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Asian Eyelid Surgery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of West Covina, CA

Double eyelid surgery, or the Asian blepharoplasty is a cosmetic alteration that creates a natural-looking crease in the upper eyelid. East Asian eyelids are anatomically different from Caucasian eyelids. In many people of this ethnic group, there is no natural crease (known as the supratarsal crease). Asian eyelid surgery is also called “double eyelid surgery” and is specifically designed for those without this crease, and alters the characteristic also known as a monolid eyes. Asian eyelid surgery helps patients get the eyelid aesthetic they’re looking for.

Many people with monolids take steps to alter their eyelids with adhesive eyelid tape, but some people want a more permanent solution. Asian eyelid surgery is common in South Korea and Japan in particular, and increasingly, it is becoming more popular with Asian Americans. And, to the great benefit of many patients, in the last several years technical advances in Asian blepharoplasty techniques have resulted in a much more natural, refined look. (1)

Dr. Daniel Lin is a board-certified surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery and body cosmetic surgery. At Shine Cosmetic Surgery, he provides individualized Asian blepharoplasty procedures to match and complement your unique features. Find out more about double eyelid surgery by calling us at (626) 810-6165 or fill out our simple online form to get started.

Before & After Photos

About Asian Eyelids

Asian eyes differ from Caucasian eyes in a number of ways. One of clearest differences is that a double eyelid is present for the majority of Caucasians, but in East Asian eyes, this feature is far less common. In fact, research indicates that 50% of Asians do not have an upper eyelid crease. ⁽²⁾As with any cultural beauty aesthetic, many people desire facial features that reflect their ideal proportions and the most sought-after appearance. And, every year thousands of people choose eyelid surgery to reach those goals. Using carefully placed incisions, the Asian blepharoplasty adjusts and removes skin in the upper eyelid to better frame and define the eye area.

Eyelid Anatomy

Tarsus Muscle – The tarsus muscle is the muscle in the upper eyelid responsible for maintaining the elevation of the upper eyelid. Damage or weakness in this muscle can cause drooping, or ptosis, in the eyelid.

Tarsal Plate – A structure of dense connective tissue that forms part of the support for the upper eyelid.

Supratarsal Fold – The supratarsal fold, or supratarsal crease, is an anatomical feature of some eyes. Some people with monolids choose to create a supratarsal fold to create a double eyelid surgically.

Orbital Septum – The orbital septum is a thin membrane in the upper eyelid. It separates the superficial lid from the orbit (eye socket).

Fat Pads – There are small pockets of fat in the upper eyelid known as the preaponeurotic fat pads. There are two distinct fat pads; medial and central (preaponeurotic).

Epicanthal Fold – The epicanthal skin fold is present in many Asian eyelids. It can partially cover the inner corner of the eye. It is commonly associated with monolid eyes.

Periorbital Area – The periorbital area is the area around the eye.

Anatomical Differences

Every person is different, but the following features are common differences in Asian eyelids.

Creating a Crease

Many Asian American people like to stay up-to-date with the most fashionable clothing, beauty regimens, and facial aesthetics. Asian eyelid surgery can be performed for cosmetic reasons, to create the appearance of wider, more “awake” eyes, or for functional reasons, where drooping tissue may impede the field of vision. In some cases, it’s a combination of both. The double eyelid operation creates a supratarsal crease according to the aesthetic aspirations of the patient. And, unsurprisingly, it is the most common cosmetic procedure requested in Asia and the third most common procedure requested by Asian Americans. ⁽²⁾

Benefits

Double eyelids is a common cosmetic preference for Asian American individuals. The biggest benefit of the procedure is that the patient gets their desired eyelid appearance and the results are permanent. There is no need to manually create a double eyelid with the use of tape or adhesives, as one has been created surgically. Eyemakeup is easier to apply and enjoy, as it is visible. Dr. Lin performs the operation as an outpatient procedure so it is convenient compared to other, more invasive facial surgeries. An Asian blepharoplasty can enhance the natural beauty in your face and accentuate your eyes. And, when combined with other facial plastic surgeries, the results can be truly transformational!

