Asian Blepharoplasty
Asian blepharoplasty — also called “double eyelid surgery” — creates or defines a pretarsal skin crease in patients of Asian heritage. It is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic eyelid procedures worldwide and requires a precise understanding of the distinct anatomy of the Asian eyelid.
Why Asian Blepharoplasty?
In many individuals of Asian descent, the upper eyelid lacks the pretarsal crease (skin fold) seen in other ethnic groups. This is due to anatomical differences in the attachment of the levator aponeurosis to the overlying skin. Some patients find this cosmetically undesirable or notice it makes applying eye cosmetics more difficult.
Asian blepharoplasty creates a defined crease at the desired height — typically 6–8 mm above the lash line — while fully respecting the patient’s natural ethnic features. The procedure is not about altering ethnicity but about creating the look the patient wants with precision and safety.
Surgical Techniques
Suture (Non-incision) Method
Fine sutures are passed through small puncture sites to tether the skin to the levator aponeurosis, creating the crease without a formal incision. This technique is reversible, has a shorter recovery, and works best in younger patients with minimal fat or skin excess.
Incision Method
A formal incision is made along the planned crease line, allowing removal of a precise amount of orbicularis muscle and pre-tarsal fat, followed by direct suture fixation of skin to the levator. This provides a longer-lasting result and is preferred when skin or fat reduction is also desired.
Who Is a Candidate?
- ›Patients of Asian heritage seeking creation or definition of an upper eyelid crease
- ›Individuals with asymmetric crease depth or absence of crease in one eye
- ›Non-Asian patients requesting additional crease definition
- ›Patients with realistic expectations and good overall eye health
Risks & Considerations
- Asymmetry — the most common concern; meticulous pre-operative marking and photography minimize risk.
- Crease loss — more common with the suture technique; incisional methods carry lower long-term recurrence.
- Ptosis — rare; careful avoidance of the levator aponeurosis during dissection is essential.
- Scarring — incision scars are hidden within the crease and typically imperceptible once healed.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Brown will assess your eyelid anatomy and discuss which technique best suits your goals.