Asian Eyes

Do drooping eyelids make you look tired, even after a good night's sleep?

If your answer is yes, you're not alone. Loose skin over your eyes and fat bags under your eyes can make you look more tired and older than you feel inside. Heavy eyelids can also create an unfriendly appearance.

All eyes are not created equal

Every year, thousands of Asian women and men choose eyelid surgery to help restore a more energetic and youthful appearance. There are numerous differences between Caucasian and Asian eyes. Most of them are unseen muscular and other underlying tissue differences, such as the increased fat content and somewhat thicker skin of Asian eyes. Often the crease of the upper eyelids is incomplete or non-existent, allowing the skin to hang over the lashes and conceal much of the eye.

Choosing your surgeon

Blepharoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed. However, an Asian blepharoplasty has added potential for complications and unfavorable results if meticulous attention is not paid to aesthetics and proper surgical techniques. Your personal goals must be given adequate consideration. If you are of Asian descent and are considering eyelid surgery, you should consult a surgeon with a detailed understanding of the ethnic variations in eyelid anatomy and the surgical skill necessary to maintain your ethnicity and achieve your individual goals.

Your consultation

During your initial cosmetic consultation, your doctor will discuss your particular condition, your expectations, and the probable outcome of treatment. You may be shown several before and after treatment photographs of patients having a similar condition, and you will receive an explanation of your treatment. Before and after pictures of your eyes may be taken to better document your results.

Your eyelid procedure

Blepharoplasty can be performed in your doctor's office, an out-patient surgical facility or a hospital. It is generally performed under local anesthesia but can be performed under general anesthesia.

In most Asian blepharoplasties, a fold is created in the upper eyelid. The surgeon places fine incisions where the crease would normally appear. The position and slope of this incision/fold may vary depending on the many different cultural preferences within Asian groups. Next, a thin crescent of excess skin, fat, and muscle is removed. The incisions are closed with very fine sutures.

To remove fatty deposits beneath the eyes, the incisions are placed just inside the lower eyelid or beneath the lashes. After the fat is removed, the incisions may be closed with absorbable sutures or left to heal naturally with no visible scar. The procedure can take from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the extent of your surgery.

Can eyelid surgery be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

Yes. Many of our patients elect to combine their eyelid procedure with a browlift, facelift, mid-facelift or even laser skin resurfacing.

What results can I expect?

Generally, patients are very satisfied with their results. However, your surgical outcome will depend on the extent of the surgical correction, your skin structure and your healing process. Heredity, age and other physical characteristics will also play a part in your outcome.

What about recovery?

When the procedure is performed alone, and not in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, it is generally done with sedation and local anesthesia. The eye area may be bruised and swollen for about two weeks. Patients should keep their heads up and place cold compresses on their eyes periodically. Antibiotic eye drops are generally prescribed for several days. Patients can't wear contact lenses for about two weeks, since the eyelids may be stiff and sore. Make-up may be worn after about ten days. The resulting thin scars, which will follow the natural contour of your eyelids, tend to fade in about two months.After cosmetic surgery, our patients notice a softer, more youthful appearance. Many seem to have a renewed spring to their step and an inner confidence about them.

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with a board certified physician. To find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you to contact one of our doctors for a private consultation.

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