Candidates

At your personal consultation at Shine Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Lin will assess your candidacy for Asian eyelid surgery. Men and women of any age may seek double eyelid surgery, but the goals may be different from patient to patient. In most cases, younger patients want to alter their eyelids cosmetically only, whereas older patients may want to address additional sagging that impedes vision. Regardless of your reasons for visiting us, we will make every effort to familiarize you with the treatment process from start to finish.

Personal Consultation

After briefly discussing your medical history, the main focus of your personal consultation will be to carefully examine the anatomy of your eyelids and periorbital region. Dr. Lin will note the shape of the monolid and may record measurements for the creation of your treatment plan. You are free to ask any questions regarding the surgery, how to prepare, and the recovery experience you can expect. Together you can discuss your desired outcomes and Dr. Lin can put forth a preliminary plan for your surgery.

Procedure

An Asian blepharoplasty procedure can vary in its technique from patient to patient. This is because anatomy and expectations are significant variables that dictate results. Surgeons categorize eyelid blepharoplasty by using one of two techniques: non incisional (suture ligation) technique and the external incisional technique. ⁽³⁾

With the suture ligation method, Dr. Lin creates a crease above the eyelid by precisely placing sutures to connect the layers of tissue to create an eyelid crease. For patients that want to ensure longer-lasting results, require the removal of excess tissue, or need to correct eyelid ptosis, Dr. Lin can use the external incisional technique. An incision is made on the skin of the upper eyelid at the point where the crease is desired. After placing the incision, Dr. Lin removes parts of the fat pads. He then can place sutures that connect the necessary layers of tissue and muscle. When the patient opens their eyes, the movement of the muscle creates the desired supratarsal crease.

Shine Cosmetic Surgery will provide individualized instructions regarding preparation for your surgery. We will also give you written advice to follow once your surgery is over regarding aftercare.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Facial Fat Grafting

A facial fat grafting procedure can enhance your beautifying eyelid surgery results. Grafting fat from another area of the body to the face can accentuate face shape and enhance facial volume for a refined, youthful appearance. Fat grafting procedures can help patients address age-related issues, or enhance areas of the face that are not as prominent. It can be used to plump the appearance of thinner lips, correct contour depressions, minimize wrinkles and deep folds, and even correct depressed (atrophic) scarring.

Asian Rhinoplasty

Like the Asian blepharoplasty, Asian rhinoplasty differs from Caucasian rhinoplasty in a number of ways. More often than not, standard rhinoplasty procedures seek to reduce a dorsal hump or “hooked” appearance in the nose in Caucasians and other races. But for East Asian people, nasal features are commonly more concave with a very low bridge. Many patients ask Dr. Lin to raise the position of the bridge of their nose, as well as narrowing the nasal spine and reducing the size of the nostrils. Asian American patients who wish to have a stronger nasal profile should speak with Dr. Lin about Asian rhinoplasty to find out how it could help them.

Cheek Implants

Cosmetic cheek implants are useful for patients who experience sunken or poorly-defined cheekbones. As a classic hallmark of traditional beauty, strong cheekbones are often high on the list of things most patients would change about their facial anatomy. To create youthful fullness in the cheeks, and to help restore balance and harmony with your other facial features, explore the possibility of cheek implant surgery with Dr. Lin.

Luxurious Shine Lift

As an exclusive procedure at Shine Cosmetic Surgery, the Luxurious Shine Lift is specially designed for patients who want to combine the rejuvenating effects of thread lifting and the reinvigorating effects of radiofrequency (RF) energy. PDO threads lift sagging skin in phase one, while RF energy stimulates neocollagenesis – the new production of skin-plumping collagen. Patients experience a premium two-in-one facial procedure in just two convenient sessions!

Cost of Asian Eyelid Surgery in West Covina CA

Patients can discuss the cost of their treatment plan at a personal consultation at our office in West Covina. For expert advice from a surgeon with many years of experience treating Asian American patients, book your personal consultation with us at your earliest convenience. Call our front desk directly at (626) 810-6165 or contact us via our website for further details.

See the Shine Cosmetic Surgery experience for yourself by joining us on Facebook and Instagram! You can also read more about Asian blepharoplasty and other surgical and non-surgical procedures by visiting Dr. Lin’s blog.

