Leo Lapuerta, MD Plastic Surgery - Houston, TX
It’s been said that the eyes are the windows of the soul, but you may feel that your eyes aren’t telling the correct story. If you don’t like the shape of your eyes or feel they are too droopy, you may want to find a solution that will make you feel good about your appearance. Asian eyelid surgery is a procedure that can give you the look you want.
Houston locals know that, when it comes to plastic surgery, there’s only one man for the job: Dr. Leo Lapuerta. At Dr. Lapuerta’s facilities in Houston, Pearland, and Katy, Asian eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty) is a popular procedure. With over 20 years of experience, and countless eyelid procedures under his belt, Dr. Lapuerta’s practice is the best place for Asian blepharoplasty surgery Houston has to offer.
One type of Asian eyelid surgery, also known as Asian double eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure that can change the shape of your eyes and make them appear larger. The surgeon increases the height of the upper eyelid to the crease and creates a more almond-shaped eye with a natural fold.
The goal for the Asian eye plastic surgery is to create a second fold and remove any extra tissue that impairs your vision or makes you look older than you are. The reason for the name of the procedure is because of the difference in eye shape among people of Asian descent compared to the eye shape of people descended from other groups. The eyelids are often thicker with more fat and muscle. Asian eyes have a levator or muscle that is designed to lift the eyelid. These two characteristics make the Asian eyes look unique. However, they can cause issues with sight and make Asian eyelid surgery necessary.
Two options exist for performing this type of eyelid surgery. The most popular procedure type is the suture technique, which creates a more natural appearance with very little scarring. The sutures help to hold the eyelid in the new position.
The procedure takes between 30 minutes and an hour with minimal swelling. You’ll see the final results in about three months. You can have the stitches removed by a doctor, but it isn’t necessary.
The second method of Asian eyelid surgery is the incision technique. When using this method, the surgeon will create a fold and reduce the skin that creates the hooded look. An incision is made along the area of the eyelid that curves. Since it is more involved, the surgery takes around an hour. Swelling lasts for a couple of weeks with stitches being removed within a week. The final results take a few months to become fully apparent.
When discussing the surgery, your surgeon will talk to you about how you want the crease to look post-surgery. You have three options for the crease, with each providing a different result.
When considering the look you want, you’ll also think about the fold and where it lies. A high fold is a popular choice for people with eyes that are larger with muscles that are stronger. The look achieved is more dramatic and noticeable. A low fold is the opposite, much more subtle. Patients with eyes that have some extra tissue around the eyelids are good candidates for this crease option. The other crease height option is the ideal fold, which is developed along with the natural height of the eyelid for a subtle look that gives the eyes a naturally bright and larger appearance.
For patients that have Asian eyelid surgery, benefits include the fact that it makes the eyes appear wider and more open. The face also looks narrower, which can improve aesthetics.
You need to plan for someone to give you a ride home and stay with you after your surgery. You will want to rest your eyes for much of the first 24 hours. After the surgery, the doctor will prescribe an ointment to keep the eye area moist during healing.
The surgeon will use a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. The tiny incisions are made along the natural eye contours to ensure they are less noticeable. Bandages are placed over the incisions to keep them clean.
You should expect the eyes to feel swollen and sore for the first few days. Stay hydrated to help with swelling and get plenty of rest. You should also try to be as active as possible to help reduce swelling — go for a walk or move around if you can, as being upright will speed your healing.
Results from the eyelid surgery will be complete as soon as the procedure is completed, but they may not be noticeable until the swelling begins to go down. The changes are long-lasting and will continue to improve for the first several months.
The cost of Asian eyelid surgery will vary based on the decision you and your doctor make about the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss these details with you and come up with a plan to help you achieve your aesthetic and goals. Once you have a plan in place, you will receive an estimate for the total cost.
If you are interested in changing the shape of your eyes and making them appear wider and more open, schedule a Consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta. With more than 20 years of experience, he has performed thousands of procedures to help patients look and feel better about themselves. As a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lapuerta inspires confidence in his patients as they trust him for the results they want.