John J.W. Lee, MD, FACS

• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
• American Board of Ophthalmology
• American College of Surgeons

LocateADoc Q&A

What makes your specialties the right fields of medicine for you?

Most people are not aware that there are plastic surgeons who specialize in just surgery around the eyes. "Oculoplastics" is a sub-specialty of Ophthalmology which focuses on eyelid, forehead and orbital surgery. To become an "official" oculoplastic surgeon, a doctor has to complete his surgical training in ophthalmology then apply for a two-year intensive surgical fellowship sponsored by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons(ASOPRS). I was very fortunate to receive my training at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital. During this very intensive fellowship, I performed more surgical eyelid procedures than most general cosmetic surgeons would perform in their entire career. I limit my scope of services so I can be the best at what I do. Your eyes are the focal point of your face. The slightest assymetry is very noticeable. My meticulous attention to detail, my micro-surgical training in ophthalmology, helps me to be the best at what I do.

Finish this sentence: If I weren't a doctor I would be___.

a chef. I love food from all over the world. My goal is to travel the world and experience all the food it has to offer.

Can you tell us in your own words what you consider a perfect outcome of a surgical procedure?

Patients have to have realistic expectations when it comes to surgery. I always try to deliver beyond their expectations but want them to know that the goal of plastic surgery is not to look different but to look like yourself but better. I have had patients tell me people thought they had a facelift because they looked great and refreshed. One specific patient only had upper lids surgery. Since everyone notices your eyes, just giving them a lift can really change your whole outlook both from inside and out.

What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?

Eyelid reconstruction due to trauma or skin cancer is probably my favorite procedure to perform. I intentionally limit my scope of services because I want to be the best at what I do and operating around the eyes, which I think is the most expressive and important facial feature, allows me to do this. I strive for the best outcome with every patient and I think I achieve that with almost all my patients. When you do something over and over again, you develop more confidence and master techniques that work best for you. However, reconstructive surgery is very different. Some cases are very involved and can be very challenging. Depending on how extensive the cancer has spread, the surgery can often require skin grafts from other parts of the face and/or body. To see a disfigured patient who had a lot of his/her eyelid and facial skin removed come back and look like they never had surgery months later, is incredibly gratifying to me.

In a perfect world, when would you like to retire, where would you go and what would you do?

I don't think that I would completely ever retire. My job is so much of my identity. However, I wouldn't mind spending a month every year and spending it in an island like Hawaii. I love being around water. I would spend my time enjoying the beach and scuba diving everyday with my wife. Also, since my children would all be grown up by then, I think I would join a Christian medical mission team for a month out of the year and try to help people in other countries.

What Sets Us Apart

Dr. Lee has performed more than 7,000 Eyelid and Brow Lift surgeries! Dr. Lee is a Platinum level Botox & Juvederm injector (top 5%) in the country! Our pricing for botox is $10 per unit. Please call for our incredible prices on our wrinkle fillers.

Education

• Undergraduate (Pre-Med major): Johns Hopkins University
• Medical School: Albany Medical College
• Ophthalmology Surgery Residency: Temple University Hospital
• Ophthalmology Research Fellowship: Georgetown University Hospital
• American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship: Wills Eye Hospital

Other Affiliations

• Clinical Instructor: Wills Eye Hospital (2003-2005)
• Clinical Instructor: Lankenau Hospital (2003-2005)
• Fellow of American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
• Elected Member of The International Society of Cosmetic and Laser Surgeons