Asian Blepharoplasty is also known as “double eyelid surgery.” This cosmetic procedure is ideal for patients who do not have visible eyelid creases (sometimes referred to as monolids), in patients who desire a higher or more distinct crease, and in those patients wishing to achieve greater symmetry to their eyelid creases. Asian blepharoplasty can permanently construct an upper eyelid fold to create more natural appearing double eyelids, as well as bring a brighter and more open appearance to the upper eyelids. Depending on the patient’s natural eye shape, there are different crease options which are thoroughly discussed during the initial consultation. These different crease options include:

Infold/Tapered crease - A well-defined upper eyelid that runs along the entire length of the eye and merges at medial corners. This tends to create a more subtle appearance to the upper eyelid crease.

Outfold/Parallel crease - A well-defined upper eyelid crease that runs above the lash line and does not merge with the medial corners of the eyes, but rather runs above and parallel to it. A small outfold can create a larger appearance to the eyes, while preserving a very natural aesthetic, while a large outfold will create the highest, most dramatic upper eyelid crease.

In addition to creating a natural eyelid crease, blepharoplasty can also treat patients who have excess upper eyelid skin with multiple eyelid creases or a droopy eyelid known as “ptosis.” The goal of Asian blepharoplasty is to accentuate the upper eyelid creases to make the eyes appear more alert and bright. Both men and women in good health can be ideal candidates for blepharoplasty.

PROCEDURE

Asian blepharoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 2 hours. The procedure begins by carefully measuring and marking the upper eye creases. A skin incision is created along each planned crease of the eyelid. Excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat is carefully removed and contoured to improve the shape of the upper eylelid. To create a well-defined double eyelid crease, dissolvable sutures are placed to secure the orbicularis muscle to the tarsal plate and levator aponeurosis, known as supratarsal fixation. The skin edges are then carefully closed with sutures and removed after 1 week. Patients may expect moderate swelling and bruising immediately after surgery, and a sensation of restricted upward gaze during the initial week after surgery. Due to the swelling, the eyelids may appear much higher than the final results, though after 2 weeks the eyelids are typically very presentable with makeup. Most patients will feel comfortable returning to work after 2 weeks. The majority of the swelling will resolve over 3-6 months, during which time the upper eyelid crease will settle down to its final position.