What is Asian eyelid surgery?

What is the difference from regular eyelid surgery?

In regular Upper eyelid surgery the main aim is to remove excess skin to correct a tired or heavy look. The goal is then to restore a fresh, open look that has faded over the years.

Asian eyelid surgery has a different focus: creating a new, clearly defined eyelid crease that is not yet there. The focus is on the shape of the eyelid, not on removing excess skin.

Both procedures require precision, but their aims and techniques differ fundamentally. You can find more background on the surgical correction of the eyelid under blepharoplasty.

Who is the treatment suitable for?

The treatment is intended for people with a single eyelid who would like a visible crease, or for those whose existing crease is irregular or indistinct. Wishes vary greatly from person to person, and that is fine.

People who have a crease on one side but not on the other sometimes also choose this for more symmetry. What matters is that the wish comes from you and that you have a realistic picture of the result.

A personal consultation is needed to determine whether your wish is achievable and which technique suits it best. The doctor looks at the shape of your eyelid, the quality of your skin and your expectations.

Which techniques are there?

There are roughly two approaches. With the suture technique, the crease is formed with small stitches, without a large cut in the skin. This means less recovery time and a subtle result.

With the incision technique, a permanent crease is formed through a fine incision. If necessary, some skin or fat is also adjusted, which makes the result easier to control and longer lasting.

The suture technique is less invasive, but the crease may fade over time. The incision technique requires a little more recovery, but gives a more stable final result. Which one suits you depends on your eyelid and your wishes.

What does the treatment involve?

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you are awake during the treatment and the area is numb. This makes the treatment safe and limits the strain on the body.

The doctor first carefully marks the desired crease and assesses the symmetry before anything is done. During the treatment, the doctor regularly checks that both eyes are even, because symmetry is especially important here.

Depending on the technique, the treatment takes about an hour. You can usually go home afterwards and do not need to stay, provided you feel well.

What does recovery look like?

After the treatment, swelling and sometimes bruising are normal. These visibly decrease in the first week, after which things gradually settle.

Any stitches are usually removed after about a week. The area may then still feel somewhat sensitive or tight, which is part of normal recovery.

In the first weeks, the crease often looks higher and tighter than the final result; this is part of healing. The final, natural result can usually be assessed properly after a few months, once the swelling has fully gone down.

Does the result look natural?

With good planning, the crease looks natural and suits the rest of the face. The aim is explicitly not to give the eyes a Western shape, but to accentuate your own eyes beautifully.

The height and shape of the crease are discussed together beforehand, so that the result matches your wishes and your face. A subtle crease often gives a more attractive and natural look than a high, conspicuous one.

Realistic expectations and an experienced doctor are important for a harmonious final result. Good communication beforehand about what you want to achieve is at least as important as the technique itself.

Are there any risks or points of attention?

As with any procedure, temporary swelling, bruising or a sensitive eyelid may occur. These usually disappear on their own within the first weeks of recovery.

With the suture technique, the crease may fade over time, so a small correction is sometimes needed. Slight asymmetry between the two eyes can also occur and can sometimes be adjusted.

Knowledge of the anatomy of the eyelid is essential to achieve symmetry and a safe result. That is why you should choose a doctor with experience in eyelid surgery and an eye for detail.

How long does the result last?

With the incision technique, the crease is usually permanent. The new crease is formed through a fixed connection in the tissue, so the result is stable and remains visible for years.

With the suture technique, the result is less predictable in the long term. The crease may fade over time, so an additional treatment is sometimes needed to restore it.

The natural ageing process also plays a role. The skin around the eye keeps changing, so your appearance may gradually shift slightly over the years.

Which technique suits you best depends on your wishes and on how important a permanent result is to you. You discuss this beforehand during the consultation, so that you can make an informed choice.

Asian eyelid surgery at Kliniek het Bolwerk

Kliniek het Bolwerk specialises in eyelid surgery and performs it under local anaesthetic. The focus on the eye area means extensive experience with precisely this type of treatment.

During a consultation, Dr. David Jairath your wishes and which technique suits them best. You will get an honest picture of what is achievable for your eyes and face.

This way you know in advance what to expect and can make a well-considered choice. Curious about what is possible? Book an appointment for personal advice.