Asian Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure. Traditionally, blepharoplasty is performed to eliminate excess fat and tissues, lift the eyelids, and restore a more alert and youthful appearance. However, as an alternative to traditional eyelid surgery, patients may seek Asian blepharoplasty.
Asian blepharoplasty, which is also known as double-eyelid surgery, is performed to create a crease, or fold, which is often absent in Asian eyes. Dr. David A. Sherris offers Asian blepharoplasty to give his Buffalo, NY, patients larger and more symmetrical almond-shaped eyes.
Asian Blepharoplasty Candidates
It is not uncommon for individuals of North Eastern or South Eastern descent to lack the crease that creates a fold in the upper eyelid. Without this crease individuals may feel like their eyes appear small or closed. Asian blepharoplasty may be a suitable treatment option for our Buffalo patients with any of the following aesthetic concerns:
- An upper eyelid that drapes too far over the iris
- Excess eyelid fat that makes the eyes appear puffy
- An upper eyelid that folds inward when the eyes are open (thus causing the eyelashes to brush against the cornea)
- General dissatisfaction with the shape of the eye
Asian Blepharoplasty Techniques
There are three surgical techniques that may be considered for Asian blepharoplasty: full incision, partial incision, and no incision. The technique that is right for each patient will depend on their unique needs and desires.
Full incision
During a full incision surgery an incision is made across nearly the entire length of the eyelid. Through this incision any excess fat and tissues can be removed from the upper eye area. Sutures are used to close the incision and mimic the fibrous attachments that are naturally found in double eyelids. This technique will result in a visible scar, but it should be very thin. This technique is likely to produce the most effective and longest lasting results.
Partial incision
The partial incision technique utilizes an incision that will extend across the upper border of the new eyelid crease. But the incision does not extend all the way across; it is made as short as possible. This technique may be suitable for patients with little to no excess fat or tissues. As with the full technique, the incision is closed with sutures that mimic the fibrous attachments of a double eyelid.
No incision
Individuals with no excess fat or tissue in the upper eyelid may be candidates for the no incision technique. During this procedure no incision is made. Instead, the surgeon creates a series of tiny holes. Sutures are passed through these holes to create a crease and mimic the fibrous connections of a double eyelid. The no incision technique has limited applications and it is possible for the double eyelid to unfold in the future.
Asian Blepharoplasty Recovery
When incisions are used for Asian blepharoplasty, our Buffalo patients can expect to have sutures removed within four to six days following their procedure. Immediately following surgery, patients may experience mild side effects, including discomfort, inflammation, and bruising. While these side effects can linger for a couple of weeks, they should improve significantly about a week after surgery. At that point, most patients feel well enough to return to work and other routine activities. More strenuous activities, such as exercise and heavy lifting, should be avoided for four weeks after treatment.
Contact Us
If you believe that you could benefit from Asian blepharoplasty, Dr. David A. Sherris would be happy to provide you with more information about the procedure, and whether you may be an ideal candidate. To discuss your cosmetic goals with Dr. Sherris, contact our plastic surgery practice online, or call (716) 884-5102.
