Introduction
Eyes are said to be the windows of the soul and for North-east Indians it is a significant part of their heritage. According to recent research, it is found that 50-75% of all North-east Indians are born with a single eyelid. Asian eyelid surgery is a popular procedure that can drastically change your appearance.
Patients wanting to undergo blepharoplasty wish for
- double fold formation
- reducing the puffiness of eyelids
- creation of the supratarsal fold
- increase in the width of palpebral fissure
Various techniques for Asian blepharoplasty
Non-incisional methods
They create a mechanical connection between the dermis and levator mechanism (e.g., tarsal plate or aponeurosis) using a suture introduced through pinpoint access created by needles or scalpel tips. They are associated with a lesser degree of postoperative edema but durability is less compared to incisional methods.
Partial-incisional methods
In this method, one or more small stab incisions are made along the crease design. The pre-aponeurotic fat is removed via dissection windows through the orbicularis. A non-absorbable suture is used to fix the underlying aponeurosis or superior edge of the tarsal plate to the skin edges. Partial-incisional methods can induce moderate degrees of tissue adhesion, which is helpful in decreasing the rate of failu
Full-incisional methods
Tarsodermal fixation through open blepharoplasty incision has been the traditional method and is still considered the standard for creating double fold. Furthermore, this approach is the only viable option for patients requiring excision of redundant eyelid skin.
Recovery
- Cold compresses for 24 h as tolerated
- Antibiotic ointment along the suture lines
- Wound cleaning with water
- Avoid use of cosmetics to upper eyelid for 7–10 days
- Skin sutures will be removed in 7–10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Will I have visible scars after surgery?
A1. The incisions are not visible because they are hidden in the natural folds of the eyelids. After they heal, these incisions are undetectable.
Q2. What type of anesthesia is used for the surgery?
A2. A local anesthetic with intravenous sedation administered.
Q3. What is the recovery time for blepharoplasty?
A3. The recovery time ranges from one to four weeks. You may experience some swelling and bruising but very little discomfort. To minimize swelling use cold compresses and keep your head elevated. Sutures are removed within 7-10 days, and makeup can be applied after that.
Q4. Will eyelid surgery fix sagging brows?
A4. No. Sagging or hooded eyebrows are fixed through a brow lift, which can be performed by direct excision. The small incisions are well-hidden. This procedure elevates the brow to a more natural position.
Q5. When can I wear my contact lenses after surgery?
A5. Once the swelling resolves after surgery and you can easily manipulate your eyelids you can consider wearing them. You should wait two weeks before wearing contact lenses. In the meantime, you can wear glasses.
Q6. Will I be able to read immediately after surgery?
A6. Your vision may be blurry following the surgery due to cornea swelling and the use of eye lubricants that we provide. Your vision will recover completely in a few days.
Q7. How soon will I see the results after surgery?
A7. You should notice an improvement in the area around the eyes immediately following the surgery. But you will see the final results in about four weeks once the swelling is gone. Many patients return to work after a week.
Q8. Are blepharoplasty results permanent?
A8. The results of eyelid surgery are long lasting. Nevertheless, over time, the skin elasticity and the facial muscles of the eyes will continue to change in response to the environment, sunlight and the aging process. As more time passes, the brow could drop or descend enough to cause excess skin to reappear on the upper eyelid. In this case the solution will be a brow lift
rather than a second eyelid surgery.