Asian eyelid surgery or Asian blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to create a natural-appearing upper lid crease that complements and is in balance with the other facial features. The procedure involves removing excess fat and, if necessary, making changes to the epicanthal fold (a skin fold of the upper eyelid covering the inner corner of the eye). Dr. Denton also ensures that the shape of the eye stays true to the patient’s ethnicity.
Why Choose Asian Eyelid Surgery?
It is estimated that 50% of people of East Asian descent are born with eyelids that have single eyelids, also referred to as monolids. Their upper eyelids have no distinctive crease. Functionally, monolids may not cause any issues but there are cases where individuals experience eye irritation from lashes or obstructed vision, especially as they get older. Asian eyelid surgery / blepharoplasty is often performed for cosmetic reasons to rejuvenate an individual’s face and make them appear more youthful and energetic.
Being born with epicanthal folds and without creased eyelids can make your eyes look small, tired, or angry. Individuals of East Asian descent who would like their eyes to look more alert and rested choose Asian blepharoplasty, also called Double Eyelid Surgery. The surgical procedure can merely involve creating a crease on the eyelid or it can also involve the removal of excess skin. The goal of such procedures is not to make the eyes of Asian patients appear more Caucasian. The aim of the procedure is to enhance the natural crease and fold to create a double eyelid that naturally exists in at least 50% of Asians.
The Asian Blepharoplasty (Double Eyelid) Procedure
During Asian blepharoplasty, the monolid is divided into two parts in order to create a natural fold and crease just above the eyelashes that will result in wider, more open eyes. The crease is considered to be more attractive for both men and women because eyelids with a crease make the eyes appear larger, more expressive, and youthful. The crease can vary in terms of height and shape and can be tapered into the natural epicanthal fold, or it can be more parallel.
Creating the Crease
In addition, excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed if they are creating a puffy look. The excess fat or skin is removed by making a delicate incision in the crease of the eye. Dr. Denton ensures that just the right amount of fat or skin is removed to avoid creating eyes with a hollow and sunken appearance. The fold is created in a predetermined location with “fixation sutures”. The resulting fold can be either “outside” or “inside”, meaning that the crease can either end at the inside or outside of the epicanthal fold. Dr. Denton prefers the crease to end inside the fold because it appears more natural and ethno-appropriate. Once an appropriate amount of fat is removed, the skin is sutured to the exposed levator aponeurosis and the skin incision is closed. These sutures are removed with the other skin sutures one week after the surgery. The result should be more youthful-looking eyes with more balance and symmetry and less puffiness.
Releasing the Epicanthal Fold
An epicanthoplasty procedure is performed to release or partially release the epicanthal fold. Dr. Denton removes the excess skin which creates a heavy epicanthal. However, not all the fold is removed since it is what creates the characteristic almond shape of the Asian eye. This procedure results in softer, bigger, and more alert-looking eyes that also seem less widely spaced. Another benefit of an epicanthoplasty is that it helps create double eyelid folds that are smoother at the inner corner of the eye by avoiding a sharp stop or a break in the fold.
Recovering from Your Asian Eyelid Surgery
Asian eyelid surgery involves minimal discomfort which can be managed with pain medication and medicated eye ointment. It is expected that you will experience visible swelling and bruising for about 10 days after having this procedure. You can resume normal activities within 5 to 7 days.
It’s important to keep in mind that after your surgery, you should rest quietly for the first 24 hours. Sleeping with two pillows under your head for the first 2 nights helps minimize swelling and bruising. Also, placing cold compresses over your eyes can be soothing and will help minimize the swelling. You should avoid showing and washing your hair for 3 days after surgery.
In addition, bending, lifting, and straining are prohibited during the first two weeks. Likewise, light non-cardiac exercise can be resumed two weeks after your surgery and slowly increased over the ensuing seven days.
It’s normal for the first weeks after your procedure to experience ocular dryness and blurry vision. This is temporary; your vision will return to normal after a few weeks as your eyelids heal. Until your eyelids heal, it is also recommended that you protect your eyes with sunglasses whenever you go outside. Moreover, you should protect the incisions on your eyelids from UV damage while they’re still pink since UV radiation can cause scar tissue to darken.
Consult with an Experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon in Vancouver
If you are considering Asian eyelid surgery, you should consult a leading board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, like Dr. Denton. He is highly experienced with Asian facial anatomy and the surgical techniques required to perform it successfully in order to provide you with the desired results.
Your facial plastic surgeon should take the time to consult with you and establish a customized treatment plan. Computer imaging can also be used to reflect the anticipated changes. Dr. Denton’s philosophy is that the patient must be an equal member of the decision-making team so that he or she can make sound informed decisions and will be aware of the expected result.
Our private and comfortable offices are located in the heart of Vancouver’s medical corridor, just one block from Vancouver General Hospital. Our state-of-the-art on-site surgical suite allows all patient visits – from consultation through surgery and post-operative follow-up – to be scheduled at this location, adding simplicity, familiarity, and convenience to the patient experience.
Schedule your Asian blepharoplasty consultation online or call 604-879-3223 and find out how Dr. Denton can help you achieve the result that will make you feel more confident about your appearance.