Asian eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, refers to a surgical procedure aimed at creating a double eyelid fold. Some surgeons refer to it as “Europeanisation of the eyelid” because it often involves procedures like canthoplasty, epicanthoplasty, or upper eyelid lift (subbrow). There are two main methods of performing this surgery:
Methods of surgery
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Thread blepharoplasty: This method is performed rarely, in about 10% of cases. The results are considered temporary, lasting 3-6 years. It is recommended for individuals with thin upper eyelid skin without signs of ptosis (drooping eyelid). It’s important to note that if a surgical correction is needed after thread insertion, it will be considered a repeat procedure.
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Incisional blepharoplasty: This method can be performed on patients with any type of skin and signs of ptosis. During the surgery, the surgeon also gains access to the fat tissue located above the eye, allowing for its removal if necessary. The results are considered permanent, lasting up to 15 years and gradually decreasing with natural aging and tissue ptosis.
In Russia, all types of blepharoplasty are typically performed under sedation or general anesthesia. In contrast, in South Korea, patients are awakened during the surgery and asked to open and close their eyes. According to specialists, this technique allows for maximum symmetry and the creation of an eyelid line that suits the patient’s eye size and shape.
Post-surgery considerations
Patients should be aware that after the surgery, they will need to relearn how to apply makeup, as the eyelid shape and eye size will change permanently.
Surgery Information
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Surgery time: 20-40 minutes
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Type of anesthesia: Sedation and local anesthesia
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Hospitalization: 1-2 hours
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Return to normal life: Next day
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Clinic visits: 2-3 times
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Stitches removal: 7th day
Why Patients Consider Asian Eyelid Surgery
The primary reason for considering this surgery is the perception that Asian eyes appear narrow and small, making it challenging to apply makeup, draw eyeliner, and coat eyelashes. Typically, double eyelids are absent in both the patient and their parents, and this trait is common among residents of East and Central Asia.
This surgery allows for the correction of the following defects:
- Absence or weak definition of the upper eyelid fold.
- Puffy eyelids with folds of excess fat tissue hanging over the eyes.
- Asymmetry of the eyelids, with one eyelid being larger than the other or one eyelid crease shorter than the other.
Candidates for surgery
Asian eyelid surgery, also known as creating a double eyelid or Asian blepharoplasty, is suitable for those who want to enhance the definition of their upper eyelids, creating a visible fold. This procedure can be an excellent choice for people with Mongoloid or “single” eyelids who aim for a more open and expressive look.
Why South Korea leads in cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery
South Korea consistently ranks as the top country in the world for cosmetic procedures and surgeries. Local doctors are renowned for their exceptional education and competitiveness globally, with only 0.01% of medical school graduates becoming plastic surgeons. South Korea’s medical equipment and technology are on par with the United States and Germany, placing it among the top three countries with the best-equipped medical clinics.
All eyelid surgeries, also known as blepharoplasty, are conducted in accredited clinics that have permission to treat foreign patients and employ in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons performing these procedures typically have 15 to 30 years of experience, specialize in blepharoplasty, and perform no more than two surgeries per day.
How to prepare for blepharoplasty in South Korea:
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Fasting and shower: Refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours before the procedure and take a shower.
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Medications: Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen (including Advil or Motrin), and other medications that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding for two weeks before the surgery. Tylenol should be avoided for only three days before the operation.
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Smoking: Quit smoking, including hookah and electronic cigarettes, as smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the healing process. If you smoke, the doctor may recommend quitting before the surgery, as some surgeons refuse to operate on smoking patients due to a higher risk of complications. Avoid being around smokers or in designated smoking areas.
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Medical history review: Review your medical history and be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you’ve taken. Please do not withhold this information from the surgeon and coordinators.
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Consultation and desired result: Visit the surgeon for a consultation and show them photos of your desired outcome. Try to provide photos without makeup, showcasing your natural eye size and ethnicity, similar to your own.
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Medical tests: If you had medical tests less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. Otherwise, all necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.
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Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.
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Preparation at home: Place essential items near your bed, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone, as they may be needed during your recovery.
The eyelid surgery procedure
In thread eyelid correction, an incision is not made. The surgeon forms an eyelid fold using a thread after administering local anesthesia.
In incisional eyelid correction, the surgeon outlines the surgical design during the consultation or on the operating table, and it is confirmed with the client. Several injections of local anesthesia and sedative anesthesia are given simultaneously.
