Introduction
In recent years, Korean double - eyelid surgery has gained significant popularity among individuals, especially those of Asian descent, who desire to enhance the appearance of their eyes. New York City, a global hub of culture and medical innovation, offers a plethora of plastic surgery hospitals and clinics. However, finding the best tertiary - grade A plastic surgery hospital for this specific procedure can be a daunting task. This article aims to explore the top options in New York City, taking into account factors such as surgeon expertise, patient reviews, and the range of services offered.
Understanding Korean Double - Eyelid Surgery
Korean double - eyelid surgery, also known as Asian blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to create a crease in the upper eyelid. Approximately half of all Asians are born with single eyelids, which tend to make the eyes look smaller and may sometimes cause vision problems or other issues. The goal of this surgery is not to “westernize” the appearance but rather to create a natural - looking double eyelid that complements the individual's facial features.
There are two main techniques used in Korean double - eyelid surgery: the incisional technique and the non - incisional (suture) technique. The incisional technique involves making a small incision across the eyelid to form the double crease. It is suitable for patients with thick or excessive eyelid skin or fatty tissue and provides permanent results. However, recovery times are longer, and scarring may be slightly more visible. The non - incisional technique creates creases by folding the eyelid skin and stitching the fold. It is ideal for patients with thinner skin and no obvious fatty deposits, has a shorter downtime, and results in little or no scarring. However, the results may not be permanent.
Top Plastic Surgery Clinics in New York City for Korean Double - Eyelid Surgery
Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao, based on 5th Avenue in New York City, is a board - certified plastic surgeon who has performed numerous Asian double - eyelid surgeries for patients in Manhattan. He focuses on providing beautiful results that look incredibly natural. According to his website, he has been featured in numerous publications about his surgical techniques and has been listed as a top doc in the aesthetic magazine, New Beauty.
Patient Benefits: Patients who undergo double - eyelid surgery with Dr. Lao can expect several benefits. These include adding a skin fold to the upper eyelid, addressing asymmetry of the eyelids, correcting vision problems, achieving a more youthful appearance, relieving trichiasis (eye discomfort associated with the inward turning of the lashes), and removing excess skin and bulging fat.
Procedure Details: Asian double - eyelid surgery with Dr. Lao can be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation depending on the patient's preferences and other factors discussed during the consultation. During the procedure, excess fat may be removed, excess skin can be trimmed, and underlying muscles are adjusted to create the desired crease. The incisions are hidden within the creases of the upper eyelid for a natural look.
Recovery: Sutures typically need to remain in place for around four to six days. Some mild swelling and bruising are to be expected. Elevating the head and applying an ice pack can help manage the swelling. On average, it takes around one week to recover from surgery, though strenuous activity should be avoided for a few more weeks. It takes around one to two months to see the full results.
Cost: The average cost of Asian eyelid surgery in New York City with Dr. Lao 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.
Dr. Kwak at Esk MD
Dr. Kwak is a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon in NYC. He has a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of Asian eyelid surgery. In addition to his extensive training at some of the most elite hospitals in the US, he has studied with some of the busiest plastic surgery clinics in Korea and continues to hone his skills alongside the nation's most revered physicians.
Patient Benefits: Dr. Kwak's patients can look forward to benefits such as reduced fine lines, no under - eye sagging, and a refreshed look. His mastery of Asian eyelid anatomy allows him to consider each individual's cultural and ethnic identities, ensuring that the results are natural and in line with the patient's cosmetic goals.
Procedure Details: Asian blepharoplasty with Dr. Kwak is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes approximately one hour. He customizes the technique based on the patient's unique anatomy and, in some instances, age. There are typically two approaches – one that requires incisions and one that does not.
Revision Surgery: Dr. Kwak has performed hundreds of revision Asian blepharoplasties. He understands the difficulties of working with scar tissue that may have formed after previous treatments and has a track record of providing satisfying results to patients who have been disappointed with prior cosmetic experiences.
Other Procedures: He may also suggest additional procedures such as ptosis surgery or epicanthoplasty to enhance the outcomes of the double - eyelid surgery.
Dr. Linkov at City Facial Plastics
Dr. Linkov is an exceptional facial plastic surgeon at City Facial Plastics on the upper east side of Manhattan. He possesses the skill and artistry needed for intricate procedures like Asian eyelid surgery. His experience and attention to detail have created beautiful, natural results for patients desiring to change the shape of their eyes.
Patient Benefits: Advantages of getting double - eyelid surgery with Dr. Linkov include wider eyes, a more alert and energetic appearance, more options for wearing eye makeup, a more youthful look, and possible vision improvement if excess skin is removed that inhibited clear sight.
Patient Testimonials: Many patients have had outstanding experiences with Dr. Linkov and his staff. From the initial consult to the day of surgery and post - op appointments, patients have praised his detailed explanations, compassion, and the high - quality results of his surgeries.
Dr. Lissauer at Oculofacial NYC
Dr. Lissauer is an oculoplastic surgeon with a practice dedicated to the rejuvenation of the area surrounding the eyes. His training in ophthalmology and plastic surgery makes him skilled in cosmetic Asian eyelid surgery. He understands the unique differences between Asian and Western eyelid surgery, such as the size and shape of the eye, the position of the upper eyelid crease, and the position of the epicanthal fold.
Procedure Details: Dr. Lissauer performs cosmetic Asian eyelid surgery as an outpatient procedure at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York, with local sedation administered by an anesthesiologist. The patient is awake but relaxed, and the procedure is painless. Generally, the procedure takes about one to two hours, depending on if other procedures are performed simultaneously.
