Upper lid blepharoplasty in the Asian population requires expert attention to the unique differences in the Asian eyelid anatomy. Tiny tendons from the muscle that lifts the eyelid reach out from the muscle and connect to the eyelid skin creating the lid crease. In the Asian eyelid, these tendons may insert further down on the eyelid closer to the lashes making the crease less prominent. Additionally, The Asian eyelid classically has fat positioned over more of the eyelid muscles and fat resting further down on the upper eyelid.
Surgery to create a new eyelid crease or change an existing crease can go by several names. Asian blepharoplasty, double eyelid surgery, monolid surgery, lid crease formation, or Asian eyelid surgery are common terminologies use to indicate surgery for the purpose of lid crease formation.
Asian blepharoplasty is targeted at creation of a new skin crease to match a patient’s cosmetic goals for the eyelid appearance. Typically, surgery to create a lid crease alone, is not targeted at removing a significant amount of eyelid skin, but rather creating the bonds between the skin and muscles of the eyelid. In many countries throughout Asia, a temporary skin crease is made by a simple suture technique. These results create a more fixed/immobile skin crease that may last months to years, but is generally considered shorter lived. In contrast, Dr. Sweeney and Dr. McDevitt perform Asian blepharoplasty surgery through an incision to adhere the muscle directly to the skin with buried sutures to create a long-lasting skin crease that moves naturally when the eyelid moves.
The procedure is routinely performed in our office surgical suite. The surgery is typically performed under light sedation, avoiding the side effects and risks of general anesthesia. Patients can return home immediately after the procedure and resume nearly all normal daily activities the next day. After double eyelid surgery, there is minimal downtime, and you can expect 90% of the bruising and swelling to resolve by two weeks.
Trust your eyelids to the only eyelid specialty in medicine. Ensure you see an oculoplastic surgeon performing a high number of Asian eyelid surgeries, like Dr. McDevitt or Dr. Sweeney, for consultation regarding Asian blepharoplasty.
Our friendly and experienced staff is dedicated to assisting you during your time with our office. We coordinate with referring offices and insurers on all islands to manage the best care for you. We have all been specially trained to assist in your oculofacial care and look forward to being of service to you.
