In the first place, you will have to understand that Asian double eyelid surgery is actually two surgeries, as in one for each eye.  That being said, there is a risk of lack of symmetry with the eyes after all is said and done.

After surgery, the creases might appear overly high.  This is to be expected and the final results will not be resolved until a few months after everything has healed.  However, if after a few months and the creases are still higher than expected, then there is obviously an issue.  This is another risk of the surgery.

Depending on the surgical technique being used, there can be a risk that you lose the eyelid crease.  There are two main techniques being used by today’s Asian eyelid surgeons - one is the incision method and the other is the suture method.  It is almost expected that the crease formed by the suture method will soften or disappear over time.  If this is so, why would anyone choose to have the suture method?  The suture method has its pros as well.  It is often easier to do for a surgeon who is not familiar with the Asian eyelid surgery.  It requires less recovery time for the patient.  Also, it is usually a less expensive procedure than getting the surgery done by the incisional method from a very experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in Asian eyelids.   This can be distressing so think about which method you choose.

These are just some of the risks associated with Asian eyelid surgery.  Be sure to discuss them thoroughly with the plastic surgeon who is going to perform your operation.  Also note that it is more expensive to get corrective surgery done after the fact as it requires a specialist now to repair whatever was done incorrectly.  This is not only upsetting to the patient but it will also require additional recovery time from another surgery.

Therefore, choose your plastic surgeon wisely when getting this type of procedure done.  Even though the Asian population in some cities is quite large, in other places, they don’t deal with Asian clients all that often.  It does not mean they are bad surgeons but some surgeons just haven’t had enough experience with creating Asian double eyelids.  To eliminate the risks and complications associated with Asian eyelid surgery, do yourself aa favor and get one who specializes in the Asian clientele.  They might be more expensive but the results will probably last longer and save you money and grief in the future.

In an Asian double eyelid surgery, surgeons will create a crease in the eyelids giving the appearance of a rounder eye.  It is a modest procedure but for some Asians, it makes all the difference in the world.  Given the fact that 50% of Asians have mono eyelids, this is potentially a huge clientele to cater to.  That is why this procedure is very common among the Asians to achieve what they deem to being a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Not all blepharoplasty surgeons are able to do this procedure well as it takes more than know-how to perform this procedure.  It also takes a cultural knowledge of the race and artistry to make the eyelids look natural on an Asian.  That is why if you are contemplating this type of eyelid surgery, you need to ask the surgeon if he/she has had experience performing this type of Asian plastic surgery.   Although people need have to practice in order to get better, you do not want the trials to be on your face!

Blepharoplasty can also refer to work done on the lower eyelids as well.  Bags and fine wrinkles under the eyes are removed to give the patient a more rejuvenated and rested look.  Now, no doubt this is considered for cosmetic purposes too.

No matter if you are getting blepharoplasty surgery for cosmetic or functional reasons, to the upper or lower eyelids or even a specific type of eyelid surgery like for Asian eyelids, you must be deemed a good candidate if the surgery is to succeed.

Here are some factors to determine if the eyelid surgery will be right for you:

- You do not have any pre-existing conditions that can hamper recovery such as thyroid disorders, circulatory disorders and cardiovascular diseases.  This includes disclosure of any life threatening illnesses.

- You have no pre-existing eye conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye or a detached retina.

- You are a non-smoker.

- You have the right frame of mind and realistic expectations from the eyelid surgery.

Being open and honest with your plastic surgeon is very important to a successful outcome to the surgery.  It has been known that patients are so desperate to having the surgery done that they will compromise their health and healing by lying to their doctors.

When having any type of plastic surgery, you need to properly articulate why you want the procedure done.  If you are of sound health and mind, then getting accepted for surgery will not be a problem.  The problems arise nthen people have unrealistic expectations of the outcome which does not fit their facial characteristics at all.  Rather than laying the blame soley to the patie, it should be shared equally with the surgeon performing the eyelid surgery.  An open dialogue should have been established from the outset of realistic outcomes.  Remeber this is a two way street of choosing a plastic surgeon and for the surgeon to decline you as a patient.  To avoid disappointed results, do your research to find out if you are an ideal candidate for blepharoplasty cosmetic surgery.

