Asian Eyelid Surgery

Dr. V refines the upper eyelid fold to create a brighter, more open appearance while addressing puffiness and asymmetry with precision and artistry.
FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON VIRGINIA
Asian Eyelid Surgery

What Is Asian Blepharoplasty?

The procedure creates an upper eyelid crease, known as a "double eyelid," enhancing eye definition and facial features. This surgical technique addresses a common characteristic in Asian eyes, where approximately 70% of the population is born without a visible eyelid crease.
Asian Eyelid Surgery

Single Eyelid

The majority who are born with single eyelids have less than a 1mm distance between where the eyelashes end and the eyelid begins and in a double eyelid, this distance can be as high as 10mm above the lash line. This is why Asian individuals often seek the "double eyelid fold" procedure, which gives the upper eyelid a visible crease when the eye is open. 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.

Excessive Upper Eyelid Tissue

Thicker upper eyelid skin and additional fat deposits are common in Asian eyelids, leading to a heavy appearance that can obscure the natural shape of the eyes. This excess tissue may also interfere with vision. Surgery removes or repositions tissue to create a refined, youthful look while maintaining functionality and natural beauty.

Asymmetrical Eyelid Creases

Many patients experience noticeable differences between the creases of each eye, such as variations in height, depth, or definition. Dr. V uses advanced techniques to balance these asymmetries, creating a harmonious and natural appearance that complements the patient's facial features.

Epicanthal Fold Concerns

Prominent epicanthal folds, often seen in Asian eyelids, can cause a closed or less defined eye appearance. Using specialized surgical methods, Dr. V refines the epicanthal fold while preserving ethnic identity, enhancing the eyes’ openness, and improving overall facial harmony.

Before & After Photos

View actual patient photos and see why Dr. V is Northern VA's preferred surgeon for Asian eyelid surgery.

Before Asian Blepharoplasty Transformations before and after
Before
After Asian Blepharoplasty Transformations before and after
After
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The three main techniques Dr. V uses to perform Asian Eyelid surgery include:

- In the first type, Dr. V will make a full incision across your upper eyelid. This technique is minimally noticeable after you heal but it requires the most recovery time. Typically, patients start to heal within two weeks with complete recovery taking 3-6 months.

- In the second procedure, Dr. V will pass sutures back and forth through your eyelid without making an incision. This technique has the advantage of immediate recovery with no visible scar. One disadvantage is that this technique is susceptible to reversing and sutures can sometimes erode under your eyelid causing inflammation.

- In the third method, Dr. V will make several small incisions along your eyelid. This technique has the advantage of being able to remove fat while leaving a barely visible scar. The recovery for this procedure is typically within one week and the external sutures will dissolve naturally.

Asian Eyelid Surgery

Ideal Candidates for Asian Eyelid Surgery

While this procedure can be performed at any age, most patients seek treatment in their 30s when early signs of drooping begin to appear. Good candidates should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about their results, alongside checking these boxes:

  • Adults with fully developed facial features seeking double eyelid surgery
  • Those experiencing functional issues with current eyelid structure
  • Patients with asymmetrical or undefined eyelid creases
  • Individuals ready for long-term enhancement of their appearance
  • People wanting to simplify their daily makeup routine

Risks of Asian Eyelid Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, Dr. V thoroughly discusses potential considerations during your consultation. Her meticulous pre-operative planning and advanced techniques help ensure patient safety.

  • Temporary swelling and bruising around the eye area
  • Initial asymmetry during healing phases
  • Rare complications like infection or anesthesia reaction
  • Possible minor adjustments for optimal results

Benefits of Asian Eyelid Surgery

Double eyelid surgery at our Chantilly practice helps patients achieve both aesthetic and functional improvements:
  • Defined upper eyelid creases with customized placement
  • Simplified makeup application process
  • Enhanced overall eye appearance
  • Better symmetry between both eyes
  • Reduced appearance of eye fatigue
  • Correction of heavy upper eyelids
  • Long-lasting surgical results
  • Improved facial proportion

Asian Eyelid Surgery Recovery: What to Expect

After your Asian Eyelid surgery, your eye area may be bruised and swollen for approximately two weeks. During your healing process, you will be advised to keep your head up and place cold compresses on your eyes periodically. Antibiotic eye drops are generally prescribed for several days and if you wear contact lenses, you will be instructed not to wear them for two weeks. Make-up may be worn after ten days and the resulting thin scars, which will follow the natural contour of your eyelids, should fade within two months.

Our Approach to Asian Blepharoplasty

Dr. V understands that all eyes are not created equal and there are numerous differences between Caucasian and Asian eyes. Asian eyelid surgery, also known as Asian blepharoplasty or eyelid westernization surgery, requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the Asian eyelid and the Asian face. She is committed to using her expertise in eyelid surgery to provide Asian patients with naturally appearing eyelids.

Asian Eyelid Surgery Consultation

Before proceeding with your surgery, Dr. V will meet with you to understand your specific concerns and preferences. She will explain the various techniques available and recommend the best approach for your unique facial features.

Pre-surgery preparation

Your pre-operative preparation includes specific lifestyle adjustments, medication guidelines, and dietary recommendations. We'll help you arrange post-surgery transportation and care, provide a detailed recovery timeline, and complete necessary pre-surgery health screenings.

Day of Surgery

Dr. V employs different techniques for Asian Eyelid surgery depending on your eyelid anatomy and overall expectations. Thin lids can be treated with a minimal incision technique that has the advantage of almost no visible scarring and thicker lids, or lids with excess skin and fat, require larger incisions. When an Asian Eyelid surgery is performed alone and not in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, it is generally completed with sedation and local anesthesia. An incisional approach is implemented for double eyelid surgery. For lower eyelid surgery, a transconjunctival or minimally invasive approach is possible, and Dr. V may be able to employ a non-incisional method using permanent sutures. Incisions and sutures are carefully placed to minimize visible scarring.
After Surgery

Healing and Recovery