How is Asian eyelid surgery performed, and how much does it cost?
How is Asian eyelid surgery performed?
Asian eyelid surgery, also known as “double eyelid surgery,” alters the eyelid shape to add a double crease. A smooth eyelid without a crease may conceal a part of your eyes and minimize the eyelash visibility. Double eyelid surgeries add a natural-looking crease to enhance the cosmetic appearance. The procedure generally removes a thin piece of skin, muscle, or fat from the upper eyelid to produce the natural crease. However, the specific techniques involved may differ from one patient to the next based on their unique goals and concerns.
Asian eyelid surgery is an in-office and outpatient procedure that concludes within an hour or two. The following are the steps involved in the surgery:
- Anesthesia: The surgeon administers local anesthesia to numb the region — you’re awake for the procedure but don’t feel pain. If you’re anxious, you may also go under IV sedation to alleviate your anxieties.
- Incisions: The surgeon marks the eyelid where the crease is made and creates a small incision along the region.
- Modification: A thin strip of skin, muscle, or fat, depending on your needs, is removed through the incision, creating a natural crease.
- Closing: The incision site is closed — you now have a natural-looking crease on your eyelids.
How much does Asian eyelid surgery cost?
As mentioned above, Asian eyelid surgery is a highly-curated treatment wherein each patient needs a unique procedure and technique according to their goals and concerns. As such, the surgical cost may differ significantly from one patient to the next, even in the same surgical center. Your surgeon should ideally provide a complete breakdown of the costs involved in the surgery at the end of your consultation, after curating the necessary treatment plan. Asian eyelid surgery isn’t covered by insurance because it’s a cosmetic procedure. However, if you’re getting the surgery because your eyelids are actively interfering with your vision, you might receive insurance coverage.
The overall cost of your eyelid surgery depends on the following factors:
- Type of procedure and technique used
- Location
- Pre-surgical tests and examinations
- Surgeon’s fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Prescription medications
- Potential complications
How long does it take to heal from double eyelid surgery?
You may experience bruising, swelling, changes in skin sensation, light sensitivity, discomfort, and bleeding from the incision site. The side-effects will gradually diminish, and you can manage the pain and swelling with pain medications and cold compresses. It usually takes two weeks for the incisions to heal sufficiently and the side effects to recede. Most patients can resume normal activities in a week or so. However, it may take several months to heal completely and enjoy the final results.
The following are some post-treatment recovery guidelines:
- Have someone drive you home from the clinic and stay with you for about 48 hours.
- Take a week off work to recover comfortably.
- Follow the surgeon’s aftercare guidelines accurately.
- Use cold compresses or ice packs to reduce the swelling.
- Use lubricating ointments and other prescription medications to reduce dry eyes.
- Apply the eye drops regularly to minimize light sensitivity.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from direct sunlight.
- Don’t wear contact lenses for a week.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Drink lots of water.
- Maintain a low-salt diet to avoid fluid accumulation.
If you’re ready for your Asian eyelid surgery, please schedule a private consultation at Cheng Plastic Surgery.