a more youthful appearance, as the surgery can correct sagging and create a more open - eyed look.
• It can address asymmetry of the eyelids, providing a more balanced facial appearance.
• Some patients may experience an improvement in vision if there was previous obstruction due to excess eyelid skin.

Patient Testimonials

Many patients have expressed their satisfaction with Dr. Lao's work. One 57 - year - old female patient had her eyelids and face lifted in December 2014 and was 100% satisfied with the results. People told her she looked 10 years younger, and her confidence level soared. Another patient with uneven eyelids from a previous double - eyelid surgery had their problem easily solved with Dr. Lao's minimum invasive suture technique, and they were extremely grateful for the natural - looking results.

Cost and Consultation

The average cost of Asian eyelid surgery with Dr. Lao in New York City typically starts at $3,000 and can go up to around $8,000. The price can vary depending on anesthesia costs, surgeon fees, and more. The best way to get an accurate cost is to schedule a consultation, where his patient coordinator will provide a detailed quote.

2. Dr. Brett S. Kotlus

Background and Expertise

Dr. Brett S. Kotlus is an oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology. He is an expert in Asian blepharoplasty with offices in NYC. He has traveled to treat patients across the world, including surgeries in Thailand, Malaysia, and Mongolia. He has also traveled to Korea to give lectures on cosmetic eyelid surgery to Korean surgeons, sharing his extensive experience.

Procedure Details

Dr. Kotlus creates, defines, and in some cases, consolidates the upper lid crease so that the patient's single eyelid becomes a double eyelid. He prefers the incisional method for most patients as it is more reliable and predictable in forming a lasting crease. However, he may use the suture method in specific scenarios, such as when the patient already has an eyelid crease and there is no significant pre - existing asymmetry.

He also focuses on key aspects of Asian blepharoplasty, such as controlling the crease height to better reflect natural Asian features, modifying the inner crease configuration, and positioning the lateral crease with a slight flare. He will also discuss options for medial and lateral epicanthoplasty during the consultation.

Benefits for Patients

• Patients can achieve a more open appearance of the eyelids while maintaining the natural attractiveness and ethnicity of their eyes.
• The surgery can correct asymmetry caused by various factors such as eyelid crease asymmetry, eyebrow asymmetry, or eyelid ptosis.
• Dr. Kotlus may recommend fat grafting alongside the Asian blepharoplasty to restore lost volume in the tear trough area and improve the look of sunken eyes.

Patient Testimonials

One patient had an amazing experience with Dr. Kotlus and highly recommended his services. Despite being nervous about the surgery due to the healing downtime, the patient was satisfied with the results. Another patient who had an Asian double - eyelid surgery said that although they were still slightly swollen after 5 weeks, the results were already looking super natural.

Cost and Consultation

For specific cost details, patients are advised to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kotlus. During the consultation, he can provide a personalized cost estimate based on the patient's individual needs and the complexity of the procedure.

3. Dr. Edward S. Kwan

Background and Expertise

Dr. Edward S. Kwan is a board - certified plastic surgeon with 29 years of experience. He has performed a significant number of double - eyelid surgeries and is known for his skill and expertise in the field of cosmetic surgery.

Procedure Details

While specific details about his exact surgical techniques may vary, he is likely to approach double - eyelid surgery with the goal of creating a natural - looking crease. He may use incisional or non - incisional methods depending on the patient's eyelid anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Benefits for Patients

• Patients can expect a relatively quick recovery. One patient had double - eyelid surgery and was up and out the next day (with sunglasses on), with no complications or pain and didn't even need to take pain medication.
• His long - standing experience in the field gives patients confidence that they are in capable hands.

Patient Testimonials

The patient who had a seamless recovery after the double - eyelid surgery was very satisfied with the results and the overall experience with Dr. Kwan.

Cost and Consultation

The cost of the surgery with Dr. Kwan will depend on multiple factors. To get an accurate cost, patients should schedule a consultation where he can assess their specific needs and provide a detailed quote.

4. Dr. Yael Halaas

Background and Expertise

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. Her specialized technique for Asian eyelid surgery has been recognized by Digital Journal.

Procedure Details

There are three types of Asian eyelid surgery that Dr. Halaas performs:

Benefits for Patients

• Each surgical technique is designed to look and function naturally, with the crease being pronounced when the eye is open and less obvious when the eye is closed.
• Dr. Halaas works closely with each patient from a personal and aesthetic perspective to understand their desires and customize the treatment to fit their budget.

