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Eyelid Surgery in New York & Manhattan | Blepharoplasty NYC | Ptosis Surgery

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Give Dr. Edward Kwak a phone call at (212) 229-1100 (212) 229-1100

Eyelid
Surgery
New York

Table of Contents

  1. What is a Eyelid Surgery?
  2. Am I a Candidate
  3. Benefits of a Blepharoplasty
  4. Types of Eyelid Surgeries
  1. Before & After Images
  2. Preparing for Eyelid Surgery
  3. During Your Eyelid Surgery
  4. Recovery from Eyelid Surgery
  1. Eyelid Scar Concerns
  2. Doctor Q&A
  3. Choosing your Surgeon
  4. Cost of Surgery
  1. Testimonial
  2. Why Choose Dr. Kwak
  3. FAQs

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid Surgery (or blepharoplasty) is a procedure designed to rejuvenate the area around the eyes by removing excess skin, redistributing or removing fat, and tightening underlying tissues. On the upper eyelids, small incisions are placed within the natural crease to trim loose skin, lift drooping lids, and address sagging that may affect vision. On the lower lids, incisions are often made inside the eyelid or just below the lash line to eliminate puffiness and smooth under-eye bags.

Dr. Kwak tailors each surgery based on your anatomy and goals, combining surgical precision with aesthetic sensibility. The procedure typically takes up to two hours and may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia depending on the extent of the work. The result is a more refreshed, alert, and balanced appearance around the eyes—minimizing visible scarring by placing incisions in natural lines and hidden locations.

Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Candidates for eyelid surgery in NYC should be in good general health. Many people want the procedure to look younger, but this is not the only purpose patients undergo eyelid surgery – some patients are experiencing vision problems because of excess drooping eyelid skin. In these cases, health insurance may cover some or all the cost of the procedure, depending upon your provider and plan.

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery offers both aesthetic and functional improvements by addressing common concerns around the eyes. This procedure can effectively:

  • Eliminate excess skin on the upper eyelids, which may impair vision and contribute to a tired or aged appearance.
  • Reduce under-eye bags and puffiness, often caused by fat deposits or fluid retention, resulting in a more refreshed and youthful look.
  • Smooth wrinkles and fine lines on the lower eyelids, enhancing the overall contour and texture of the eye area.
  • Restore peripheral vision by removing sagging skin that obstructs the upper visual field, improving daily activities and safety.
  • Enhance facial harmony by creating a balanced and defined eye contour that complements individual features.

Dr. Kwak's approach to blepharoplasty is tailored to each patient's unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, ensuring natural-looking results that rejuvenate the eyes and restore confidence.

Asian Eyelid Surgery New York

Types of Eyelid Surgeries

Upper Eyelid Surgery

During upper eyelid surgery, a small, discreet incision is made within the natural crease of the eyelid, allowing for the removal of excess fat and skin folds. The eyelid muscles can also be tightened to address droopiness. This technique is commonly used to correct vision impairment caused by sagging lids that droop over the lashes. Beyond improving vision, upper eyelid surgery offers patients a more refreshed and alert appearance, significantly boosting self-confidence.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

The lower lids are a common area for unwanted fat deposits, which can be removed through nearly invisible incisions made inside the lower lid. These incisions heal naturally after the sutures are removed. In cases of significant bagginess or sagging in the lower lids, incisions may be placed just beneath the lower lashes, but these remain largely undetectable. The outcome is a smoother, tighter, and more aesthetically pleasing appearance around the eyes, reflecting a youthful, relaxed, and well-rested look.

Asian Eyelid Surgery

Asian eyelid surgery involves a small, discreet incision along the natural eyelid crease to remove or reposition excess skin and fat. The procedure can also tighten the eyelid muscles to address drooping. In addition to improving vision for those with sagging lids, this surgery creates a more open, refreshed, and alert appearance, helping patients achieve balanced, expressive eyes and greater confidence.

Ptosis Surgery

Ptosis surgery is designed to lift drooping upper eyelids caused by weakness or dysfunction of the eyelid muscles. During the procedure, a precise incision is made along the natural eyelid crease, allowing the surgeon to tighten or reposition the levator muscle to elevate the eyelid. This technique not only restores proper eyelid function and improves vision when sagging lids obstruct sight, but it also creates a more open, alert, and balanced appearance.

