Double eyelid surgery or “Asian blepharoplasty” is a procedure that creates a larger, more symmetrical, almond-shaped eye. It removes the double eyelid characteristic of those of Asian descent and creates a new eyelid crease that is customized to patient preference and anatomy.
Double eyelid surgery doesn’t affect a patient’s lower lids, but it can be combined with lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to tighten loose skin and erase bags under the eyes.
This procedure is sometimes called Asian blepharoplasty because it is particularly popular in patients of Asian descent, particularly East Asian descent. And according to recent data from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic surgery, this helps make eyelid surgery the third most popular type of plastic surgery worldwide.
Am I a good candidate for double eyelid surgery?
You may be a good candidate for an Asian blepharoplasty if:
What are the pros and cons of an Asian blepharoplasty?
Pros:
- It is a one-time-only procedure that provides an immediate solution for patient concerns.
- It is a one-hour-long procedure performed under local anesthetic so you can drive yourself to and from the procedure.
- Scars are virtually invisible and hidden in the crease of the eyelid.
- Along with creating an upper eyelid crease, the procedure can also lift sagging or droopy eyelids.
- Can provide an easier application for makeup and make lashes look longer.
Cons:
- Noticeable bruising and swelling for at least the first week of recovery.
- Though the procedure can make your eyes look bigger, it will not make more of the eye itself visible on its own.
- Double eyelid surgery has a higher revision rate than traditional blepharoplasty, due to one crease ending up “stronger” than the other or the height of the creases being slightly different.
What is recovery from double eyelid surgery like?
You can expect some bruising and soreness for the first couple of days, starting to subside by day three. Applying light ice packs and cool compresses can help ease this side effect. And sutures used will be mostly hidden in the normal crease of the eye and will either dissolve or be removed within 5-14 days. Light exercise, such as walking, is encouraged to help reduce swelling and speed healing. Wearing glasses can be a good way to camouflage the evidence of surgery. Most patients are able to return to work the day after their procedure with no concerns.
Swimming and over-exertion (think CrossFit or heavy lifting) should be avoided for at least 3-4 weeks following your procedure to make sure results are optimal. Any pain can be managed easily with ibuprofen and Tylenol.
How soon will I see the results from an upper blepharoplasty?
Great question! For most patients, results are pretty obvious immediately following the procedure. However, it is also common that swelling can obscure the immediate results. In this case, results will start to become evident as the swelling goes away (beginning at 2-3 days and then completely subsiding by 2-3 weeks).
There is a small incision and scar in the eyelid crease that will continue to lighten and fade into the natural color of your skin over 12-18 months. Be sure to apply sunscreen to avoid hyperpigmentation of the scar.
If you are considering upper eyelid surgery or double eyelid surgery, a consultation appointment is a great place to start. At Capizzi MD we have expert physicians who specialize in facial procedures who can assess your goals and build custom treatment plans designed to get you there! Using a combination of surgical and non-surgical recommendations, they can align a treatment plan with your budget and ideals. Give our office a call at 704-655-8988 if you would like to learn more, or to schedule your consultation appointment.