References

Weng, C.-J. (2009). Oriental Upper Blepharoplasty. Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 23(01), 005-015. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1110096
Nguyen, M., Hsu, P., & Dinh, T. (2009). Asian Blepharoplasty. Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 23(03), 185–197. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1224798
Fakhro, A., Yim, H. W., Kim, Y. K., & Nguyen, A. H. (2015). The Evolution of Looks and Expectations of Asian Eyelid and Eye Appearance. Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 29(3), 135–144. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1556847

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He was so knowledgeable and skillful and clearly an expert surgeon! My results were better than I could have ever imagined.

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One of the most popular surgeries for individuals of Asian heritage in the US is the Asian eyelid surgery (also known as double eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty).

According to estimates, more than 250,000 Asians undergo double eyelid cosmetic surgery annually to achieve a more attractive eye appearance.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel H. Lin of Shine Cosmetic Surgery provides Asian eyelid surgery to patients in West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar and surrounding areas in California.

Differences in Eyelid Anatomy

The Asian upper eyelid is different from the Caucasian lid in terms of the position of the eyelid fold. Around 50 percent of the Asian population has eyelid creases similar to the Caucasian lid crease. However, the remaining 50 percent may have little to no crease in the upper eyelid.

A Caucasian eyelid crease is around 20 percent larger than the Asian lid crease. It also differs in size and shape and usually tapers closer to the lashes as the fold extends laterally. The Asian lid usually begins at the crease very close to the lashes, and the crease gets larger as it extends further away from the nose.

Dr. Daniel Lin provides Asian eyelid surgery to patients who want to add a crease to their upper eyelids. At his advanced surgical facility, Dr. Lin seeks to develop a natural-looking fold in the upper lids when the eyes are open.

He will customize the Asian eyelid cosmetic surgery for every patient depending on whether they have a very low crease or no crease at all. His focus is to offer patients the symmetry and function that they desire by individualizing the procedure to meet their unique needs.

Procedure

The Asian eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty are similar procedures. The surgeon reshapes the skin around the eye, and the scar position is almost identical in both surgeries. However, the difference between the two eyelid surgeries is that to develop a crease above the lid, the surgeon will have to remove the tissue between the skin as well as the supportive lid structure.

They will then fasten the skin to the underlying structures to give the appearance of a crease. This procedure is sought-after by many Asians as it makes the eyes appear larger.

One technique for developing a crease involves the placement of sutures from the inside of the lid to the underside of the skin on the outside of the eyelid to create a crease.

In another technique, the surgeon places an incision on the skin of the upper lid at the height of the lid where the crease is desired. After placing the incision, they will remove some of the fat underneath the skin.

The surgeon will then suture the skin to the muscle developing a crease and remove any excess fat or skin simultaneously. In an Asian eyelid surgery, the plastic surgeon can increase the height of the existing crease or create a crease in an eyelid with no crease.

Outcomes

This procedure is virtually scarless, but the patient’s lids will be inflamed with possible bruising. However, the outcomes will be noticeable in as little as a week with the final results becoming apparent in one to two months.

The Asian double eyelid surgery enables the eyes to appear larger, wider, and less “sleepy” looking. It is vital for patients to understand that the goal of Asian eyelid surgery is not to create a Caucasian-looking face, but to develop a natural looking eyelid crease.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin receives patients from West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar, and nearby areas in California for Asian eyelid surgery.

Click here to learn more about all the plastic surgery procedures and treatments cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin performs for patients in and around Pasadena, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, West Covina, Inland Empire, and San Gabriel Valley. Call today to schedule a consultation 626.810.6165 or click here.

Asian Eyelid Surgery

Table of Contents

Before & After Photos

About Asian Eyelids

Eyelid Anatomy

Anatomical Differences

Creating a Crease

Benefits

Candidates

Personal Consultation

Procedure

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Facial Fat Grafting

Asian Rhinoplasty

Cheek Implants

Luxurious Shine Lift

Cost of Asian Eyelid Surgery in West Covina CA

References

Differences in Eyelid Anatomy

Procedure

Outcomes