Asian Eyelid Surgery Questions Answered by New York Oculofacial Specialist and Surgeon Dr. Amiya Prasad
QUESTION: Why is the Double Incision Asian Eyelid Procedure the Most Complex?
ANSWER: Asian Eyelid Surgery with Natural Results
Great question. In my cosmetic surgery guide “The Fine Art of Looking Younger,” I address this topic for Asian Eyelid Surgery for you. The Asian eyelid is different from the Caucasian eyelid in many ways, which is why Asian eyelid surgery (Asian blepharoplasty) is so unique and complex. Asian eyes require delicate finesse with the typical epicanthal fold that lies in front of the eye so that proper rejuvenation does not mar the natural beauty of this type of eye. Asian individuals also often seek the “double eyelid fold” procedure, which gives the upper eyelid a visible crease when the eye is open. One of the most frequent mistakes that plastic surgeons have made is “Americanizing” or “Europeanizing” the eyelids. This results in a very unnatural appearance.
QUESTION: Excess Fold of Skin Left After Asian Double Eyelid Surgery?
ANSWER: After Asian “Double Fold” EyeLid Surgery
Thank you for your question. I ‘ve performed Asian eyelid surgery (as well as revision surgery) for than 15 years in New York City. Although you will probably benefit most by discussing your concerns with the operating surgeon I can address your question. Swelling after eyelid surgery is normal and 2.5 weeks is early in the postoperative period. Swelling can be variable and can last for up to a year.
QUESTION: How Often Do Asians Experience Unnatural Results After Asian Eyelid Surgery?
ANSWER: Asian Eyelid Surgery: Revisional Surgery
Whether you are considering Korean eyelid surgery, Chinese eyelid surgery or Japanese eyelid surgery, the common desire is typically to have the eyes appear more open. As an Oculofacial Plastic and reconstructive surgeon super-specializing in the eyes and face, many of my clients travel from around the world to my offices in New York City actually come to me for revision surgery after previous Asian Eyelid surgery with other surgeons. If you do research on the internet, you will find many different styles and techniques for Asian Double Eyelid Surgery. Nonincisional procedures as well as incisional procedures or limited incisional procedures can be customized to your needs. Creating a natural appearance in the Asian eyelid also must take into account the age and gender of the patient. It’s critical to avoid removing too much skin or fat which is a common technical error made by surgeons less familiar with Asian eyes. Proper surgery begins with a design which is drawn prior to the procedure. Many Asians who have had eyelid surgery they are not happy with have scars which go outside the natural crease and are difficult to manage. One of the most frequent mistakes that plastic surgeons have made is “Americanizing” or “Europeanizing” the eyelids. This results in a very unnatural appearance.
QUESTION: Ptosis in Asian Eyelids?
ANSWER: Ptosis Surgery for Asian Eyelids
In my opinion, considering eyelid surgery, it is reasonable to consider Muller’s muscle shortening to improve the symmetry of your eyes. The anatomy of Asian eyes in my hands does not have much of an impact on the surgical plan compared to Occidental eyes. As far as recommending someone for Asian Eyelid Surgery in the Washington DC area, you can visit the website of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS)
QUESTION: What Technique To Get Almond Shaped Asian Eyes?
ANSWER: Proper Technique and Design for Asian Eyelid Surgery
You are right in not wanting to “Americanize” or “Europeanize” your eyelids as that would result in a very unnatural appearance. Asian eyes require delicate finesse with the typical epicanthal fold that lies in front of the eye so that proper surgery does not mar the natural beauty of this type of eye. These surgeries are often referred to as Double Eyelid Surgery as approximately half of Asians have a “single fold” and half have a “double fold”. If you do internet research, you will many different styles and techniques for Asian Eyelid Surgery.
Creating a natural appearance in the Asian eyelid is complex, so I take into account the age and gender of the patient. I avoid removing too much skin or fat which is a common technical error made by surgeons less familiar with Asian eyes. Proper surgery begins with a design which is drawn prior to the procedure. Many of my Asian patients fly to New York from all over the world asking me to do revisional surgery on their Asian Eyelid surgery because they are not happy with scars which go outside the natural crease and are difficult to manage.
