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. 2015 Aug;29(3):135-44.
doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1556847.

The Evolution of Looks and Expectations of Asian Eyelid and Eye Appearance

Abdulla Fakhro  1 , Hyung Woo Yim  2 , Yong Kyu Kim  2 , Anh H Nguyen  1
Affiliations

The Evolution of Looks and Expectations of Asian Eyelid and Eye Appearance

Abdulla Fakhro et al. Semin Plast Surg. 2015 Aug.

Abstract

Since Mikamo developed the double blepharoplasty technique at the end of the 19th century, there has been significant developments in the idealized periorbital appearance of the Asian patient. Currently there are four potential vectors of change possible (upper, lower, medial, and lateral). South Korea is the only country that most often utilizes the change in all four vectors. There is additionally a stark contrast between Asia-based and Western-based approach to the Asian eyes. In Asia, outside of South Korea, many surgeries employ a combined vertical upward vector and a medial directional change, particularly for the young eyes. In Western-based approaches, Asian blepharoplasty remains at this time primarily an open incision, upward vector change.

Keywords: Asian blepharoplasty; Mongolian fold; aegyo-sal love band; double eyelid surgery; epicanthus; lateral canthoplasty; medial epicanthoplasty.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Shin Yun-bok's 18th-century painting “Portrait of a Beauty.”
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
(A) Korean actress, Shinhye Hwang―1987 photograph. (B) Idealized Asian eye shape and features.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
(A) Current concept of a bigger, brighter, more beautiful Asian eye. (B) Contemporary idealized Asian eye with medially tapered crease.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Undesirable look, with a dull, sleepy, small appearance.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Medial epicanthoplasty and subclinical ptosis correction through an Asian blepharoplasty.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Sagittal-section schema of the lowering the lower eyelid procedure. (A) Subciliary skin (anterior lamella) is removed. (B) Posterior lamella shortening is performed by suturing the lower eyelid retractors to the inferior edge of the tarsal plate. (C) The lower eyelid margin is inferiorly repositioned by shortening the anterior and posterior lamella.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Step-by-step anterior views of the lowering the lower eyelid procedure. (A) Preoperative design for skin removal. (B) The anterior lamella (eyelid skin) was removed. (C) The palpebral conjunctiva was incised and dissected inferiorly. (D) A 5–0 polydioxanone suture was passed through the lower eyelid retractor. (E) The polydioxanone suture was then passed through the inferior edge of the tarsus as well. (F) The posterior lamella was shortened by tying the suture. (G) Three tucking stitches were placed. (H) The subciliary skin defect was finally closed with 7–0 black nylon.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Before and after of lower eyelid lowering procedure. The white arrows indicate area of lowering. Note the larger vertical dimension of the postoperative palpebral fissure.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Schema of lateral canthoplasty procedure.
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
(A, B) Patients with lateral canthoplasty. (Left) Preoperative. (Right) Postoperative.
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
Lower eyelid love band (aegyo-sal), in this case accentuated with acellular dermal matrix.
Fig. 12
Fig. 12
(A, B) Patients who underwent a lower eyelid accentuation procedure, aegyo-sal. (Left) Preoperative. (Right) Postoperative.
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References

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