Consultation: An in - depth consultation with Dr. Lissauer will help determine what cosmetic improvements are recommended for the patient, as different individuals may have varying eyelid conditions and aesthetic goals.
Dr. Amiya Prasad at Prasad Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Amiya Prasad is a highly respected oculofacial plastic surgeon with over twenty years of experience. He uses his expertise in eyelid surgery (Asian blepharoplasty) to provide patients with natural - looking results. He has extensive experience with Asian eyelid surgery and has performed double - eyelid blepharoplasty for many Asian patients from all over the world.
Customized Approach: Dr. Prasad customizes the double - eyelid surgery procedure based on various factors, including the patient's skin thickness and quality, fat volume under the skin, healing from past procedures, unique eye anatomy, age, and gender. He carefully decides whether to use a non - incisional or an incisional approach.
Patient Selection: He believes it is important to determine the appropriate surgical approach based on the patient's condition. For example, if a patient has partially formed eyelid creases with no fat preventing the crease from forming, a non - incisional approach may be appropriate. If there is extra skin and fat on the upper eyelid, an incisional approach is used.
Recovery: Following double - eyelid surgery, patients are seen in about 1 week for removal of sutures (for incisional surgery). Swelling after Asian eyelid surgery is common and can make the eyelid crease appear too high. The healing process may be longer for Asian patients, and factors such as allergies, sinus conditions, and sensitive skin can affect the recovery.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital or Clinic
Surgeon Expertise
The expertise of the surgeon is one of the most crucial factors. Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in performing Korean double - eyelid surgery. Surgeons like Dr. William Lao, Dr. Kwak, Dr. Linkov, Dr. Lissauer, and Dr. Amiya Prasad have proven track records in this area. They have the necessary skills and knowledge to understand the unique anatomy of Asian eyelids and create natural - looking results.
Patient Reviews
Reading patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the results achieved. Patients' experiences can give you an idea of what to expect during the consultation, surgery, and recovery process. Positive reviews often indicate satisfied patients and a high - quality practice. For example, Dr. Lao and Dr. Linkov have many positive patient testimonials on their websites.
Range of Services
Some clinics may offer additional services related to the double - eyelid surgery, such as ptosis surgery or epicanthoplasty. Having these options available can be beneficial if you require additional correction or enhancement. Dr. Kwak, for instance, may suggest additional procedures to enhance the overall outcome of the double - eyelid surgery.
Cost
Cost is also an important consideration. The cost of Korean double - eyelid surgery can vary depending on the surgeon, the complexity of the procedure, and additional factors such as anesthesia and facility fees. It is important to get a detailed quote during the consultation and understand what is included in the price. While cost should not be the only factor, it is something to keep in mind when making a decision.
Comparison of Top Clinics
Clinic | Surgeon | Techniques Offered | Patient Benefits | Cost Range | Recovery Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. William Lao | Dr. William Lao | Customized to patient needs, incisional and non - incisional | Add skin fold, address asymmetry, correct vision, youthful appearance, relieve trichiasis, remove excess skin and fat | $3,000 - $8,000 | About one week to return to work, one to two months for full results |
Dr. Kwak at Esk MD | Dr. Kwak | Customized based on anatomy and age, incisional and non - incisional | Reduced fine lines, no under - eye sagging, refreshed look, natural results considering cultural identity | Not specified, varies based on procedure | About one week for suture removal, recovery time depends on approach |
Dr. Linkov at City Facial Plastics | Dr. Linkov | Skillful incisional and non - incisional techniques | Wider eyes, more alert appearance, more makeup options, youthful look, possible vision improvement | Not specified, consultation needed for quote | Recovery details not fully specified, patient - specific |
Dr. Lissauer at Oculofacial NYC | Dr. Lissauer | Based on individual eyelid conditions, incisional and non - incisional | Enhanced eyelid shape and position, addressing specific Asian eyelid features | Not specified, consultation required | About one to two hours for procedure, post - op recovery time not detailed |
Dr. Amiya Prasad at Prasad Cosmetic Surgery | Dr. Amiya Prasad | Customized according to multiple factors, incisional and non - incisional | Natural - looking double eyelids, considering patient's age, gender, and anatomy | Customized to individual, includes surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees | One week for suture removal (incisional), longer for full recovery with possible factors affecting it |
Preparing for Korean Double - Eyelid Surgery
Before undergoing Korean double - eyelid surgery, it is important to be in good health. Manage any existing medical conditions such as blood pressure and diabetes. Prior to surgery, review your current medications with your surgeon and avoid any medication or supplement that is a blood thinner. During the consultation, your surgeon will guide you through the preparation process, which may include instructions on diet, smoking cessation, and skincare.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from Korean double - eyelid surgery can vary depending on the technique used and individual factors. After surgery, expect some swelling and bruising, which can be managed with elevation and ice packs. Sutures are typically removed within a week. It is important to follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding strenuous activity, not applying makeup to the eyes for a certain period, and using prescribed medications or ointments. Full results may take several weeks to months to become apparent.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several excellent options for Korean double - eyelid surgery. Surgeons like Dr. William Lao, Dr. Kwak, Dr. Linkov, Dr. Lissauer, and Dr. Amiya Prasad offer high - quality services, personalized care, and natural - looking results. When choosing a plastic surgery hospital or clinic, consider factors such as surgeon expertise, patient reviews, range of services, and cost. By doing thorough research and having in - depth consultations with the surgeons, you can make an informed decision and achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. If you are considering Korean double - eyelid surgery, we encourage you to reach out to these experienced surgeons for a consultation and take the first step towards enhancing your appearance.