As Asians, we are gifted with several types of eyelid creases. It somehow created a unique identity for us. But while some people are blessed with well-defined and apparent eyelid folds, others have very minimal, almost imperceptible creases. In some cases, a person can even have two different types of folds on both eyelids or just have no folds at all.
Many Asian people, for one reason or another, do not like the type of eyelids they naturally have. It could be because their creases are not visible, making their eyes appear smaller, they have asymmetric eyelids, or simply because their eyelids do not go with the shape of their eyes.
Fortunately, if you are not happy with the appearance of your eyelids, you can easily correct them. Double eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a well-known and quite popular procedure in Singapore, South Korea and other East Asian countries.
Your plastic surgeon can use various approaches to give you the look you desire. Your procedure will be tailored to your specific needs based on your eyelid type and the results you wish to achieve.
Here we will outline 5 of the most frequently seen types of eyelids in Asians. We hope this information will help you identify which ones you own and how you can make them appear better.
Monolids are upper eyelids that do not have a crease that separates the platform into two parts. They are also referred to as single eyelids. This eye feature is very common in East Asians.
If you have monolid eyes, your upper lids will most likely appear flat and slant down over your eyes. As a result, your eyes may appear smaller and less distinct. You may also feel that your eyes are heavy and swollen, which is usually due to excess skin and fat.
Most people who have single eyelids wish to have them corrected. Even though they often attempt to create double eyelids using methods such as eyelid tapes or glue, cosmetic eyelid surgery remains the most effective solution.
As their name suggests, these eyelids have folds that are partially visible. Normally, the crease does not run the entire length of the eyelid. It is usually slightly visible in the outer corner of the eye, while being absent in the inner part.
People with this eye shape are more likely to have excess fat and skin on their upper eyelids. It gives the impression that the eyes are narrower and smaller. Occasionally, partial eyelid crease may become more pronounced over time. This is usually because the skin above the folds loosens with age.
Partial eyelid folds can be easily fixed through double eyelid surgery. The procedure can raise the creases in a higher position, making the eyes appear more open and revitalized.
As you might guess, these eyelids have multiple folds (possibly two or three) rather than just one. Individuals with multiple eyelid creases are usually not born with such an appearance but have acquired it over time.
One of the main culprits for developing extra eyelid folds is simply the natural ageing process. As we get older, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic. As a result, the connections between the upper eyelid skin and the muscle below weaken. This may lead to the formation of an extra crease above the natural one.
It is also possible to develop multiple creases after double eyelid surgery if the new crease is not aligned with the previous ones.
Tapered eyelids usually have a prominent eyelid crease which goes parallel to the upper lashes. There are two types of tapered eyelids: nasally tapered crease and tapered eyelid crease with lateral flare.
The nasally tapered folds follow the lashes and merge with the inner corners of the eyes. The crease with lateral flare appears slightly higher in the outer part of the eyelid platform than in the central part.
Many double eyelid surgery patients would like to achieve tapered eyelids. These creases usually look more natural and give that doe-eyed look.
It is a type of eyelid in which the fold runs parallel to the base of the upper lid. Unlike the tapered crease that narrows at the inner corner, the parallel crease goes straight along the eyelid. It somehow makes the eyes appear larger and brighter.
Parallel eyelids are generally thought to be attractive and beautiful. This is why many Asians get double eyelid surgery to achieve that look. In fact, creating parallel double eyelids is currently very fashionable in Korea.
However, keep in mind that a deep, very high-looking parallel eyelid crease may not be suitable for everyone. In some patients with the right facial features and eyelid anatomy, it can look fantastic, while in others, it can look extremely unnatural. So, if you wish to change your Asian eyelid crease, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon to determine which types of eyelids are best for you.
Double eyelid tapes and glues are tools that are marketed as a method to accomplish double eyelids. Eyelid tape is basically a clear, tiny piece of paper that you put on your eyelid. It is meant to stick on your skin, creating a crease and slightly opening up the eye. Eyelid glue works in a similar way. But instead of placing a strip on the eyelids, you apply an adhesive liquid to stitch the skin together and achieve a double crease.
Creating double eyelids with tape or glue seems to be a quick and easy solution. But what exactly is the issue with these at-home kits? First and foremost, they may be ineffective, particularly in people with monolids or excessive skin and fat in the upper eyelid area. Second, it is only a short-term solution. You can literally have your double eyelids for a few hours of the day. Third, even if you wear a lot of make-up, the strip may be visible. Not to mention that eyelid tapes and glues can irritate the sensitive skin around the eyes, resulting in red, swollen eyelids.
Double eyelid surgery is one of the most effective methods for achieving double eyelid folds and a beautiful eye shape. It goes under various names, including double eyelid blepharoplasty, Asian blepharoplasty and others. This surgical procedure allows Asian patients to achieve various types of eyelid creases and styles. In addition, upper blepharoplasty can also be used to treat droopy eyelids (ptosis) and hooded eyelids.
Plastic surgeons can use various approaches to create the double eyelid line you desire. Generally speaking, you can choose between two types of double eyelid surgery, either with an incision or without an incision. The incision double eyelid surgery is usually more invasive since it involves cutting the eyelid skin. Your surgeon may use a full incision or partial incision, depending on the amount of excess skin and fat you have. Non-incisional procedure (suture method) is less invasive and leaves no visible scar. Plastic surgeons create the double eyelid fold by inserting permanent sutures.
The cutting method is usually performed in the presence of excess skin and fat. The suture technique is best suited for younger patients who want to achieve more natural-looking double eyelids.
Double eyelid surgery is one of the most popular and common eye cosmetic surgeries available. The best part about this plastic surgery is that it can be customised to your specific needs and goals.
If you don't have too much excess eyelid skin and fat, then you might be a good candidate for the stitching or non-incision technique. In case you have thicker upper eyelid skin and fat deposits, then it might be best to choose the incision method. Both surgical approaches provide beautiful and long-lasting outcomes.
Double eyelid surgery is typically a pain-free procedure. Most surgeons numb the area with a local anaesthetic, but in more complex cases, the doctor may administer general anaesthesia.
Here are some suggestions:
There are no perfect eyelids, but for sure, there is one that is more suited to the shape of your eyes. As we mentioned above, there are alternative temporary solutions available, such as eyelid tapes and glues, that can help improve your appearance.
However, if you really want to avoid the hassle of daily maintenance and find a more permanent solution, double eyelid surgery is the best option.
Dr. Shenthilkumar Naidu (Dr. Shens) is a Ministry of Health accredited Consultatn Plastic Surgeon with extensive expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He is renowned for his advanced techniques in body contouring and aesthetic enhancements. For more information, visit Shens Clinic.
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