Before & Afters

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Preparing for Eyelid Surgery

To prepare for the procedure, you will need to meet with our plastic surgeon and discuss your expectations. The night before your surgery, you should eat only a light meal. If you have any essential medications that you usually take in the morning, this will be discussed prior to your surgery.

You will need to make sure you have someone available to transport you from your surgery, as you will be unable to drive yourself. This person may also need to help you on the first day you are home, so you are able to rest after your procedure.

During your Eyelid Surgery

During the procedure, you will be administered either a general or a local anesthesia, depending on your needs and the extent of the procedure to be performed. Your doctor will make small incisions in the eyelid region to lift and resculpt your eyelids to create a more youthful look. Once the eyelids have been lifted and the excess skin removed, the incisions are carefully closed with tiny stitches.

The procedure can take from one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgical work that needs to be done on in your case.

Recovery from Eyelid Surgery

Our patients undergoing Blepharoplasty in Manhattan, NYC can expect a speedy and pleasant recovery, thanks to Dr. Kwak’s precise, superior surgical methods. Minor bruising and swelling may persist for up to two weeks, but these are generally short-lived.

Dr. Kwak may prescribe ointments or drops to assist with the healing process, and a cold compress may periodically be placed across the eye area. Patients should avoid wearing contact lenses for up to two weeks, and eye makeup can be resumed within the same time frame. Sutures may be removed within one week after surgery, and clients can expect a return to exercise and normal activity within around 10 days.

As always, Dr. Kwak and his caring, expertly trained staff will be on hand throughout the recovery process to address any concerns you may have and to assist you should you encounter any discomfort.

Blepharoplasty NYC

Eyelid Scar Concerns

Any time you have a surgical procedure that involves incisions, there is potential for scarring. To help reduce the risk of visible scars, our plastic surgeon performs the surgery with extreme care. Upper eyelid incisions are placed in the natural crease of the eyelid, so the incision is hidden and virtually invisible once healed. Lower eyelid incisions are made just below the lower lash line or from the inside of the lower lid structure.

Our goal is always to minimize your scarring and help you have the smoothest recovery possible. Having the procedure performed by our skilled plastic surgeon can help ensure that your procedure is performed correctly and creates natural-looking result.

Doctor Q&A

What results should I expect?

Q: Im 18 , and Vietnamese , I want a really high eyecrease , my biggest complaint is when ever I do winged eyeliner it doesn't look right on me, the first 3 are my eyes, I really really want eyes like the 4th or 5th picture the last two are ok are any if these results close to what I should expect from surgery?

A: Asian eyelid crease height. Creating a more defined crease or a higher eyelid crease are very common concerns I see in my practice.

Your exact changes are best assessed with a face to face consultation with a surgeon so that they could determine your skin type and your particular aesthetic goal.

During my consultations, I use a crease probe to simulate different crease shapes and heights. Based on what you like best, I can give you an idea of the type of surgery recommended and the recovery process.

Will Eyelid Surgery Make Eyes Appear Bigger?

Q: Hi i have a long face with really small eyes that practically disappear when taking pictures. I was wondering if eyelid surgery would make my eyes bigger? Also how do i go about finding the right doctor??

A: Ptosis vs Pseudoptosis. You concerns are common for patients seeking eyelid surgery. Surgery can address two major anatomic structures which can contribute to an appearance of a "small eye". Pseudoptosis, is typically due to redundant upper eyelid skin and in some individuals the redundancy can so much that is interferes with their vision. Treatment for this can include a traditional upper eyelid blepharoplasty, in which this redundant skin is appropriately removed. Ptosis, occurs when muscles responsible for opening the eyelid do not work properly. As a result, the upper eyelid may not open high enough, and could interfere with an individual's vision. This can be caused from multiple medical issues. Surgery can be performed to address this problem. Either case, it is best for you to see an ophthalmologist or plastic surgery to determine what is best for you.

Choosing the right surgeon

One of the most important aspects of eyelid surgery in New York is the hands of the plastic surgeon. For a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance that appears natural, it is imperative that eyelid surgery is performed with great precision. Dr. Edward S. Kwak is recognized for his excellence in facial surgery and can be trusted to produce a natural-looking result.

