It is estimated that around half of all men and women of Asian descent have upper eyelids that lack a crease or fold. Also known as Asian blepharoplasty or double-eyelid surgery, Asian eyelid surgery is a procedure that creates a pretarsal crease in upper eyelids that lack one or present with incomplete creases.
There are two surgical techniques that may be used to obtain the desired results, and may involve the excision of skin, the removal of a small amount of orbitopalpebral fat, and/or placement of stitches in the eyelid.
Procedure Walk-Through
- Preparation: Dr. Vallecillos will provide you with a pre-operative care plan that may include ceasing all vitamins, herbs, and medications (such as aspirin) that can cause thinning of the blood. If you smoke, it is imperative that you quit for at least the two weeks before and after surgery. Patients over the age of 45 will need to obtain medical clearance from an independent physician prior to undergoing Asian eyelid surgery.
- Anesthesia: Patients may receive either a local anesthetic and a sedative or general anesthesia when undergoing Asian eyelid surgery. Dr. Vallecillos will discuss beforehand which option is best for you.
- There are a few different surgical methods that be used during an eyelid blepharoplasty. No matter which kind of surgical procedure is used, the end result should be a crease on the upper eyelid and an overall more alert appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for Asian Eyelid Surgery?
You may wish to consider Asian eyelid surgery if you are an adult of Asian descent who either has multiple pretarsal creases, an incomplete pretarsal crease, or lacks a crease entirely. Many women find that Asian blepharoplasty eases and aids in the application of makeup, and allows for a more alert appearance. It is important to note that goals of patients undergoing this surgery can vary widely, so it is important to be open and communicative with Dr. Vallecillos during your pre-operative consultations to ensure a satisfactory result.
What is the recovery time for Asian Eyelid Surgery?
It may take up to a month for patients to make a full recovery from Asian blepharoplasty. Immediately after the procedure, Dr. Vallecillos will apply ointment to the eyes and cover the incisions or stitches with bandages. Patients should expect some swelling, which can contribute to blurry vision. Eyes may also feel dry or crusty, but eye drops can be used to minimize discomfort until healing is complete.
Are there risks or side effects with Asian Eyelid Surgery?
Like other surgeries, Asian blepharoplasty carries the risk of infection. Some patients experience post-operative difficulty closing their eyes completely, which tends to resolve with time. Though rare, patients may develop a condition known as ptosis or a drooping of the upper eyelid. This usually requires an additional surgical procedure to correct.
How long do the results last?
Patients should expect the results to be permanent. In some cases, over time and with age the stitches that helped create the creases may start to loosen, causing the crease to fade. If this happens, an additional blepharoplasty may be required to correct it.