QUESTION: What Technique Can Be Used to Minimize Scarring Following an Eyelid Surgery?
ANSWER: Proper Asian Eyelid Surgery Technique to Minimize Scarring & Downtime
Proper Asian Eyelid Surgery begins with a design which is drawn prior to the procedure. I have seen many Asians who have had eyelid surgery are not happy with have scars which go outside the natural crease and are difficult to manage. Asian eyelid anatomy is unique. Planning the shape of the crease is critically important. After making an incision with a scalpel or laser, I perform Asian blepharoplasty using surgical scissors to remove the skin. In Asian blepharoplasty the fat prevents a crease from forming properly. Using the incisional technique, I open the septum to allow the fat to come forward. Once the fat has come forward, a specific amount is removed. It’s very important to leave enough fat behind to prevent a crease from becoming too high or create a hollow. After fat is reduced in Asian eye surgery, the levator aponeurosis is revealed. Proper attachment of the skin to this structure is critical to creating a crease or double fold. In Asian blepharoplasty, sutures are placed carefully with attachment to the levator aponeurosis thereby creating a double fold. At the completion of Asian eyelid surgery procedure, the sutures are placed. There is a small amount of swelling. Ice compresses are used immediately to minimize swelling up to 2 days.
QUESTION: Blepharoplasty to Fix my Droopy Eyes?
ANSWER: Ptosis Surgery to Correct Sad or Tired Appearance
Based on your photograph, you have “eyelid ptosis” which appears to be quite significant. Ptosis surgery can be beneficial and is worth pursuing to correct your appearance (i.e. tired, lazy, or sad disposition). Eyelid ptosis surgery can actually help your vision as well.
QUESTION: Can I Have Surgery for an Epicanthic Fold?
ANSWER: Epicanthic Fold Surgery
As an Oculofacial cosmetic surgeon in New York, I perform eyelid surgeries to enhance the shape of the eyes (“exotic eyes” or almond-shaped eyes). Creating an Asian epicanthal fold and making the eyes more puffy are atypical surgical procedures (and one which I would advise against as the results may not look natural). The use of makeup can sometimes help to achieve this look. It’s important for you to meet with the specialist who can guide you with the types of procedures that realistically will benefit you.
QUESTION: Cheapest and Best Way To Get Asian Eyelid Surgery?
ANSWER: Asian Eyelid Surgery Cost and Financing
“Cheapest” and “best” unfortunately do not go together. Asian Eyelid Surgery is very complex and requires knowledge so your results come out the way you want and that you also look natural. If having the money is an issue for the Asian Eyelid surgery price, you may want to reconsider having the surgery done now. I would also strongly advise against performing the surgery yourself. I recommend doing your research, finding a qualified eyelid surgeon who understands the anatomy of the Asian and eye, and inquire about financing options.
QUESTION: Will the Puckered Spot on Blepharoplasty Incision Resolve?
ANSWER: Be patient with your Blepharoplasty results
As you said, you’re one week post-op. Whereas I completely understand a patient being nervous about any concept of imperfection after surgery, please remember that we do not heal overnight, nor do we heal evenly.
I do this procedure regularly. The puckering and small bump you refer to is not at all uncommon in the healing process of any upper lid Blepharoplasty. In your case, it may even be a bit more common as an Asian Blepharoplasty (creating a crease in the upper eyelid where there was none before) needs that extra securing in the stitching process to achieve the correct result.
I would be curious to hear about your results now. Whereas I can not speak to your case specifically, usually that puckering that you refer to resolves itself in less than a month. I know it is frustrating that one eye is so much better than the other. That is how our bodies heal themselves however. Rarely is it entirely even.
I am in hopes you are happy with your results!
QUESTION: How Often Do Asians Have Their Eyelids Touched Up?
