Blepharoplasty is often done as an elective surgery for cosmetic reasons. When an advanced amount of upper eyelid skin is present, the skin may protrude over the eyelashes and causes lateral hooding of the eyelid and / or a loss of peripheral vision. This causes an aged appearance and sometimes affects the outer and upper parts of the visual field. In this circumstance, upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed to restore the natural younger appearance of the eyelid and to improve peripheral vision.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is done to improve puffy lower eyelid “bags” and reduce the wrinkling of skin.
Asian blepharoplasty or double eyelid surgery is a special type of blepharoplasty that creates a crease in the upper eyelid. This “supratarsal fold” is common in many races but absent in about half of Asians. Surgery can artificially create this crease and make a ‘single-lidded’ patient appear ‘double-lidded’. It is the most popular form of cosmetic surgery among those of East Asian background.
Blepharoplasty is usually performed through external incisions made along the natural skin lines of the eyelids, such as the creases of the upper lids and below the lashes of the lower lids. Incisions may be made from the inside surface of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty); this allows removal of lower eyelid fat without an externally-visible scar, but does not allow excess skin to be removed. External skin resurfacing with a chemical peel or laser may be performed simultaneously. This allows the skin surface to be addressed for wrinkling.
The operation typically takes one to three hours to complete. Initial swelling and bruising resolve in one to two weeks but at least several months are needed until the final result becomes stable.
The anatomy of the eyelids, skin quality, age, and the adjacent tissue all affect the cosmetic and functional outcomes. Factors which are known to cause complications include:
Infrabrow excision blepharoplasty is a periorbital rejuvenation surgery. It addresses the shortcomings of the conventional blepharoplasty operation. The technique is widely used by many Japanese, Korean and Chinese plastic surgeons. The idea rests on alleviation of the lid redundancy through excision of infrabrow skin, subcutaneous tissue, and orbital orbicularis as opposed to that of the upper lid or the suprabrow area. This is followed by layer-by-layer approximation of the structures with no undermining. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Skin sutures are either absorbable or are removed on in one week.
As a board-certified, fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon with extensive training and experience, Dr. Selena Fu customizes each treatment to reflect each patient’s unique anatomy, skin condition, aesthetic concerns and lifestyle— an approach that consistently delivers excellent results for her patients.
Call for a personal consultation today, Dr. Fu will discuss the surgical and non-surgical options that will provide your best possible outcome. Insurance may cover all or a portion of reconstructive eyelid surgeries.
Asian eyelid surgery, also known as Asian blepharoplasty or double eyelid surgery, is a specialized cosmetic procedure designed to create or enhance the upper eyelid crease. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures among individuals of East Asian descent.
While Asian blepharoplasty is generally safe, some risks include:
Choosing a highly experienced surgeon reduces these risks significantly.
Seek medical attention if you experience:
Asian blepharoplasty, also known as double eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that creates a crease in the upper eyelid. This procedure is common among individuals of East Asian descent who naturally lack a defined supratarsal fold. The surgery can make a single-lidded appearance into a double-lidded one, enhancing the definition of the eyelid and creating a more open-eyed look.
Asian blepharoplasty focuses on creating a natural-looking eyelid crease, while traditional blepharoplasty is usually performed to remove excess skin, fat, or wrinkles from the eyelids. The goal of Asian eyelid surgery is not only cosmetic enhancement but also to maintain the ethnic characteristics of the eyelid structure.
There are two primary methods:
The procedure typically takes one to three hours, depending on the technique used and whether additional procedures, such as lower blepharoplasty, are performed simultaneously.
This is a periorbital rejuvenation surgery popular in East Asia, particularly in Japan, Korea, and China. Instead of removing excess skin from the eyelid directly, skin and tissue are excised below the eyebrow to lift the upper eyelid while preserving a more youthful look. It is performed under local anesthesia, and the sutures can either be absorbable or removed after a week.
Yes. Many patients choose to combine their eyelid surgery with:
A skilled oculoplastic surgeon can create a natural-looking crease that complements your facial features while maintaining your ethnic identity. Proper planning and an individualized approach are key to achieving the best results.
The incisional method provides long-lasting results, often for a lifetime. The suture method may last between 5-10 years, depending on individual factors. However, natural aging will continue to affect the eyelids over time.
The cost varies depending on the surgeon’s expertise, location, and technique used. In the U.S., the price typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per procedure. Insurance may cover upper eyelid surgery if it is performed for functional reasons (such as vision impairment).
If you are considering Asian eyelid surgery, it’s best to consult with a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. They will evaluate your anatomy, skin condition, and aesthetic goals to recommend the best approach for you.
For more information, contact a qualified oculoplastic or plastic surgeon to discuss your surgical and non-surgical options.