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Asian Eyelid Surgery

(Double Eyelid Surgery)

 

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Asian Eyelid Surgery Houston

Asian Eyelid Surgery (Double Eyelid Surgery) in Houston, TX

Double eyelid surgery (aka an Asian blepharoplasty or Asian eyelid surgery) is a procedure that plastic surgeons perform to create an upper eyelid crease for men and women who do not have one. Since a single eyelid (i.e., a monolid) is a characteristic that approximately 50% of individuals who are of Asian descent inherit, cosmetic surgeons in the Houston area frequently perform double eyelid surgery for men and women with this eye characteristic.

Cosmetic Concerns That a Plastic Surgeon in Houston Can Address With Asian Eyelid Surgery

Houston plastic surgeons Dr. Tuan Truong and Dr. Shitel Patel use an Asian blepharoplasty to alter the upper eyelid by removing excess tissues and skin. In addition, to achieve optimal results, the surgeons may modify the muscles in the upper eyelids (i.e., the orbicularis or levator aponeurosis muscle). Furthermore, Drs. Truong and Patel are able to create the patient a natural-looking upper eyelid crease.

What Is a Double Eyelid?

A double eyelid is a common eye characteristic that people who are not of Asian descent inherit. Individuals who have double eyelids have a subtle crease in their upper lids. This is the supratarsal crease, which results when the eyelid skin doubles over, creating a line in the individual’s upper lid.

With Asian Eyelid Surgery in Houston, Plastic Surgeons Can Create a Supratarsal Crease

The epicanthic fold is the term that refers to the fold on the upper eyelid that makes it appear as if an individual of Asian descent does not have a visible crease beneath the brow area. Typically, the absence of the second eyelid crease will not affect the individual’s vision; however, people with a monolid may choose to have double eyelid surgery to enhance their upper lids. In addition, Asian eyelid surgery can lift the upper eyelids, which makes the eyes appear larger.

Is Asian Eyelid Surgery Just a Way to Westernize the Eyes?

Although some consider an Asian blepharoplasty to be a way for Asians to Westernize their eyes, this is typically not the case. Especially when considering that the first published description of upper eyelid surgery is from the late 1800s. At that time, there was not a very strong presence of Westerners in Asia. For the most part, Asian men and women who decide to have double eyelid surgery are not attempting to Westernize their eyes, but instead, to enhance their eyes.

Who Should Consider Having Asian Eyelid Surgery in Houston?

Men and women who have a monolid, but would prefer to have a double eyelid, should consider having an Asian blepharoplasty. In addition, individuals who want their eyes to appear wider and more open may want to consider an Asian blepharoplasty.

Who Are the Best Candidates for an Asian Blepharoplasty in Houston?

The best candidate for double eyelid surgery is someone of Asian descent who would like to have a permanent, natural-looking supratarsal crease in his or her upper eyelid.

Is There Anyone Who Is Not Considered a Good Candidate for Double Eyelid Surgery?

Individuals who have prominent or bulging eyes, significant ptosis of the brow or chronic dry eye may not be good candidates for Asian eyelid surgery in Houston. In addition, certain medical conditions may disqualify an individual from being a good candidate for double eyelid surgery.

The Pros of Having Double Eyelid Surgery in Houston

An Asian blepharoplasty only takes about an hour.

Plastic surgeons perform double eyelid surgery in their office.

Instead of general anesthesia, patients receive twilight anesthesia (i.e., local anesthetic with sedation). When compared to general anesthesia, twilight anesthesia offers numerous benefits. Patients who receive twilight anesthesia are easier to awaken than those who receive general anesthesia. In addition, once the patient awakens, he or she typically feels less drowsy than those who are placed in a deep sleep during their plastic surgery procedure. Furthermore, general anesthesia frequently causes patients to feel nauseous when they awaken, twilight anesthesia does not.

Dr. Tuan Truong and Dr. Shitel Patel disguise the scars that result from the incisions they make during Asian eyelid surgery by creating the incisions within the patient’s new eyelid crease.

Following an Asian blepharoplasty, patients have a greater upper eyelid platform, which benefits those who like to wear eye makeup (e.g., eyeliner and eye shadow). In addition, after double eyelid surgery, the patient’s eyelashes may look longer. This change in eyelash length occurs because when an individual has a monolid, his or her eyelid may hang over the lashes, which makes them appear shorter than they actually are.

Besides creating the patient a supratarsal crease in the upper eyelid, the surgeons at Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston can also lift droopy or sagging upper lids.

The results the surgeon achieves with an Asian blepharoplasty are permanent.

The Cons of Having Asian Eyelid Surgery in Houston

After double eyelid surgery, patients have a substantial amount of inflammation and bruising. These surgical side effects are present for at least the initial week of recovery.

