As a person ages, excess skin starts accumulating around their eyelids, making them look exhausted and older than they actually are. To address this problem, surgeons around the world perform eyelid surgery, but depending on one’s ethnicity, the surgery must be customized to retain those unique traits they may want to keep. Fortunately, for people of Asian decent, there is the Asian eyelid lift surgery.

The Anatomy of the Asian Upper Eyelid

There is a key difference between the anatomy of the Asian upper eyelid and the Caucasian upper eyelid. Around 50 percent of Asians are born with or without a crease in the upper lid. The lack of a skin fold makes the eyes look tired and less open. Additionally, the person with this feature may find it quite difficult to apply certain types of makeups such as an eye shadow.

An Introduction to the Asian Eyelid Lift

Asian eyelid lift is a cosmetic procedure performed to add a crease to the upper eyelid. When it comes to a natural looking eyelid crease, a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. The Asian eye varies in terms of the amount of skin, fat, and the epicanthal fold. For natural results, the surgeon must take into account various factors such as  age and gender.

Results from the procedure last for up to 10 years. The incision made is easily hidden in the crease. An Asian eyelid lift can also be combined with other procedures such as ptosis surgery, epicanthoplasty, and canthoplasty.

The Asian Eyelid Lift Procedure

Asian eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. During the initial consultation, surgeons check several things such as the skin’s thickness and the quality and amount of fat under the patient’s skin. Based on these findings, the specialist decides the right procedure (incisional vs non-incisional)

The non-incisional process involves creating small openings in the skin. Next, the surgeon passes a stitch in such a way that it attaches the upper eyelid skin to the levator muscle, ensuring that the eyelid skin folds whenever the eyes are opened.

To help patients with extra skin and fat on the upper lid achieve their desired look, surgeons often adopt an incisional approach. The operation is started by numbing the treatment area. To help patients avoid discomfort, the anaesthetist in the surgeon’s team administers local anaesthesia or IV sedation. Once the anaesthesia takes effect, the surgeon makes a small incision in the upper eyelid area. Through this, the doctor removes extra fat, which helps create a defined crease.

The entire process takes anywhere between one to three hours. In case other procedures are performed in conjunction with the surgery, the time taken can exceed the 3 hour mark.

Ideal Candidates for the Asian Eyelid Surgery

An ideal candidate for the Asian eyelid lift is someone who:

  • Is in good health
  • Is optimistic, yet has realistic expectations.
  • Either does not have the upper eyelid fold or has very small (almost non-existent) folds.
  • Has a weakened eye opening muscle.

Preparing for the Asian Eyelid Lift

If you plan on undergoing this procedure, you should be in good general health. You will be required to stop smoking and drinking at least a month before the procedure and after. You should stop using any medication that is a blood thinner. You should have a friend or family member available drive you back home from the hospital.

Schedule Your Consultation for the Asian Eyelid Lift

The Asian eyelid lift is the perfect way to give your eyes that rejuvenated look you desire while retaining the unique features that give you your identity. If you’re interested in learning more about the procedure, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jen Chow today!