What is Asian Eyelid Surgery?
Many people, particularly of Asian descent, do not have a visible crease in their eyelids or the eyelid crease can be very low, unstable, or asymmetric. This can make their eyes appear smaller or puffy.
For those who want to wear makeup, having an eyelid crease allows for many more makeup techniques. Fortunately, there are surgical techniques that can safely and effectively create an eyelid crease. Dr. Li has traveled abroad to Asia to learn these techniques and bring them back to Los Gatos and San Jose. Sometimes referred to as double eyelid surgery or Asian blepharoplasty, this procedure is done on an outpatient basis, usually under local anesthetic. There are also multiple techniques that can be used, allowing Dr. Li to customize your results and experience.
What happens during Asian Eyelid Surgery?
When the treatment goal is to create a crease in the eyelid there are two primary options.
Suturing Method or Closed Method
This approach is a good option for people with thinner eyelid skin that is likely to fold on its own, for those without pre-existing drooping of the eyelids, and those that have less fat involving the eyelids. Once your desired eyelid crease is measured, Dr. Li marks tiny dots along the crease to guide the procedure, then creates small incisions along the dots to thread tiny sutures back and forth in the upper eyelid.
The suture is then tightened as needed to create the best possible upper eyelid crease. They remain in place after the procedure and help form the crease.
Open Method
This approach requires more tissue manipulation and recovery than the suturing method but is a better option for those with thicker skin, pre-existing eyelid droopiness, or more fat involving the eyelids. Dr. Li measures the eyelids and marks the incision lines. Sometimes smaller or partial incisions can be used instead of full incisions depending on your anatomy.
Along the incisions, he then removes small amounts of skin, muscle, and fat, as needed. Sutures are then placed to anchor your eyelid lifting muscle to your skin, to create the crease when you open your eyes. The incisions are then closed using precise suturing techniques, and the sutures are removed after a period of healing, usually between 1-2 weeks.
If you have a prominent inside fold of eyelid skin (epicanthal fold), you might benefit from adding an epicanthoplasty to your double eyelid surgery. This technique redistributes the inner eyelid skin to blend better with higher double eyelid folds to create more natural-looking results. It also opens up the inner corner of your eyes, helping your eyes appear larger, brighter, and closer together.
You will need to use special eye drops and ointment after your procedure. A follow-up appointment gives Dr. Li the chance to check on your healing progress.
What is the recovery process like after Asian eyelid surgery?
You will discuss your specific post-surgical instructions prior to your procedure so you will know what to expect. In general, the recovery process for eyelid surgery includes:
- Avoiding sun exposure
- Keeping your head propped up
- Refraining from strenuous activities or heavy lifting
- Using cold compresses to reduce swelling and ease discomfort
After a few days, you will be able to resume normal activities. It can be helpful to have a friend or loved one there to give you a hand in the days after your eyelid procedure, but the recovery process is not particularly uncomfortable or extensive.
ASIAN EYELID SURGERY GALLERY
