Men and women looking for more dimension in the upper eyelid can often benefit from more definition along the upper eyelid crease. I create this result with upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) at my Pasadena practice using an approach called double eyelid surgery. I perform this procedure with an experienced and artistic eye, keeping in mind that no 2 procedures or patients are the same.
In this blog post, I’ll go over the different techniques I use to create deeper, more defined upper eyelid creases for the men and women who visit my practice.
Double lid reconstruction is often combined with the removal of excess skin and fat in older patients. This open technique requires 3 fine suture adhesions through the primary upper lid elevator sheet extension, upper border of the supportive fibrocartilage structure, orbicularis oculi muscle, and skin.
The crease’s curvature and distance from the lash line are determined during a personal consultation. The decision is often based on ethnic considerations and age. For example, the tarsal plate in Caucasians varies between 9 and 11mm in height, while Asian tarsal plates are typically between 6 and 8mm. The distance can only be adjusted to a certain degree because the stable crease line is often based on the height of the cartilaginous plate.
In younger patients, there is usually no excess skin or protruding orbital fat. A closed technique is typically recommended in this case. This involves the placement of 3 fine, looped, nonabsorbable sutures in the inner corner, center, and outer corner of the eye, from the inner lining of the upper lid through the same structures involved in open technique and secured at 3 1mm incisions in the skin.
These procedures are usually about an hour and a half long and are performed under local anesthesia with corneal protection. You may experience swelling and slight bruising with minimal discomfort for about a week. Skin sutures are typically removed after 7 to 10 days.
Double eyelid procedures are highly satisfying for men and women seeking a more dimensional eyelid appearance. During your examination, your surgeon will assess factors such as brow drooping or upper lid lowering (ptosis), which may affect your treatment plan. You may also discuss whether your aesthetic goals would be better achieved by lower eyelid surgery, which can address bags or bulges under the eyes.
Since this surgery requires artistry and extensive knowledge of anatomy, selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed this delicate operation often is essential. Looking at before-and-after photos of actual patients is another excellent way to determine if your prospective surgeon is capable of creating the right results. To see examples of the transformations I’ve created, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
For those interested in learning more about upper eyelid surgery in Pasadena, please contact us online or call (626) 219-2545 to request a personal consultation.
