Asian Blepharoplasty
Asian blepharoplasty, which is also called “double eyelid surgery,” It is a surgical procedure where a surgeon removes excess tissue of the upper eyelid and importantly, creates “double eyelid”, or a well defined upper eyelid crease. This can significantly increase eye aperture and create an overall softer, more defined look. This procedure can also evert the upper eyelash and prevent them from irritating the eye as well. If one has pre-existing ptosis or droopy eyelid, that can be repaired at the same time as well.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Any patients without a defined upper eyelid fold, small eye opening, and “bulky” upper eyelid may benefit from this procedure. Oftentimes, those with monolid (upper eyelid without a defined crease) can experience their upper eyelash getting “inverted inward” which may irritate and damage their cornea - and they will benefit from this procedure as well.
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This surgery most frequently benefits people of Asian heritage because of their characteristic phenotype. On average, about 50% of people of Asian heritage have monolid. The common features of people with monolid include the following:
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Thick upper eyelid skin
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Bulky upper eyelid fat pads that gets pushed out anterior and inferior
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Low levator-skin connection, which leads to absence of upper eyelid crease
All the above features translate into characteristic monolid - convex, bulky upper eyelids that often result in heavy and sometimes even “droopy” appearing eyelids.
What is epicanthoplasty?
Epicanthoplasty is a surgical procedure commonly performed alongside or as part of Asian blepharoplasty to address the epicanthal fold—a skin fold that runs from the upper eyelid down toward the inner corner of the eye, partially covering the medial canthus (the inner angle, or the inner corner of the eye). This fold is a normal anatomical variation commonly seen in East Asian populations and can create a rounded or narrower appearance to the inner eye.
The goal of epicanthoplasty is to remove this fold, thereby exposing more of the medial canthus and creating a wider, better defined inner corner of the eyes. The procedure involves making precise incisions along the epicanthal fold and repositioning or removing the excess skin and underlying tissue.
When performed skillfully, epicanthoplasty can enhance the definition of the medial eye region and create better symmetry, particularly when combined with double eyelid surgery to achieve the patient's desired aesthetic outcome.
Dr. Park’s Asian blepharoplasty aims for the following goals:
1. Well-defined upper eyelid crease
Well-defined, permanent upper eyelid crease that extends from the inner corner of the eye, follows the natural eye curvature and tapers off naturally towards the lateral end of the eye
2. Natural look
Natural-appearing upper eyelid crease without the unnaturally puffy, swollen appearance
3. Eyelash repositioning
Slight eversion of the upper eyelashes to avoid corneal irritation. This will also result in longer appearing eyelashes.
4. Upper lid rejuvenation
Upper eyelid rejuvenation by elimination of excess skin (excessive hooding, or “drooping” of excess upper eyelid skin) and/or fat as needed
5. Imperceptible scars
Imperceptible scar placement using microsurgical equipment - this will create a single, fine line that hides naturally
6. Medial canthus definition
Well-defined inner corners of the eyes by performing epicanthoplasty as needed