Asian Double Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) by Wave Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Laser Center

The Asian Blepharoplasty surgery techniques can be divided into two major categories.

No incision/minimal incision technique:

This technique is ideal for younger patients who have thin skin, and no excess fat with no excess skin to be removed. Patients can achieve a natural appearing crease, with minimal downtime. Under sedation, the upper eyelid is everted and from inside, suture is passed from the upper border of the tarsus to the dermis of the skin and the knot can be placed either on the inner side or just under the skin. Anywhere from 3-5 sutures are placed. This suture approximates the dermis to the levator muscle thereby creating the crease. The patient is asked to open and close the eyes during surgery to ensure adequate symmetry and shape.

Incisional Technique:

This technique can be used for most Asian patients including younger patients. The incision line is well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region when the supratarsal fold is created. This technique is also ideal to correct droopy eyelids (ptosis). While creating the supratarsal fold, the upper eyelid muscle can be tightened to restore normal anatomy, fat can be removed or repositioned and excess skin can be removed. The results of eyelid surgery will appear gradually as the swelling and bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better designed eyelid and surrounding region. Some patient’s find that the mild swelling can persist for several weeks, while others may see swelling resolve in as little as one week.

Epicanthoplasty

Epicanthoplasty is eye surgery to remove the epicanthal folds. It can be a challenging procedure because the epicanthal folds overlay the lacrimal canaliculi (tear drainage canals). An epicanthic fold can also be associated with a less prominent upper eyelid crease (a feature commonly termed “single eyelids” as opposed to “double eyelids”), and is a trait that appears more commonly in Asian ethnicities. The two features are distinct; a person may have both epicanthal folds and an upper eyelid crease, one and not the other, or neither.

Some Asian patients have a condition where the width of the eyes are too narrow. To restore the normal anatomy, the soft tissue in the inner and outer corners of the eyes can be rearranged to make the eyes appear wider. This procedure can be done in conjunction with upper and/or lower eyelid surgery.

Medial Epicanthoplasty

Medial epicanthoplasty is a procedure to rearrange the excess skin (Mongolian fold) which obstruct the inner corner of the eyes. This procedure decreases intercanthal distance and also reveals medial half of the eyes by turning aside the redundant drooping Mongolian fold. As a result, the eyes will look bigger and brighter, less slanted.

Lateral Canthoplasty

The outer corner of the eye can also be reshaped to lengthen the eye. Lateral canthoplasty is a procedure to reposition the lateral canthal tendon by detaching the junction of the outer upper and lower eyelids. Scars are hidden within the eyelid margins and are usually not visible. Approximately, 1-3 mm can be elongated on each eye and they rarely re-attach. This procedure is also convenient for the eyes that are slanted upward, but because of individual factors, not everyone will achieve the same result. In-office consultation is recommended.