Asian blepharoplasty (Asian eyelid surgery), also known as double eyelid surgery, is popular among women and men of Asian descent who are born without a distinctive upper eyelid fold. About 50% of Asian descent are born with this fold, and some may feel that lacking an upper eyelid crease makes their eyes look smaller. To transform monolids to double lids, our doctors can create an upper eyelid fold and the appearance of a double eyelid through incisional or a stitch-based method. In conjunction with the Asian blepharoplasty, many patients choose to get an epicanthoplasty to remove the webbing of skin over the innermost corner of the eyes (epicanthal folds) or lateral canthoplasty to open up the tail end of the eye and complete the double eyelid look.
BEST CANDIDATES FOR DOUBLE EYELID SURGERY
– Patients with a single eyelid (no crease), low crease, asymmetric creases (different in each eye), double creases, or creases that come and go
– Older patients with extra skin hanging over the crease or in front of the eye
CONSULTATION
Our doctors will first ask the patients about their specific goals for the Asian blepharoplasty and examine the upper eyelid area with the eyes open and closed. Our doctors will give their assessment to the patient on treatment options and then discuss how the surgical plan should be individualized for the patient.
SURGERY DETAILS
There are two different methods for performing the Asian blepharoplasty procedure, both of which are usually performed under local anesthesia in about an hour. In the first of these methods, the incisional or surgery method, our doctors will make a small incision at the eyelid crease, remove a small degree of fat and/or skin depending on the degree of heaviness of the upper eyelids, and then use stitches to create the fold by creating a connection between the muscle and the overlying skin. The second method is the suture method (stitch-based method). Using stitches, our doctors create the attachment from the muscle to the skin by passing stitches through the skin without the need for any incisions. This method is less invasive and offers a quicker recovery, but has a small chance of the fold fading over time.
RECOVERY & POST OPERATION
– Apply ice packs for the first 72 hours to the operations site with 20 minutes intervals (20 mins on 20 mins off).
– Elevate your head and shoulders up on 2 or more pillows for the first week.
– Use any prescribed antibiotic eye drops for 1 weeks or according to doctor’s order.
– If needed, the estimated schedule to remove stitches is 1 week after surgery.
– Scars will fade and soften for about 6 months or more. Itching is common.
– Any tight feeling or eyelash numbness will disappear over several months. Full healing of any incision can take 6 to 9 months or more.
– Pain after surgery is usually mild. Take pain killers like Tylenol. Severe pain should be reported immediately.
– Gently clean incisions with moistened Q-tips or gauze. Red, elevated or bumpy incision can be observed in the weeks after surgery and usually subside within 2 weeks.
– Avoid wearing contact lenses for the first 1 week after surgery.
FROM OUR DOCTORS
“The Asian blepharoplasty or double-eyelid procedure is a common one among Asian patients. In certain Asian countries like South Korea, it is estimated by some that over half of the female population has this procedure done!
The purpose is really to create an eyelid fold that gives the eyes a more open and larger appearance, and provides an aesthetic location for eyeshadow.
In recent years, I have seen an increase in the number of patients who have had previous Asian blepharoplasty done elsewhere years ago, and have asked me to increase the height of the eyelid fold. This can be done as well, in the appropriate patient. The increase in these requests probably reflects the growing popularity of this procedure in general.”
– DR. HSU
“Every patient’s eyes are unique, just like they are. I believe the most important part of doing Asian eyelid surgery is precision and artistry. I discuss your desires and am honest with the shape and contours that are natural for your eyes, and what expectations are realistic.
Many Asian people are born without a crease in the upper eyelid to crease a fold. This can make the upper eyelids look droopy or sleepy.
Creating a crease on the upper eyelid can make the eyes appear brighter, slightly larger, and subtly rotate the eyelashes open.
I review the different crease shapes and heights that are most natural for each patient’s eye shape and skin folding pattern. ”
– DR. YAO
“Although double eyelid surgery (Asian blepharoplasty) is the most common cosmetic surgery performed on Asians, there are many variations that can be personalized to fit one’s preference, while also coordinating it to one’s facial anatomy. The goal is to brighten one’s eyes by highlighting the eyes’ natural beauty.“
– DR. YOON
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What will my Double Eyelid Surgery results be like?
Initially the crease will look slightly higher than expected due to the swelling and bruising but over a period of 1-2 months, it will achieve an ideal level and shape. For best results, patients should apply cold compresses for about 2 days to prevent swelling and avoid vigorous activities for at least 6 weeks. The sutures are usually removed after a week. With your new double eyelid, you can expect your eyes to appear bigger, brighter, and more youthful.
How long does Double Eyelid Surgery take?
Asian eyelid surgery is done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Our doctors prefer the procedure done under local so they can interact with the patient to verify the shape and position of the crease and eyelid during surgery. The procedure takes about 1 – 2 hours and involves removing a small amount of excess skin, some tissue under the skin (muscle and septum), and a small amount of fat pads for the incisional method. After the sutures are placed, the new crease will hide the incision line.
Are there any Double Eyelid Surgery risks?
Fortunately, most of the major risks of double eyelid surgery are minor or fairly infrequent. For the incisional method, which is more technically demanding but useful for a wider variety of eyelids, there is the extremely slim risk of ptosis, or drooping of the eyelid, caused by injury to the levatoraponeurosis, which aids in elevating the eyelid under normal conditions. For all techniques, especially the suture technique, there is the risk of losing the fold or developing multiple folds.
SCHEDULE A
CONSULTATION
We are looking forward to meeting you in person, hearing your aspirations, and tailoring a surgical plan especially for you. We hope our in-person consultation will answer all of your questions, provide you a sense of confidence and also further your excitement of the path you are on.