Asian Eyelid Plastic Surgery, also known as “Double Eyelid Surgery,” is the most requested cosmetic surgery in the Asian population, both in Asia and the United States. However, the average age of those who undergo this surgery is generally younger than for eyelid surgery that is performed on “Occidental” patients.
Many Asians go to impressive lengths to create a crease without surgery. For example, some women sweep glue above their eyes, use a mini-fork to hike up their eyelids, and then press it into place. The goal is to create a larger, more attractive eye. Rather than endure this routine on a daily basis, many patients opt for cosmetic surgery that creates a permanent crease.
While many regard this plastic surgery as an attempt to appear more “Western,” possibly a better definition of the goal is to have a more defined contouring of the skin above the lashes that is harmonious with other facial features. Often criticized as a rejection of cultural “norms,” this surgery is in fact sought for the same reasons as are other procedures – to increase the patient’s self confidence. It is not sought to look more Occidental. Rather, patients seek to conform to what is more widely regarded as aesthetically pleasing, whatever the culture. In other words, patients do not seek a more Western eye, but simply a prettier Asian one.
About half of all Asian patients have an upper eyelid with a low but defined eyelid crease. The other 50 percent of patients show little or no sign of a crease, i.e. a “single eyelid.”
Many Asians go to impressive lengths to create a crease without surgery. For example, some women sweep glue above their eyes, use a mini-fork to hike up their eyelids, and then press it into place. The goal is to create a larger, more attractive eye. Rather than endure this routine on a daily basis, many patients opt for cosmetic surgery that creates a permanent crease.
While many regard this plastic surgery as an attempt to appear more “Western,” possibly a better definition of the goal is to have a more defined contouring of the skin above the lashes that is harmonious with other facial features. Often criticized as a rejection of cultural “norms,” this surgery is in fact sought for the same reasons as are other procedures – to increase the patient’s self confidence. It is not sought to look more Occidental. Rather, patients seek to conform to what is more widely regarded as aesthetically pleasing, whatever the culture. In other words, patients do not seek a more Western eye, but simply a prettier Asian one.
About half of all Asian patients have an upper eyelid with a low but defined eyelid crease. The other 50 percent of patients show little or no sign of a crease, i.e. a “single eyelid.”
When present, the Asian crease differs from the typical Occidental crease in a number of ways. These include formation that is closer to the eyelashes, a different shape – with sometimes incomplete or multiple folds. The Asian upper eyelid appears fuller or “puffier” than the Occidental eyelid for many reasons, including a thicker eyebrow fat pad that projects lower into the eyelid, and a much thicker subcutaneous layer of fat that adds padding over the entire eyelid. This interferes with crease formation.
Also, because Asian eyelashes tend to bend downward, the area between the upper and lower eyelids appears more closed.