Cost of Blepharoplasty

The cost of your blepharoplasty with Dr. Kwak will depend on the complexity of the blepharoplasty procedure that’s required for your needs, and whether you are doing both the upper and lower eyelids. The cost will also vary on whether you choose to have more procedures done in conjunction with your eyelid surgery.

After your consultation with Dr. Kwak, he will design a procedure plan for you, and we will be able to give you an exact price for your eyelid surgery. In general, eyelid surgery costs range between $5000-$9500.

Testimonial

Amazing Upper Blepharoplasty with Dr. Edward S. Kwak in NYC! I recently had upper blepharoplasty with Dr. Edward S. Kwak in New York City and I’m thrilled with the results! The entire experience—from consultation to recovery—was smooth, professional, and exceeded my expectations. Dr. Kwak is incredibly skilled, attentive, and made me feel completely at ease. My eyes look refreshed and natural, and I feel more confident than ever. Highly recommend Dr. Kwak for anyone considering eyelid surgery in NYC!

- C. H.

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Why Choose Dr. Kwak for Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Kwak combines skill, experience, artistry, and compassion, making him one of the most trusted eyelid surgeons in NYC. Your eyelid surgery results are meticulously tailored to enhance your appearance while addressing specific concerns such as sagging eyelids, drooping from ptosis, or under-eye bags. From consultation through recovery, Dr. Kwak ensures each patient feels fully informed and confident in every step of their rejuvenation journey.

As a double board-certified surgeon by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Kwak has been delivering exceptional patient care for over 10 years. His commitment to excellence has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including:

  • New York Super Doctor (2015-2020)
  • New York Rising Stars (2013-2014)
  • Recipient of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society Award
  • Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor 2019
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Eyelid Surgery FAQs

Are the Results of Eyelid Surgery Long-Lasting?

Once this surgery is completed, the results last many years. The only consideration being that as the body and facial skin ages, minor sagging could appear, but less extreme than it would have been.

Are the Results of Eyelid Surgery Long-Lasting?

Once this surgery is completed, the results last many years. The only consideration being that as the body and facial skin ages, minor sagging could appear, but less extreme than it would have been.

Can I Wear Contact Lenses After the Surgery?

It is best to wear glasses during the recovery period, as there will be less direct interference with the eyelid area. Your eyes may feel irritated during this time and you may have to wait up to two weeks before it is advisable to wear contact lenses. Our plastic surgeon will best advise you on the do’s and don’ts during your recovery period.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

Depending on the eyelid or eyelids that require correction, the incision sites will vary. Upper lids have an incision made along the eyelid crease, from which excess fat and tissue can be removed and muscles tightened. Lower lids can have the incision either on the inside or just below the lower lashes depending on the patient’s needs.

How Long is Recovery Expected to Take?

Basic recovery will typically take up to two weeks, at that time Dr. Kwak may tell allow you to resume wearing contacts and returning to a normal level of activity. The majority of any swelling and bruising should subside in that time frame.

When Can I Resume Exercising?

You will have to avoid vigorous motion or exercise for about ten days to two weeks following your eyelid surgery. This ensures that no unnecessary stress or harm is inflicted on the surgery site.

When Will I Be Able to See the Results?

Once the bandages have been removed and the swelling has reduced then you will see the results of your procedure. This typically occurs within the first week, and the results only enhance over time as the tissues heal and residual swelling subsides.

What Do I Need to Watch Out for?

Wearing eye makeup and contact lenses should wait until after the recovery period. Also, you may experience dryness or irritation in the eyes as well that can be managed with eye drops. Making sure to keep your head elevated will help reduce swelling.

Will Eyelid Surgery Treat Crow’s Feet?

Crow’s feet are not addressed during an eyelid surgery, as the surgery aims to change the contour of the eyelid and does not alter the skin at the corners of the eyes. You can talk to your surgeon about options for resolving crow’s feet and other additional treatments for your surgical appointment.

Will There Be Scarring?

Scarring is virtually invisible, as the incisions are made along the eyelid crease or for the lower eyelid, within the eyelid structure. The incisions are very fine and small, so they heal beautifully.

Will I Need Someone to Drive Me Home After My Eyelid Surgery?

Yes, you should plan on having someone drive you home after your procedure, and if possible, provide assistance over the next day or two, to help you keep your activity level low and ensure a quick and easy recovery.

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