Asian Eyelid Surgery (Double Eyelids)

Why Asian Eyelid Surgery?

The Asian Eyelid differs greatly in both appearance and anatomy from the Western eyelid. Furthermore, there is great variability in appearance of the upper eyelid among people of Asian heritage. At first glance, the upper eyelid either has a prominent upper lid crease (or fold) commonly known as a “double eyelid” or it does not, a “single eyelid.” On the left is a single eyelid and on the eye on the right has double eyelid.

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However, on closer examination there is actually a high degree of variability even among people with a “double eyelid.” The crease itself can be located at different distances from the eyelash line—ranging from 1-2 mm in some Asians to as high as 10 mm in some Caucasians. In the images below the size of the double eyelid increases from not present (single eyelid) on the left to about 10 mm (the Caucasian eye).

Double Eyelid Crease Location

The placement of the crease at different distances can create profound changes in the overall appearance of the eyes. Dr. Miranda will discuss the benefits and likely outcomes of each distance the crease can be placed from the eyelash line to give you your desired aesthetic result. Dr. Miranda is able to place the crease as desired by each patient individually to give a range of results including retaining a distinctly Asian look, subtly creating a mixed Asian-Caucasian (Hapa) appearance (the most popular), or giving a more traditionally Western/Caucasian high double eyelid.

Dr. Miranda's Specialty

Dr. Miranda has extensive training cosmetic eyelid surgery and has been trained in Asian eyelid surgery by leading plastic surgeons in Beijing, Dalian and Shenzhen, China. He also regularly travels to China to share his experience with other surgeons. When selecting a plastic surgeon to perform double eyelid surgery, it is important to consider the surgeon’s training and which methods he prefers to use.

Two Major Techniques: Non-Incisional (DST Method) and Incisional

DST Method

There are two major methods to create a double eyelid. The method that Dr. Miranda prefers is the double suture technique or DST method. The DST method is a minimally invasive technique that avoids many of the problems of large incisions. It has been tested in the United States and is widely used in Asia. Using the DST technique, Dr. Miranda can artistically create a lid crease at the location that was decided during the pre-operative consultation. The entire DST procedure can be done through 2-3 small needle holes strategically placed in the upper lid. These small holes heal extremely easily and are almost never visible—even with close examination after a few weeks. The DST method tends to have a much faster recovery time with minimal swelling and bruising, although there can be some bruising in a few patients. There is no large upper lid scar. The DST procedure generally takes less than 1 hour and can be done without general anesthesia—if the patient prefers—which greatly reduces the costs and recovery time to the patient.

Incisional Method

The second method is the full incisional method—the traditional way in which the surgeon creates a lid crease using a technique similar to Western blepharoplasty (eyelift). This is the method used by many plastic surgeons in the United States, as it is not very different from their experience doing Western eyelifts. An advantage is that in older patients, excess skin and fat can be removed—creating a more youthful appearance. The downside is that there is a scar across the full width of the eyelid that can be noticeable particularly in young patients. Additionally, the invasive nature of this procedure can lead to more down-time from swelling and bruising that can last for two weeks (in rare cases longer). Dr. Miranda generally only uses this technique if the patient also wants and needs a more youthful appearing eye.

For more information contact Dr. Miranda at Info@MirandaPlasticSurgery.com

Other Procedures of Interest:

Jaw Reduction (for narrowing of the lower jaw)
Masseter Botox Non-Surgical Jaw Reduction (for gently narrowing the contour of the face)
Asian Rhinoplasty (Nose augmentation & reshaping)

Dr. Miranda is Visiting Lecturer in Hong Kong Area
Dr. Miranda was invited to give two talks on American Techniques in Plastic Surgery in China (more...)

Edward P. Miranda, M.D.
A Medical Corporation

3838 California Street, Suite 404
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 379-9015

Info@MirandaPlasticSurgery.com

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery