Asian Blepharoplasty Open Incisional approach

The incisional "double eyelid" surgery or open Asian blepharoplasty technique is used to create a long lasting and natural looking skin crease in the upper eyelid that appears when the eyes are open. This technique is performed under local anesthesia and involves making a cut in the upper eyelid to remove excess skin, muscle, and fat. The incisional approach is the gold standard in Asian blepharoplasty.

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The Skinny

avg. recovery: 3 weeks
permanence: Is permanent
Type: Surgical Procedure
surgical: Yes
cost: $2500 - $3500

About the Procedure

Last Updated: 07.27.2021

An Asian blepharoplasty procedure is done to create an upper eyelid crease for patients of Asian decent. The surgery aims to create a natural appearing eyelid crease, but not look "Western" in appearance. There are two approaches to an Asian blepharoplasty: open/incisional or partial incisional/suture. The open/incisional approach allows for dynamic movement of the created eyelid crease and is the preferred method for patients who also need to address muscle and skin laxity. Before an open/incisional Asian blepharoplasty surgery begins, the eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops and the surrounding eyelid will be administered a local anesthetic agent. The eyelid will be marked for the ideal location of the crease, the incision made, and between 1-2mm of excess skin removed if necessary. Fat and muscle will then be manipulated and excised. Internal closure is performed to create the eyelid crease, followed by skin closure.

The goal of Asian blepharoplasty is to create a permanent upper eyelid crease.

Concerns

Asian Blepharoplasty Open Incisional approach addresses concerns such as:

Sagging Upper Eyelid

What to Expect

An Asian blepharoplasty with an open incisional approach creates a long lasting and natural looking skin crease in the upper eyelid. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after an Asian blepharoplasty with an open incisional approach.

Before Treatment

Stop taking blood thinning medications
Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after surgery
Do not eat or drink for 6 hours prior

During Treatment

Eyelid skin is marked
Skin is excised
Skin-muscle flap is repositioned to create crease
Incision is closed and creates dynamic crease

Recovery Notes

Follow surgery the eyes will be swollen. To decrease swelling, use cool compresses and rest in an elevated position. Do not read or watch television for the first 24 hours after surgery. Apply prescribed ophthalmic ointment as directed. Any pain or discomfort can typically be alleviated with OTC medication. Sutures are typically removed 1 week postoperatively. Avoid strenuous activity for 3 weeks however light activity can be resumed after 10 days. Avoid unprotected sun exposure for 6 weeks.

Ideal Candidate

The idea candidate for an Asian blepharoplasty open/incisional approach has thicker skin, thick pretarsal orbicularis muscle, or excess skin. This technique can create the most dramatic change and has a longer lasting effect versus a non-incisional methods. Due to the incision in the eyelid the crease is more permanent, however there is a longer healing time and potentially more pain involved in the recovery.

Not Recommended For

Asian blepharoplasty is not recommended for patients with significant brow ptosis, prominent or bulging eyes, systemic conditions such as excessive bleeding or healing difficulty, and symptoms of “dry eyes”.

Side Effects

Side effects from an Asian blepharoplasty open/incisional approach may include difficulty in closing the eye when sleeping, blurred vision, swelling and bruising, scarring, bleeding, and changes in sensation.