Double eyelid surgery, also known as the Asian blepharoplasty procedure, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to create permanent or semi-permanent double eyelids. It has been around for a while, but the recent popularity of Asian beauty standards has increased its demand.
The surgery can be done for both aesthetic and functional reasons. This blog post will discuss what it is, how it works, and why it may be worth looking into if you are interested in this type of cosmetic procedure.
What are double eyelids?
Double eyelids refer to an extra fold of skin that covers the eyelid. If you have double eyelids, then this means that your upper and lower lids come together or meet up at some point along the edge. An extra layer of skin creates them.
If you don’t have double eyelids, it means that your upper and lower lids do not meet or come together at any point along the edge. They are called single eyelids because they only consist of one layer of skin. Most Asians naturally possess single eyelids, which is why this surgery is widespread.
The surgery typically makes the eyes appear bigger and wider-looking by creating a crease where there was none before. The procedure itself can be done differently, depending on what you want to accomplish with your new look.
Why get eyelid surgery?
- Aesthetic reasons
The most common reason for getting the surgery is to look more aesthetically pleasing. Many people dream of having bigger, wider eyes defined by a crease running along the entire length of their upper lid. If you feel like your eyes lack definition or character because they don’t have any visible wrinkles, this procedure might be the best option.
- Functional reasons
Some people desire double eyelids for both aesthetic and functional purposes. This is especially common among athletes, actors, models, etc., interested in performing better or looking more attractive on camera or stage. Functionally speaking, lower lids with creases tend to protect the eyes from direct exposure to outside elements such as wind and debris.
- Correcting droopy eyelids
Sometimes, people might get it to correct their existing problems. Suppose you have inherited naturally creased lids from your parents, but they aren’t functioning correctly anymore due to aging or injury. In that case, this procedure can be used as a medical intervention if necessary.
Who can get the surgery?
It is one of the safest cosmetic procedures out there. It has a high success rate with few complications, but it should only be performed on physically healthy people and have realistic expectations for what this procedure can do for them. You shouldn’t expect miracles or dramatic changes to occur with this surgery. Instead, it should be approached as a way to enhance your appearance in subtle ways.
How is the surgery done?
Depending on your desired results, it can be performed in various ways. Some common variations include the Full incisional method (suture technique), Skin-only Incisional Technique (SMILE and limited-incision techniques), and Thread Lift Surgery Lateral Canthoplasty Blepharoplasty using the Epicanthoplasty technique.
- Full incisional method:
This approach involves a full incision from the inside corner of the eye onto your upper lid. The excess skin is then removed and sutured into position. In most cases, stitches are placed along an already existing crease that runs horizontally across your upper lids or just below it if you don’t have one, to begin with.
This approach allows you to have a crease placed in your lid without having surgery around the entire circumference of your eye. It’s common for surgeons to use this strategy on patients concerned about their lids looking too heavy or unnatural after the procedure is complete. The entire incisional method also results in better symmetry than the skin-only approach because it removes excess skin along the whole length of your upper lids.
This is usually done on patients looking for a more natural look and feel after surgery, but not necessarily an entirely flat eyelid.
- Skin-only incisional technique (SMILE and limited-incision techniques)
This approach involves making a small, circular-cut along the inside of your upper eyelid. This is usually done just below or above an existing, visible crease that runs horizontally across your lid. It’ll be essential to let your surgeon know if you have this crease so they can place their incision in the appropriate position.
The skin is lifted, and excess fat, muscle tissue, and other materials are removed from underneath to create a crease that runs vertically along your lid. This type of surgery tends to produce more natural contours than the full incisional method because it doesn’t involve making any incisions near the edge of your eyelids.
This is usually done on patients looking for a more natural appearance after surgery and want to avoid having heavy-looking lids or an unnatural crease that runs horizontally along their lid.
- Thread Lift Surgery
This procedure uses threads attached to the outside of your upper eyelid and anchored underneath your skin. They’re then tied together above the crease, which gives you a higher appearance of your eyes without having any cuts or stitches on them. This approach is common for patients who don’t want to have anything showing beneath their lids, but the downside is that it’s impossible to adjust or correct a crease if one doesn’t form properly.
This approach produces results with more natural contours than other techniques because it involves removing excess skin and tissue without making any incisions on your upper lids themselves. This type of surgery usually requires little downtime compared to other techniques because it doesn’t involve incisions on your eye.
How it makes some women look younger:
The surgery makes some women look younger because it closes the gap between their eyes and makes them appear larger. This surgery makes people with monolids (eyes without a crease) have more of an appearance like those who naturally have this feature.
It can also reduce dark circles under your eyes, common among older individuals.
Recovery time and side effects:
The recovery time for this surgery is usually minimal. Most people can go back home the same day, but some patients may need to stay overnight in a hospital if their procedure involves making an incision around their eyes or face area. The sutures used during the operation will dissolve on their own within seven days of your surgery date.
In terms of side effects, it is usually very safe, and complications are rare. It’s possible to have bruising around your eyes for a few days after this procedure. In addition, it’s common to experience some irritation whenever you’re exposed to bright lights or loud noises because these things can tug on any stitches that may be around your eyelids.
You can also experience swelling and puffiness around the eyes for a few days after surgery, which may make it more difficult to open them until this subsides fully. Click here, to learn more.