-    Member of a professional association.  For Americans, this is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
-    Is board certified.  For Americans, this is American Board of Plastic Surgery
-    Has at minimum, five years of surgical training and two years in plastic surgery.
-    Trained in other type of plastic surgery, face including nose and jaw, breast, etc.
-    Must operate in accredited medical flaccidities.
-    Fulfills mandatory continuing education requirements on the latest plastic surgery innovations.
-    Follows a strict code of ethic standards.

Those are the standards to go by when finding a plastic surgeon.  However, finding a surgeon that is right for you and is experienced in Asian plastic surgery is another matter.

During the consultation process of whether you’re a good candidate for eyelid surgery enhancement, you will be discussing why you want blepharoplasty, and what your expectations are.  Be realistic and candid as experienced surgeons specializing in Asian plastic surgery will refuse you as a patient if the desired outcome will be unnatural looking.  A good doctor will also explain to you the outcomes, risk potentials, and possible complications.    You must disclose your medical history – previous medical treatments, current medications, allergies, etc.    Anything you believe your doctor should know that will be a factor in the blepharoplasty should be discussed.  Discuss with your surgeon as well, the type of anesthesia and sedation that will be used.

Your plastic surgeon should be experienced with issues of concern that are prevalent with this type of Asian plastic surgery.  He or she should be able to discuss with you the different methods in creating a double eyelid.  Is it a blepharoplasty suture method or a blepharoplasty incision method?  What is the difference between the suture and incision blepharoplasty?  Who are the ideal candidates for either procedure?  What are the pros and cons of either method?  Is there pain involved with eyelid surgery?  Will the double eyelid surgery last forever?  What are the success rates of the surgery?  What is the recovery time?  You should know what to expect in the next few days, weeks, and months after the eyelid surgery for post care.    Make sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction by the doctor.  And if you have new ones, don’t hesitate to call them up on their physician answering service.

Remember, getting any type of surgery is not a trivial matter.  You and your surgeon need to communicate well in order get your expectations attained for your Asian plastic surgery.

It might take lots of people by surprise but there is a type of plastic surgery that is more common than you think among Asian women. It has been around since the 1950s and it is called blepharoplasty surgery or, eyelid surgery. Despite a traditionally anti-plastic surgery stance among Asians, millions of Asian women elect to permanently alter the shape of their eyes with this type of eyelid cosmetic surgery.

Why is Asian eyelid surgery so popular?

This type of eye contouring procedure is both popular but not without controversial. Asians have typically small eyelids or almost non existent eyelids. By going through blepharoplasty it creates folds or creases in the eye. In the Asian community, this is more commonly known as double eyelids. Asians feel by having surgery to have double eyelids, it makes their eyes look bigger and gives them a look that is more awake.

It might not make a lot of sense to Caucasians, but this type of surgery for Asians is what breast augmentation is to the Western world.

How do Asian eyes differ from Caucasian eyes?

Caucasian eyes have eyelid folds that are higher. With blephoroplasty surgery, Asians would get stitches that would set the crease higher which would open up the eye more. The surgeon will measure how high the patient wants to set the new crease.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

The eyelid surgery is 1-2 hours long. It is a relatively simple procedure where the surgeon is using stitches to force the eyelid skin to fold, creating a new bigger eyelid and exposing a bigger and brighter eye.

What about all the controversy with eyelid surgery?

There is some controversy with this type of blephoroplasty procedure. Critics argue that Asians are turning their backs on their ethnicity by trying to look Caucasian. However, in reality, people who go through the surgery still look Asian. They just have brighter eyes. People who get this type of surgery report satisfaction and are happy with the results and are more confident. Simple things like experimenting with eye makeup are now possible. It is not about giving up their cultural identity or turning their backs on their heritage but about improving upon themselves. It is not a reflection of changing one’s cultural identity but rather a comment that society likes big, bright eyes. By having blephoroplasty surgery, Asians can now attain this look.