ANSWER: Common Reasons for Asian Eyelid Surgery Revision
Many people from all over the world come to me to revise their Asian blepharoplasty with other surgeons. With Asian Eyelid Surgery, common reasons for revision include: removing too much skin or fat (which is a common technical error made by eyelid surgeons less familiar with Asian eyes). Another reason for Asian eyelid surgery revision is unhappiness with scars after blepharoplasty which go outside the natural crease and are difficult to manage. A major reason is “Americanizing” or “Europeanizing” the eyelids which leaves a very unnatural appearance. Asian Eyelid Surgery requires the surgeon performing the procedure to have a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the eyes which make Korean, Chinese, Japanese and other Asians different from people of European, Asian Indian or African lineage. The Asian eyelid has some very important anatomical differences from non-Asian eyes. Ethnicity, age, gender and skin quality, general health need to be considered when developing a proper strategy for Asian Double Eyelid Surgery.
QUESTION: Caucasian to Asian Makeover?
ANSWER: Exotic Eye Surgery and Dimple Creation for Asian Look
There are several procedures on your list. Some are more realistic than others but intrinsically it is not possible to completely transform a Caucasian face to an Asian face. In our practice, we do procedures to enhance the shape of the eyes (“exotic eyes” or almond-shaped eyes) as well as dimple creation. Creating an Asian epicanthal fold and making the eyes more puffy are atypical procedures which I would advise against. It’s important for you to meet with a specialist who can guide you with the types of procedures that realistically will benefit you.
QUESTION: Is It Possible to Make Caucasian Eyes Look Asian?
ANSWER: Caucasian to Asian Eyes?
While you do have Asian ancestry, that helps with the overall look of your face. In our practice, we do procedures to enhance the shape of the eyes (“exotic eyes” or almond-shaped eyes). Creating an Asian epicanthal fold and making the eyes more puffy are atypical procedures (and one which I would advise against as the results may not look natural). The use of makeup can sometimes help to achieve this look. It’s important for you to meet with a specialist who can guide you with the types of procedures that realistically will benefit you.
QUESTION: What will the surgery for an Asian Eyelid Surgery Will Feel like?
ANSWER: Asian Eyelid Surgery Experience
At my practice in New York, I perform Asian Eyelid Surgery under local anesthesia with light IV sedation (or “twilight” sedation).This eyelid surgery patient has virtually no pain. Cold compresses are used for 2 days. With my quick recovery approach to Asian Eyelid Surgery, my patients experience minimal downtime, maximum gain and natural results.
QUESTION: Is a Brow Lift Ever Recommended with Eyelid Surgery for “Westernizing” Eyes?
ANSWER: Brow Lift and Asian Eyelid Surgery Combination
The Asian eyelid has some very important anatomical differences from non-Asian eyes. One of the most frequent mistakes that plastic surgeons have made is “Americanizing” or “Europeanizing” or “Westernizing” the eyelids; this results in a very unnatural appearance. Deciding if you need an eyebrow lift is usually based on if the eyebrows have become lower than when you were younger. If you’ve noticed that your eyebrows have gotten lower with time and you’re getting lines in your forehead trying to keep your eyebrows lifted, you may be a candidate for an brow lift. However, only with a proper consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon who understands the balance of the face and can understand the look you would like be able to tell you what is a realistic option for you.
QUESTION: Is it ok to do a second revision after 1 month?
ANSWER: Wait 6 Months for Revisional Asian Eyelid Surgery
Although your recovery time was 1 week after your Asian Eyelid surgery, 3 weeks after the Asian blepharoplasty is still very early and you still have swelling and need to finish healing before having another procedure. I suggest waiting at minimum 6 months for additional surgery, if you are still unhappy with your incision and folds.
QUESTION: Why Might It Take Up to Two Months to See Results from Asian Eyelid Surgery?
ANSWER: Asian Eyelid Surgery Healing Results
Depending on the extent of surgery and the type of Asian Eyelid Surgery, healing time will vary to form your double eyelid crease. Swelling or inflammation after Asian eyelid surgery is normal and in the postoperative period. Swelling can be variable and can last for up to a year. At my practice in New York, non-incisional procedures as well as incisional procedures or limited incisional procedures can be customized to your needs that suit your goals and lifestyle.
QUESTION: I Just Had Double Eyelid Surgery but Why Don’t I Have a Crease?
