Aesthetic eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty, is a procedure that improves the appearance of the eyes at any stage in life. The surgery involves removal of excess skin, muscle and sometimes fat from the area around your eyes. In the Oriental context, it often refers to the surgical creation of a lid crease or a ”double eyelid” in the upper eyelid. This allows the patient with monolids (lids without a crease or a very low crease) to acquire a desired “double eyelid”. In older patients, removing excess and saggy tissue can restore a youthful appearance to the eyes. The level of the double eyelid crease created can be decided on prior to surgery to achieve the desired outcome. Many myths and misconceptions about eyelid surgery may prevent one from undergoing this surgery. Here are some myths and misconceptions debunked.
Myth #1: Blepharoplasty is only done for vanity
This statement is false. There are two kinds of blepharoplasty– cosmetic and functional. Cosmetic blepharoplasty can help create double eyelids, opening the eyes and giving one a more attractive appearance. It also refers to surgery that reduces the saggy appearance of the aging eyelid in the older patient. Functional blepharoplasty, however, is generally performed on patients where the upper eyelid skin sags significantly to the point where part of the pupil is occluded. An oculoplastic surgeon is required to assess the degree of skin sagging and impact on vision before blepharoplasty can be termed a functional procedure. There are strict criteria that must be met for a surgical procedure to be considered as functional. Only then can it be covered by insurance or Medisave. Insurance and Medisave does not cover any form of cosmetic blepharoplasty eyelid surgery in Singapore.
Myth #2: Eyelid surgery causes scarring, which is very visible
Whilst every surgery carries the risk of scarring, eyelid surgery has some of the least scarring seen in any cosmetic surgery. So, although there is a scar, it is very often not clearly visible unless one looks closely. Typically, oculoplastic surgeons are trained and experienced, utilising techniques that effectively hide any incisions, such as in the eyelid’s natural crease. The eyelid skin is also very vascular, so they tend to heal fast and with low risk of infections which could otherwise lead to more obvious scars.
Myth #3: Double eyelid surgery makes you look more Western
One of the most popular misconceptions of double eyelid surgery is that it attempts to create a more Western look. Whilst many East Asians are born with no eyelid crease or monolids, there are also many others with a natural East Asian double eyelid. The Oriental double eyelid is distinctive from the Western eyelid and the purpose of double eyelid surgery is not to create the more “westernised” look but to create a double eyelid crease that is more suited to the East Asian facial features.
Myth #4: Double eyelid surgery is for women only
Another myth regarding eyelid surgery is that it is only for women since it enhances one’s beauty. However, cosmetic surgery can be a powerful tool that helps patients, both male and female, feel more confident. Men can also benefit from double eyelid surgery. In fact, many men have heavy, sagging upper lid skin and eyelid surgery to remove any excess tissues from the eyelid can not only expand the visual field but also improve one’s appearance and confidence.
Conclusion
Not all eyelid surgeries are the same– there are many differences between double eyelid surgery and procedures such as ptosis surgery. Double eyelid surgery often has a bad reputation as it is associated with vanity. However, there are functional reasons for considering blepharoplasty. If you have any eye-related issues and are interested in treatment options, consult an eye specialist doctor/ oculoplastic surgeon at Ava Eye Clinic for advice from a professional.