The anatomy of the Asian eyelid is quite different from that of the western occidental eyelid, with perhaps the greatest anatomical variance being a crease (or fold) near the low margin of the upper lid. A large percentage of Asian women and men do not have this crease—or the fold is positioned so low that it is virtually undetectable—creating what’s known as a “single fold” upper eyelid. In contrast, most people of western descent have a more pronounced, visible crease, which is referred to as a “double fold” upper lid.
While a single fold upper eyelid is desirable for some Asian individuals, others find the double fold upper lid to be more attractive and wish to achieve this look. In these cases, a specialized upper blepharoplasty technique known as Asian eyelid surgery can be an excellent solution. The procedure is also known as supratarsal fixation whereby anatomical changes are created which elevate the low or nonexistent eyelid crease.
- What Is Asian Eyelid Surgery?
- Asian Blepharoplasty Candidates
- Asian Blepharoplasty Procedure
- Recovery from Asian Blepharoplasty
- Asian Blepharoplasty Scars
- Revision Asian Eyelid Surgery
- Asian Eyelid Surgery Cost
- Choosing an Asian Blepharoplasty Surgeon
What Is Asian Eyelid Surgery?
Asian eyelid surgery—also called Asian blepharoplasty or double eyelid surgery—is a variation of upper blepharoplasty which is designed to create a distinctive crease in the upper eyelid. If desired, excess skin and/or displaced fat responsible for upper eyelid drooping can simultaneously be addressed. The final result of Asian blepharoplasty can make the eyes appear larger and more expressive while enhancing the overall attractiveness of the area.
Fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon Albert Cytryn, MD has over two decades of experience in all forms of blepharoplasty, including Asian eyelid surgery. By personalizing a treatment plan to meet your unique needs and goals, he can help you achieve the look you desire with results that appear completely natural.
Before 
After Who Is a Good Candidate for Asian Eyelid Surgery?
Patients seeking Asian blepharoplasty should be in good overall health with no medical conditions that may inhibit the healing process. During your initial consultation, Dr. Cytryn will review your concerns and cosmetic goals before developing a customized treatment plan. In general, ideal candidates for Asian eyelid surgery are individuals experiencing:- Indistinguishable or nonexistent upper eyelid creases
- Partial, tapering, uneven, or parallel upper eyelid creases
- Excessive eyelid draping over the upper half of the iris
- General dissatisfaction with the shape of the upper eyelids
- A fatigued or dulled expression due to weakened eyelid muscles
- Excess fat around the eyelids making them appear puffy
- A desire to have a larger, more open-appearing eye aesthetic
How Is the Asian Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?
Asian blepharoplasty is most commonly performed under light intravenous sedation, usually taking less than one hour to complete. When a low-lying natural fold is already present, Dr. Cytryn will elevate and/or deepen the crease to make it more prominent. If no fold is naturally present, he will make a small incision in the ideal location, suturing the skin to the underlying muscle to hold its position. Typically, the eyelids will also require slightly more sculpting of fat than what is generally done for the western upper eyelid. In the event rejuvenation is desired, Dr. Cytryn will remove excess skin and/or repair loose upper eyelid musculature for an improved, more youthful overall appearance.
What Is Recovery from Asian Blepharoplasty Like?
Following Asian eyelid surgery, the typical recovery process is similar to that of traditional upper blepharoplasty. You may experience some degree of swelling and/or bruising initially, but these temporary side effects should fade relatively quickly. While significant pain is uncommon, any potential discomfort can generally be controlled effectively with medication. Non-strenuous jobs and daily routines can usually be resumed after approximately one week to ten days, though Dr. Cytryn will likely advise you to avoid vigorous exercise, physical sports, and any other activities that may negatively impact proper healing and long-term results for at least two to three weeks. After this time, all restrictions are generally lifted.
Will I Have Noticeable Scars from Double Eyelid Surgery?
Due to the small size of the incisions and their placement in the natural creases of the eyelids, most patients find that any scarring after Asian blepharoplasty is virtually undetectable—even when the eyelids are closed. In the immediate aftermath of surgery, the incision lines may appear pink and somewhat raised, but they should fade naturally over the course of the healing process. Dr. Cytryn has extensive experience performing double eyelid surgery, and he meticulously plans each procedure to achieve the most aesthetically desirable result possible.What Is Revision Asian Eyelid Surgery?
Revision Asian eyelid surgery may be necessary for a number of reasons, with one of the most common being when surgical corrections are needed to fix or otherwise improve upon the results obtained from a previous procedure. If your initial double eyelid surgery with another surgeon resulted in asymmetrical eyelids, creases that are too high or too shallow, or other abnormal outcomes, Dr. Cytryn can use his extensive experience and advanced understanding of ocular anatomy to help you achieve a more desirable aesthetic.Alternatively, some patients seek out revision double eyelid surgery as their initial results are impacted by the natural aging process. The thin, delicate skin of the upper eyelid naturally loses elasticity over time and can form a “hood” over the eyelid. Typically, this concern can be addressed through upper blepharoplasty, during which the excess skin from the upper eyelids is removed.
How Much Does Asian Eyelid Surgery Cost?
On average, Asian eyelid surgery costs between $2,500–$3,000 at Cytryn Cosmetic Surgery. Exact pricing—which could potentially fall outside of this range—will be influenced by factors including how much fat sculpting is needed, whether or not tissue excision and/or muscular repair is necessary, and the overall complexity of treatment. In order to receive a custom cost quote for Asian blepharoplasty, you will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cytryn, during which time a detailed breakdown of all expenses associated with your personalized surgical plan can be provided.
How Do I Choose the Best Surgeon for My Asian Eyelid Procedure?
Double eyelid surgery is a very delicate, precise procedure and it is important to find a highly-qualified surgeon in order to optimize your chances of obtaining exceptional results. While there are a variety of different factors to consider, one of the strongest indicators of a surgeon’s ability to deliver the aesthetic or reconstructive outcome you desire is board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The rigorous certification process requires surgeons to demonstrate their skill and knowledge of their specialty in addition to taking continuing education courses to keep their training up-to-date.For a double eyelid surgery, as well as an upper or lower blepharoplasty, patients may further benefit from the skill and proficiency of an oculoplastic surgeon. This particular type of surgeon is an ophthalmologist who has received additional training in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the periorbital-area and the surrounding facial structures. Oculoplastic surgeons possess an elevated understanding of the aesthetic, structural, and functional issues of the eyelids, ocular orbit, tear ducts, cheeks, brow, and forehead.
Dr. Cytryn is an oculoplastic and facial plastic surgeon who has been performing aesthetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery for over 20 years. He has completed prestigious fellowships and worked alongside numerous respected experts in the facial and oculoplastic surgery field. He uses his extensive training and expertise to help all patients interested in double eyelid surgery—both primary and revision—obtain beautiful, natural-looking results.
Ready to Book Your Consultation?
If you have additional questions about Asian eyelid surgery, or if you are interested in treatment and wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cytryn, please feel free to reach out to us online or by telephone today.