ANSWER: Crease After Double Eyelid Surgery
If you had fat removal and no crease before double eyelid sugery, its unusual not to see any crease afterwards. If you didn’t had fat removed but just had multiple poorly-defined creases before surgery, then it is normal to no see the defined crease until swelling resolves. Communicate with your doctor to understand what’s going on with the healing after double eyelid surgery.
QUESTION: I Want Epicanthoplasty. Can I Get the Skin Squeezed to Eliminate the Folds?
ANSWER: Surgery to Reduce Epicanthic Folds on Asian Eyes
There are several procedures which are designed to reduce epicentral folds. In younger people, I’m particularly concerned about the healing and the long term scarring after epicanthic fold surgery. This factor is important to consider before making the decision to do this type of Asian eyelid surgery. Asian eyes require delicate finesse with the typical epicanthal fold that lies in front of the eye so that proper rejuvenation does not mar the natural beauty of this type of eye.
QUESTION: Would Epicanthoplasty Leave a Scar?
ANSWER: Epicanthic Fold Surgery Scars
Asian eyes require delicate finesse with the typical epicanthal fold that lies in front of the eye so that proper rejuvenation does not mar the natural beauty of this type of eye. I have seen many Asians who have had eyelid surgery are not happy with having scars that go outside the natural crease and are difficult to manage. Asian eyelid anatomy is unique. Scarring can be minimized when performing an epicanthoplasty by beginning with a unique design and proper planning for the patient prior to the surgery. Although some scarring is likely, proper surgery by a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon is recommended for removal of epicanthic folds to get the results you want.
QUESTION: Pain over a Month After Asian Double Eyelid Surgery (Full-incisional Method, with Permanent Non-dissolvable Fixation Sutures)?
ANSWER: Asian Double Eyelid Surgery Complication
6 weeks after Asian Eyelid Surgery, you shouldn’t be feeling that kind of pain or experiencing that amount of irritation. Swelling would be normal, but your case doesn’t seem to be. Unfortunately since your surgeon isn’t responding, I recommend consulting with another oculoplastic surgeon for examination of your eye who can help you figure out what is going on. You may need revisional surgery to correct the problem.
QUESTION: Eyes Appear Asymmetrical. One Eye Doesn’t Barely Has a Fold. What Can I Do?
ANSWER: Possible Double Eyelid Fold Surgery
A proper consultation with an Oculofacial cosmetic surgeon is necessary to determine how to fix the asymmetry of your eyes and to better understand the complexity of your situation. Assuming you are Asian: generally, Asian eyes require delicate finesse with the typical epicanthal fold that lies in front of the eye so that proper rejuvenation does not mar the natural beauty of this type of eye and you get natural looking results after eyelid surgery. If you are Asian, I perform Asian Eyelid Surgery for Asian individuals who seek the “double eyelid fold” surgery, which gives the upper eyelid a visible crease when the eye is open.
QUESTION: Is There a Difference Between a Double Eyelid Surgery and Blepharoplasty Surgery?
ANSWER: Double Eyelid Surgery for Asians
As an board-certified Cosmetic Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon super-specializing in surgery of the eyes and face, I perform blepharoplasty procedures. Blepharoplasty is general term for eyelid surgery. A Double Eyelid Surgery is a type of blepharoplasty which creates a visible crease in the upper eyelid when the eye is open. Asian individuals who do not have the upper eyelid crease often seek the “double eyelid fold” procedure, which is why “double eyelid surgery” is also referred to as “Asian Eyelid surgery” or “Asian Blepharoplasty”.
This change to the upper eyelid makes it easier to apply makeup and is considered to be a desirable aesthetic appearance in many Asian cultures. The Asian eyelid is different from the Caucasian eyelid in many ways, which is why Asian eyelid surgery (Asian blepharoplasty) is so unique. One of the most frequent mistakes that plastic surgeons have made is “Americanizing” or “Europeanizing” the eyelids. This results in a very unnatural appearance. I recommend consulting with the right doctor to perform your procedure
61 E 66th St. New York City, NY, 10021 USA
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