Patients who would like more of their eye to show when their eyes are open often need to have double eyelid surgery with the addition of an epicanthoplasty. During an epicanthoplasty, the surgeon tightens the upper eyelid muscles. Tightening these muscles enlarges the vertical opening of the patient’s eyes.

Patients who would like their eyes to be wider will need to add a canthoplasty to their Asian eyelid surgery. During a canthoplasty, the surgeon can open the inner or outer corners of the patient’s eyes.

Globally, the revision rate for the Asian blepharoplasty is about 10%.

The Initial Consultation for Asian Eyelid Surgery at Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston

While completing their registration paperwork, it is crucial that patients provide their surgeon with accurate medical information. This information must include previous surgical procedures, as well as current vitamin, medication and herbal supplement use.

Patients need to let their plastic surgeon know about any allergies they have to medications or latex, as well as ongoing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).

If an individual has LASIK surgery, he or she must wait at least 6 months to have an Asian Blepharoplasty in Houston.

At the first Lift Plastic Surgery consultation, Dr. Tuan Truong or Dr. Shitel Patel reviews the patient’s medical information. After reviewing this information, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s eyes. During the aesthetic evaluation, Dr. Patel or Dr. Truong asks what the patient would like to accomplish with Asian eyelid surgery in Houston.

Typically, individuals who are in good health and have the eyelid characteristics that double eyelid surgery addresses, are viable candidates for an Asian blepharoplasty. There are some add-on procedures that Dr. Patel or Dr. Tuan can perform during double eyelid surgery. Therefore, if a patient is interested in more than one procedure, please let the surgeon know during this initial consultation at Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston.

If the patient is a good candidate and decides to move forward with an Asian blepharoplasty, the surgeon may take photos and measurements of his or her eyes and facial features. These photos are good references for the surgeon as he creates the patient’s personalized surgical treatment plan.

What Nonsurgical Treatments Can Patients Have During Their Asian Eyelid Surgery Session in Houston?

During double eyelid surgery, Dr. Patel or Dr. Truong can rejuvenate the patient’s facial features with BOTOX and dermal filler injections.

BOTOX

Plastic surgeons can reduce the visibility of the deep wrinkles and lines that result from repeated muscle contractions (e.g., the 11’s, which are the vertical lines directly above the nose and between the eyebrows). Since BOTOX keeps the targeted muscle from contracting, the lines and wrinkles that it causes are less visible. If deep lines are present, the patient may also need dermal filler injections to fill in the remaining grooves.

Dermal Filler Injections

During Asian eyelid surgery, plastic surgeons can inject dermal fillers to increase the volume in areas of the face that look hollow (e.g., the temples, cheeks). In addition, the surgeon can strategically inject dermal filler to reduce the visibility of wrinkles that do not result from muscle contractions (e.g., marionette lines, nasolabial folds).

How To Prepare for Asian Eyelid Surgery in Houston

For safety’s sake, pre-surgical preparation is critical. Following the instructions below is vital to attaining an optimal double eyelid surgery result, as well as to reduce the likelihood of complications during and after an Asian blepharoplasty.

Discontinue Using Anything That Contains Nicotine

To reduce the likelihood of healing complications, patients must not use any products that have nicotine in them for at least 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after Asian eyelid surgery.

Stop Consuming Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol causes swelling, which is why patients need to stop consuming these kinds of beverages for at least 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after their double eyelid surgery.

Patients Must Avoid Certain Medications 10 days Before and 10 Days After Their Asian Eyelid Surgery Procedure in Houston

Some medications can cause excess bleeding, which is why patients must refrain from taking them before and after their double eyelid surgery in Houston.

Medications to avoid include:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Blood thinners

Patients who need to take medication during the 10 days before their double eyelid surgery can use acetaminophen. If the patient receives medication following his or her double eyelid surgery, the patient must ask the surgeon before taking any other medications.

Herbal Supplements and Vitamins Patients Must Avoid 10 days Before and After Their Houston Asian Eyelid Surgery

Just like medications, herbal supplements can negatively affect the healing process. Some supplements patients need to avoid include Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, Kava Kava and vitamin E.

On the Day of Surgery, Patients Need a Driver and a Caregiver

Since patients receive sedation during their Asian blepharoplasty, they must arrive with a driver. This individual should be someone the patient trusts, who has a valid driver’s license, and is able to help the patient walk to the car as well as into his or her home. In addition, for at least the evening following his or her Asian eyelid surgery, the patient needs to have a caregiver.