Primary incisions are made with a scalpel according to the design, at which point the patient is already asleep and does not feel any pain. Internal incisions are typically made with a laser. During the surgery, the surgeon and assistant wake the patient and ask them to open their eyes and look upward. After completing the surgery, internal tissues are secured with absorbable sutures, while external sutures are thicker and non-absorbable and will be removed in 5-7 days. The patient is awakened and escorted to a recovery room.
What to expect after blepharoplasty
After the surgery is complete, the translator and medical nurses will wake you up and assist you in moving to your room. Most patients don’t remember this moment, and they might feel like they woke up in a warm bed – that’s the effect of anesthesia.
In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may experience chills, but this will quickly pass. A warming mattress will be placed on your bed to make this period more comfortable. You’ll likely have minimal pain, as it will be dulled by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the surgery. However, you may feel some swelling in the upper eyelids, as your body begins the healing process. Medical patches will be applied to your face; do not touch or remove them, as it’s strictly prohibited.
A few minutes after waking up, you’ll be given a cold compress to place on your eyes. The more frequently you use the compress during the first week after surgery, the faster the swelling will subside.
You will remain in the clinic for 1-2 hours after the surgery. A catheter will be in your arm to deliver medications. After the IV drip is completed and the catheter is removed, the coordinator and medical nurses will assess your condition. If you don’t experience symptoms like dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change your clothes, collect your medications, and receive post-operative instructions.
Before going to bed in the evening, place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the pain relief medication prescribed by the surgeon. Apply a cold compress every few minutes. Your eyes may produce tears; gently wipe them with a tissue.
The next three days will see increasing swelling, possible eyelid and forehead swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding. Don’t be alarmed and continue to apply cold compresses and follow the rehabilitation guidelines. After the surgeon removes the stitches on the 5th-7th day after the surgery, the swelling will start to subside. The nurses will clean the surgical area, remove scabs, and send you home without bandages or patches.
Recovery process and post-blepharoplasty procedures:
Immediately after the procedure: Pain is minimal in the first few hours, with possible tears and slight bleeding from the eyes. You can leave the clinic within 1-3 hours after the surgery if you don’t experience symptoms like nausea, weakness, and dizziness.
Days 1-2: Try to use cold compresses frequently and sleep with your head elevated. Facial swelling begins, and there may be bruises and swelling at the surgical site. You may feel a sensation of grittiness in your eyes, and your eyes may tire by the evening. These are normal symptoms; patience is required.
Days 3-7: Swelling starts to diminish, and it may move down the face, causing puffiness in the cheeks and under the eyes. Avoid sports and any activities that require bending your head down. On the 5th-7th day, the surgeon will examine and remove stitches, while nurses will clean wounds and gently remove scabs.
Days 7-14: Reduction in swelling, disappearance of possible hematomas, and a return to normal life. Regular, extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Don’t forget to apply healing ointment to dissolve stitches; soon, the fact that you had surgery will become unnoticeable.
Days 14-21: Most patients can perform everyday activities without discomfort. Continue to avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. Stitches start to fade, and they can be easily concealed with makeup.
Days 21-30: Eyes may still be swollen, especially in the mornings. Eyelids may appear different and asymmetrical daily, depending on your sleeping position. This is normal and will soon pass.
Days 31-60: Gradual reduction of remaining swelling, restoration of symmetry, and eyelids assume a constant position and shape.
Days 60-90: You can go swimming and sunbathing, but avoid diving and rubbing your eyes to prevent trauma to healing tissues. Apply sunscreen.
1 Year After the Procedure: Complete rehabilitation.
If you would like to book a consultation with our clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon, you can do so today! You can reserve a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us via any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before & After
Step 1: Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE
First and foremost, you need to fill out a form. This will help us and the surgeons better understand your expectations and review your medical history. In the form, be sure to provide your personal information, details about any previous surgeries, and your current health condition. Unfortunately, patients with HIV infection are not eligible for plastic surgeries in Korea.
Step 2: Attach photos
Attaching photos of the areas of your body or face that you would like to have corrected is a crucial step. This allows us to make a preliminary cost estimate and direct you to a specialist who can address your concerns.
Step 3: Submit and wait for confirmation
After submitting the form and photos, your application will be reviewed, and we will contact you to confirm details and schedule a consultation.
Step 4: Prepare for the consultation
Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask the coordinator and surgeon during the consultation. We recommend bringing a phone with notes or a notepad to help you stay organized and obtain all the information you need. Additionally, you can always ask any questions you have in a personal chat created for discussing the details of your trip.