Do you guys know what I mean?
Double eyelid surgery, also known as Asian blepharoplasty or East Asian eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to create a double eyelid on individuals who have only a single eyelid (monolid). The process involves making incisions in the upper eyelid and removing excess skin or fat. This creates an additional fold in the eyelid known as a "double lid."
The term "Asian blepharoplasty" is often used interchangeably with double eyelid surgery, but it has also been criticized for being ethnocentric and perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards for people of Asian descent. However, the primary focus here will be on addressing the cosmetic aspect of double eyelid surgery from a professional perspective.
Double eyelid surgery can help create more balanced and proportional eyes by giving them a symmetrical appearance that is often desired in East Asian culture. It is essential to note that while this procedure aims to address aesthetic concerns, it may not always lead to immediate or complete results due to factors like ethnicity, facial structure, and personal preferences for eye shape.
From a plastic surgery perspective, double eyelid surgery involves the following steps:
Pre-operative assessment: Patients will have an in-depth consultation with their surgeon where they discuss goals, expectations, medical history, and any medications being taken to ensure it is safe to proceed with surgery. The doctor may also perform facial measurements and take photos for reference during and after surgery.
Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity of the procedure, patients can be put under general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with sedation. Patients should discuss their preferences with their surgeon based on factors like personal tolerance to anesthesia, medical history, and cost considerations.
Incision: The incisions for double eyelid surgery are usually made inside the upper eyelids, just above the fold where it naturally occurs. This location helps reduce visible scarring after healing has occurred. Once the incision is made, the surgeon may remove excess skin or fat to create a more defined crease on the eyelid.
Suturing: The incisions are then closed using sutures designed for this type of cosmetic surgery (often dissolvable) and covered with bandages to help control swelling during the healing process.
Post-operative care: Patients will receive detailed post-surgery instructions from their surgeon, including information on how long they should expect swelling and bruising as well as how to properly clean and care for the surgical site. Some patients may experience pain or discomfort after surgery; prescription medication can be recommended to help manage these symptoms while minimizing risks of infection.
Follow-up appointments: Patients are encouraged to schedule follow-up visits with their surgeon, usually within a week post-surgery, to monitor healing progress and address any concerns they might have regarding scarring or eyelid function.
Final results: It may take up to six months for swelling and bruising to completely subside, allowing patients to see the final outcome of their double eyelid surgery. In some cases, additional touch-up surgeries may be necessary if the patient is not satisfied with the initial result. However, most patients are generally happy with the results achieved during the first procedure.
In conclusion, double eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure that aims to create a more pronounced crease on individuals who have only single eyelids. While it can improve aesthetic harmony and proportion in the eye area for some individuals, it's important to approach this procedure from a professional perspective by understanding its limitations and potential risks associated with anesthesia, infection, scarring, or loss of eyelid function. Patients should also be aware that they may need follow-up procedures if they are not satisfied with their results after surgery.
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