For-hire Transportation in Houston Following an Asian Blepharoplasty at Lift Plastic Surgery

During double eyelid surgery, patients receive sedation. Following sedation, patients are typically more vulnerable to strangers. Therefore, Drs. Patel and Truong do their best to keep patients safe by not permitting them to use for-hire transportation after having any type of sedation.

On the Day of Surgery

Please arrive about 15 minutes early. After checking in, a friendly team member escorts the patient to a treatment area. The patient sits in a comfortable recliner.

The surgeon may create markings on the patient’s upper eyelids. These markings serve as a guide during surgery. At this time, the surgeon may provide the patient with additional details about his or her Asian eyelid surgery. In addition, patients can ask their surgeon any questions they have about their procedure and recovery.

Heading Home After Asian Eyelid Surgery in Houston

After surgery, Dr. Shitel Patel or Dr. Tuan Truong provides patients with information related to their recovery. In addition, before sending the patient home, the surgeon answers any questions he or she has. Then, the plastic surgeon releases the patient to his or her driver.

The Recovery Process Following Open Incisional Asian Eyelid Surgery in Houston

The acute phase of healing following double eyelid surgery lasts from 7 to 10 days. During this time, patients can expect to experience bruising, inflammation, a tight sensation in the upper eyelids and pain. Patients can alleviate their discomfort with over-the-counter medications and cryotherapy.

Cryotherapy Treatments Following Double Eyelid Surgery

Cold compresses help reduce inflammation, which, in turn, decreases pain. Cryotherapy treatments can also speed up the recovery process.

During the first three days of recovery, or until the patient’s inflammation subsides, he or she can perform cryotherapy every hour or two.

Patients should close their eyes and then gently place a cold, cloth-wrapped gel pack over his or her eyes. This pack can remain in place for up to 20 minutes.

Another way that patients can reduce swelling is by keeping their head elevated.

Patients can return to school or work about a week and a half after surgery.

The patient’s eyes may be sensitive to wind and light.

Open incisional eyelid surgery patients can resume wearing their contact lenses about 14 days after surgery.

If the surgeon uses nonabsorbable sutures, about a week after double eyelid surgery the patient returns to Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston to have his or her sutures removed.

Patients need to avoid participating in strenuous physical activities. Following this restriction is crucial because it prevents overexertion, which could result in additional swelling. Furthermore, avoiding these activities allows the patient’s body to heal correctly and prevents unnecessary bleeding.

Patients must limit their sun exposure from 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Spending time in the sun before the incisions are completely healed may result in darkening of the scar, which can be permanent.

Eye makeup must not be worn until the patient’s upper eyelid incisions are completely healed.

Asian Eyelid Surgery Results

In general, the consensus is that the results of the open incisional technique last longer than the results of the suture ligation method. This is the consensus because the two sections of upper eyelid skin the incision creates are joined together surgically, whereas, the suture technique relies on the resulting scar to create the supratarsal crease.

Risks and Potential Complications Associated with Double Eyelid Surgery

All surgical procedures and treatments have risks and complications.

General surgical risks:

  • An allergic reaction to the products or medications used during surgery.
  • Excessive bleeding.
  • The development of an infection.

Double eyelid surgery’s potential complications include:

  • An undesirable result (e.g., asymmetrical eyelids).
  • Sensitivity to light or wind.
  • Multiple eyelid creases.
  • Visible scarring.
  • A Westernized result.
  • A droopy eyelid (i.e., ptosis).

How To Reduce the Likelihood of a Complication

Patients can reduce their likelihood of experiencing a complication by choosing a plastic surgeon who has experience performing double eyelid surgery, as well as epicanthoplasty and canthoplasty procedures.

How Much Does Asian Eyelid Surgery in Houston Cost?

Every patient is unique, which is why the only way a plastic surgeon can determine how much an individual’s double eyelid surgery costs is during an initial consultation.

Plastic surgeons, Dr. Tuan Truong and Dr. Shitel Patel regularly perform double eyelid surgery, epicanthoplasty and canthoplasty procedures at Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston. Drs. Patel and Truong have experience helping men, and women of Asian descent attain a supratarsal crease, wider looking eyes and a less prominent epicanthic fold. If you would like to learn more about your Asian eyelid surgery options, please contact Lift Plastic Surgery today to make an appointment. Schedule your initial consultation.

Questions? Book a Consultation Now.

Contact Houston, Texas Plastic Surgeons Shitel D. Patel, MD and Tuan A. Truong, MD, FACS, FAAP:

For more information on cosmetic procedures and treatments provided please schedule a consultation.

Serving patients in Houston Texas, Webster, League City, Pearland, Galveston, Kemah, Seabrook and all other surrounding Greater Houston, Texas communities and more.

 

 

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