Though our eyelids may be a relatively small feature, they play a large role in our overall facial appearance.
Asian eyelid surgery, also referred to as double eyelid surgery or Asian blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that creates or enhances a crease in the upper eyelid. This surgery is commonly sought by individuals of East Asian descent, as approximately 50% of this population naturally have eyelids without a visible crease.
If you are exploring this option, you likely have questions about the procedure and its outcomes. One question we receive often is about the longevity of the results. Many different things can play a role in how long your Asian eyelid surgery results may last.
How Is a Crease Created in Asian Eyelid Surgery?
There are two main techniques for creating an upper eyelid crease where one is not naturally present:
Incisional Method
When using the incisional or "open" method, the surgeon creates a small incision in the upper eyelid that provides direct access to the eyelid structures. The surgeon adjusts the skin to form the new eyelid crease and anchors it in place with sutures.
This technique may be recommended for those with thicker skin or more fatty tissue in the eyelids. While the incisional method typically results in a more defined and long-lasting crease, it may have a longer recovery time than the non-incisional method.
Non-Incisional Method
Also known as the suture technique, the non-incisional method creates an eyelid crease without an incision. Instead, the surgeon uses strategically placed sutures to create the eyelid fold. The sutures stay beneath the skin where they are not visible.
This approach may be suitable for those with thinner eyelid skin and minimal excess fat. While it generally has a shorter recovery time, the results may not be as long-lasting as the incisional method.
What Affects the Longevity of Asian Eyelid Surgery?
Understanding what might affect your results helps you set realistic expectations. While some factors are beyond your control, others can be managed with proper care and attention. During your consultation, your surgeon can discuss how the elements below might affect you personally:
- Your Anatomy: Your natural facial structure and tissue characteristics play a role in the outcome of your surgery. The thickness of your skin, the amount of fat you have around your eyes and the strength of your eyelid muscles all affect how the surgical changes settle and hold up over time.
- Surgical Technique: The method chosen for your surgery matters significantly. The incisional technique is known to provide more predictable long-term results than the non-incisional approach.
- Postoperative Care: How you care for your eyelids in the weeks following surgery can impact your long-term results. Following your surgeon's instructions about rest, medication and activity levels helps ensure proper healing.
- Ageing Process: Everyone's skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner with age. This can affect the appearance of your eyelids over time, even after surgery.
- Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure can accelerate the visible ageing process. Protecting yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses and hats can help extend the lifespan of your results.
When Will I See the Final Results of My Asian Blepharoplasty?
In the first few weeks after surgery, your eyelids will go through various changes. Initial swelling is most noticeable during the first week and improves gradually. During this time, your new eyelid crease may appear higher than intended — this is normal and temporary.
Over the next few months, the changes will continue as your tissues heal and adjust. The crease height typically settles into a more natural position, and any remaining swelling resolves.
Your results should begin to stabilise three to six months after surgery. The final settling of your tissues and scar maturation can continue for up to a year.
Is Asian Eyelid Surgery Permanent?
The duration of your results may depend, in part, on which technique is used.
The incisional technique creates structural changes that are considered permanent. The results are typically lasting, although the ageing process will continue, and the procedure cannot be reversed.
The non-incisional technique is not as durable. Since no significant structural changes are made to the eyelid, the crease may naturally soften or disappear over time. If you want the surgery reversed, a surgeon can typically achieve this by removing the sutures used to create the crease.
No matter which technique you choose, ageing continues to affect your eyelids. Additionally, your skin quality and lifestyle habits can impact the long-term appearance of your results.
How Can I Maintain My Eyelid Surgery Results?
Taking good care of your skin after surgery can help support your healing and the longevity of your results. Consider following these general guidelines for inner and outer health:
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection and brimmed hats when outdoors
- Apply sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection daily
- Use high-quality skincare products and apply them gently in the delicate eye area
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support skin health
- If you smoke, consider quitting
- Manage any underlying health conditions that might affect your eyes
What If I Am Unhappy With the Results of My Asian Blepharoplasty?
If you have concerns about your results from a prior surgery, it's important to first discuss them with your original surgeon. Some concerns may be related to normal healing processes, while others might require additional attention. Many initial concerns resolve as healing progresses.
If complete healing has occurred and you continue to have concerns, revision surgery might be an option. A revision procedure may be able to improve the results of the prior surgery. Some patients find it helpful to seek a second opinion from another qualified surgeon, especially one who has experience with revision eyelid surgery, to gain additional perspective on their options and likely outcomes.
Are There Nonsurgical Options for Asian Eyelid Surgery, and Can They Give Me Similar Results?
While there are nonsurgical skin tightening treatments that can enhance the appearance of the eyes, they are limited to temporary improvements, and they do not have the ability to create an upper eyelid crease. Asian eyelid surgery provides far more durable results and achieves outcomes that nonsurgical treatments cannot.
For More Information on Asian Eyelid Surgery, Please Get In Touch
If you are interested in double eyelid surgery or another Asian plastic surgery procedure, enquire today to book a consultation. You will meet with one of our specialist plastic surgeons to discuss how the surgery can benefit you specifically and decide whether it is the right procedure for you.
