Asian eyelid surgery is also known as double eyelid surgery. It is a cosmetic procedure that involves reshaping the skin that is located around the eyes. This procedure was designed to take an eyelid that had no crease in it and end up with an eyelid that does have a crease in it. Most Asians have a number of differences in their eyelids compared to some other races.
Some Asians have what is known as a double eyelid while others do not have this. The crease position can also vary in position and the upper eyelids range in size from 1 mm and can get as large as 10 mm. There are a few different ways to go about achieving a double eyelid in Asians and it can be done with a full-incision, partial incision and of course no incision. Depending on the patient, each method has its benefits.
How It’s Performed
This procedure is really quite simple. A tiny amount of excess skin is removed from under-skin tissue as well as fat pads under the eyes. It’s a bit similar to the traditional eyelid surgery technique. However, the operating eyelid surgeon need to have an intense knowledge on where and how to make the tiny incisions and how to remove the fat. They also need to know how much to remove and where the crease needs to go.
Pre-Op Preparation
To ensure a successful procedure, there are a few things you should do before you have this operation. Preparing for your Asian eyelid surgery should start a few weeks in advance. The best way to know what should be done is to consult with your surgeon and remember to follow their direction correctly.
I. A Few Weeks Prior
A few weeks prior to your surgery, you should either cut down or simply eliminate alcohol consumption. You should also stop taking Vitamin E if you are. A few other things to stop drinking a few weeks prior to your surgery are ginseng and biloba as they can in some cases prolong bleeding. This is why you should also avoid ibuprofen aspirin, or any medications containing them. Ask your doctor if there are alternatives to these if you need them. You can still continue to take prescription medications as long as your doctor gives you permission.
II. Day Before
The day before you have your double eyelid surgery, be sure you have the following items in your home for after the surgery. Make sure you have someone lined up to take you home after you have your procedure.
• Washcloths
• Ice cubes
• Gauze pads
• Artificial tears
• Acetaminophen
• Clean bowl
• Ziploc bags that are a gallon size
III. Day of the Procedure
Each surgeon may have different instructions for you to follow on the day of your procedure. There are however a few general things to keep in mind to ensure it goes smooth. Make sure you shampoo and shower and wash your eyebrows. Do not wear any type of cosmetics that day. Wear clothes that are loose-fitting and comfortable. Do not wear makeup, jewelry or contact lenses.
Recovery and Results You Can Expect
Following your procedure, the first few days are critical. You may notice that the crease may look higher from what it should. You will notice however that it will fall into place over the next two months or so. You may also notice some bruising, swelling, and discoloration for about the first week. If you follow the guidelines your surgeon gave you, this will all heal a little quicker.
Cost
Cost can be one of the most important aspects when considering this surgery. The cost however does depend on different factors including type and technique that will be used. The average cost of a lower eyelid surgery can cost about $2,400 while the price of upper surgery can cost an average of $2,100. Laser surgery however can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000.
Risks After the Surgery
This procedure is not extremely invasive however as with any procedure there are some risks involved. The most severe ones include:
• Hematoma – more severe as it involves an accumulation of blood beneath the skin
• Retinal detachment – caused from holes or even tears found in the retina and requires additional surgery to fix
• Ectropian – drooping effect and causes inverting of the lower lid and needs additional surgery to repair
While most of these side effects are temporary in most, there have been a few rare cases where they last permanently. There are risks that are not as serious and can include:
• Whiteheads after removal of sutures
• Swelling at the eyelid corners
• Some may experience a difficulty keeping eyes closed
• Scarring
• Infection
• Tearing
• Dryness
• Reaction to anesthetics
Locating a Surgeon
When you are deciding on a surgeon to do your procedure, you should pay attention to credentials and experience. Ask the surgeon to see some before and after photos and do some in depth research of each potential surgeon. Ask as many questions you need to in order to feel comfortable and go by your gut feeling of how the doctor makes you feel.