Unique facial features help characterize each of us and our ethnic origins. It’s the beauty of diversity. In Asian culture, particularly among the younger generation, the standard of beauty is changing. As the internet has opened communication worldwide, it is fair to say that standards of beauty now cross-cultural lines. An increasing number of men and women of Asian descent are seeking a more westernized appearance of their eyes. This is accomplished by a surgical procedure called Asian Double Fold Eyelid surgery or Asian blepharoplasty.
Approximately 85% of Asians are born without a distinct fold in their upper eyelids. The change to a “double fold” in the Asian eyelid is considered by many to create a wider or more open eye. Asian women like the easier application of eyeshadow and liner. For many reasons, the double fold eyelid procedure is now the most common aesthetic procedure performed on Asian patients, both male and female.
The Asian double-fold eyelid operation differs from a blepharoplasty performed on Caucasians. In Caucasians, a blepharoplasty is almost exclusively done to improve the appearance of sagging upper eyelid skin by removing excess skin and fat from the eyelids. By contrast, the double fold procedure is usually performed on younger Asian patients who desire a more defined, dramatic appearance to their eyes. Patients also seek to remove the puffy and tired look associated with a fatty upper lid. The objective of the surgery is not to create a Caucasian eyelid, but to enhance the natural beauty of the native Asian eye.
To correctly perform this procedure, the plastic surgeon must have a keen understanding of the differences in anatomy between Asian and Caucasian eyelids. These differences include a smaller distance between the eyelid and the eyebrow in Asians, the presence of more fat and muscle in the Asian eyelid, and a shallower eye socket in Asians. The manner in which eyelid muscles attach to the skin and eyelid also differs. Despite the wide popularity of this procedure in Asia, most American plastic surgeons have very limited experience with this operation.
Dr. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego. He has been voted Top Doc in Plastic Surgery since 2007 by the San Diego County Medical Society. He has studied this procedure in-depth in Taiwan and provides a well-executed Asian Double Fold Eyelid procedure personalized to match your desired change.
For more information on the Asian Double Fold Eyelid surgery at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa please call us at 858-720-1440 or fill out our consultation request below.