Patient Testimonials

Patients appreciate her honesty, empathy, and attention to detail. Her ability to listen to their desires and provide natural - looking results has earned her a good reputation among patients.

Cost and Consultation

Costs for Asian eyelid surgery with Dr. Halaas will vary based on the type of procedure selected. To get an exact cost, patients should schedule a consultation, where she can evaluate their needs and provide a personalized quote.

5. Dr. Maurice M. Khosh

Background and Expertise

Dr. Maurice M. Khosh is a dual - board - certified facial cosmetic surgeon experienced in performing Asian or double - eyelid surgery. He understands the unique needs of Asian patients and focuses on creating a natural - looking crease in the upper eyelid.

Procedure Details

Dr. Khosh's approach to double - eyelid surgery is to enhance a new crease in the upper eyelid that many Asian patients lack. He aims to create a crease that adds dimension to the eyelid, giving the patient a wider, more open - looking eye.

Benefits for Patients

• Patients can achieve a more distinguished crease in the upper lid, enhancing the shape of their eyes.
• For those with uneven eyelids lacking symmetry, the surgery can correct this issue, providing a more balanced appearance.

Patient Testimonials

Although specific patient testimonials are not as prominently featured as some other doctors, his experience and dual - board certification give patients confidence in his ability to perform the surgery successfully.

Cost and Consultation

To find out the cost of the double - eyelid procedure with Dr. Khosh, patients need to contact his office to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, he can discuss the details of the surgery and provide a cost estimate.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor

When selecting a doctor for Korean double - eyelid surgery in New York City, there are several important factors to consider:

Credentials

Ensure that the doctor is board - certified in relevant specialties such as plastic surgery or oculoplastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has met high standards of education, training, and experience.

Experience

Look for a doctor with extensive experience in performing Korean double - eyelid surgery. A doctor who has performed many of these procedures is more likely to have the skills and knowledge to handle any potential complications and achieve the desired results.

Reputation

Read patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of the doctor's reputation. Positive reviews from satisfied patients are a good indication of the doctor's skill, professionalism, and patient - centered approach.

Communication

Choose a doctor who communicates well with you. They should be able to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide you with clear and detailed information about the surgery, including the risks, benefits, and recovery process.

Before - and - After Photos

Ask to see before - and - after photos of the doctor's previous patients who have undergone Korean double - eyelid surgery. This can give you an idea of the doctor's aesthetic style and the quality of their work.

Risks and Complications of Korean Double - Eyelid Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, Korean double - eyelid surgery carries some risks and potential complications:

Anesthesia Risks

Whether the surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia, there are risks associated with anesthesia, such as allergic reactions, breathing problems, and adverse effects on the heart and other organs.

Bleeding and Infection

There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment. In addition, there is a risk of infection at the surgical site, which can be serious if not treated promptly.

Scarring

Although surgeons try to minimize scarring, there is still a possibility of visible scarring. The appearance of the scar can vary depending on the individual's healing process and the surgical technique used.

Asymmetry

There is a risk that the results of the surgery may be uneven or asymmetrical. This can occur due to various factors, such as differences in the patient's anatomy or surgical errors.

Changes in Vision

In rare cases, the surgery may cause temporary or permanent changes in vision. This can be due to swelling, pressure on the eye, or damage to the eye structures during the surgery.

Recovery Process After Korean Double - Eyelid Surgery

The recovery process after Korean double - eyelid surgery can vary depending on the individual and the surgical technique used, but here are some general guidelines:

Immediate Post - Operative Period

After the surgery, there will be some swelling and bruising around the eyes. Patients may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the doctor. Ice packs can be applied to the eyes to reduce swelling.

First Week

Most patients will need to take about one week off work to allow for the initial recovery. Sutures are usually removed 5 - 7 days after surgery. During this time, it is important to keep the eyes clean and avoid rubbing or touching them.

One to Two Weeks

Swelling and bruising should start to subside, but there may still be some residual swelling. Patients can usually return to light activities and work, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least two weeks.

Two to Three Months

It may take up to three months for the newly - defined eyelid creases to look and feel natural, and the scar from the incision will slowly fade away over six months. During this time, patients should follow the doctor's instructions regarding skincare and sun protection.

Conclusion

Choosing the right doctor for Korean double - eyelid surgery in New York City is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the outcome of the procedure. The top 5 doctors mentioned in this article - Dr. William Lao, Dr. Brett S. Kotlus, Dr. Edward S. Kwan, Dr. Yael Halaas, and Dr. Maurice M. Khosh - all have the expertise,