I'm Hispanic women who has the characteristics of Asian eyes. Do you have to be Asian to have double fold surgery?

Question

Or can any ethnicity have this particular procedure perform?

Jeffrey B. Wise, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer is that you do not have to be technically Asian to undergo double eyelid surgery.  People of all different backgrounds may present as candidates.  Most importantly, the technique must be flawless, achieving a natural and symmetrical outcome....Best of luck!

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The approach to the asian double fold surgery is to preserve the upper eyelid fold volume which is critical for maintaining the appearance for this very important area.  Surgeons really do not appreciate the importance of the preserving the fold.  Some seem to think it is there job to remove as much of it as possible.  I personally evolved my techniques many years ago to concern the sub brow volume on all my eyelid patients.  For many hispanic individuals they also have a very important subrow fullness that needs to be preserved.  This means using techniques that are very similar to what we do for double fold surgery in Asians.  This means making a low crease.  Forming a hard crease with an anchor blepharoplasty and addressing any upper eyelid ptosis that might be present.  And yes, preserving the fullness of the upper eyelid.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. It doesn't matter what your ethnicity is, only the anatomy of the eyelid. There are multiple reasons why you may appear to have a single eyelid (no crease). These may be related to skin tightness or loosening of the muscle attachments (ptosis) in some cases. In others, more typical of the "Asian" eyelid, the placement of the fatty tissue in the eyelids creates a single curve, rather than a crease. Please visit with a board certified surgeon to discuss your options. Best of luck!

Stephen P. Smith, Jr., MD · Answer

The anatomy of the eyelids in a subset of the Asian population
demonstrates an absent or poorly defined supratarsal crease as well as fullness
of the upper eyelid. This appearance is caused by an anatomic difference in
where the levator muscle attaches to the eyelid.  While
this variant is more common in Asian ethnitcities, it is possible or it to
occur in people of any race. If you have this type of anatomy, then you may be a candidate for double eyelid surgery.  I recommend
that you see a board-certified facial plastic or oculoplastic surgeon for a
full assessment of your eyelids and to discuss therapeutic options that may be
available.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Ethnicity has little to do with being a candidate for double eyelid surgery. What matters is whether you have the specific anatomic problem that the operation is designed to correct. Lack of or a weak upper eyelid crease can occur in anyone although it is far more common in Asians.

Sam Goldberger, MD · Answer

The short answer is no, you do not need to be Asian to have double fold surgery.  In essence, double fold surgery is a techique to achieve a certain type of result in cosmetic eyelid surgery.  If you see an eyelid specialist, the surgeon should be able to help you achieve your desired result in the best way possible.  Your ethnicity does not matter.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can be done on any ethnicity with 'single eyes'... but you must see a local surgeon experienced in this who can evaluate your anatomy and come up with a suitable plan for you.  AND find out what revisions cost just in case you need one.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Creating a double fold can be accomplished in patients who are not Asian but have certain anatomical characteristics. Have your eyes evaluated by a board certified surgeon with expertise and experience in these procedures.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

To achieve the double upper eyelid fold, you do not need to be Asian.  Please consult with a board certified specialist who can assist you with achieving the results you seek.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Patients from many different ethnic groups around the world may have eyelids that would be cosmetically improved with "double fold" surgery.I would suggest you find a
plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally
a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you can find through Smart Beauty Guide. You should discuss your concerns with that
surgeon in person.Robert Singer, MD  FACSLa Jolla, California

I'm Hispanic women who has the characteristics of Asian eyes. Do you have to be Asian to have double fold surgery?

Answers (11)

More Eyelid Surgery Questions

If a doctor removes too much fat with upper bleph...will that fat grow again? What happens to the eye with age... skin droops?

My dissolvable sutures are GONE after 2 days. Will my wound dehiss? I had bilateral Blephroplasty.

I have huge, ugly under eye bags that exacerbate my already unattractive looks. Will surgery help me? (Photo)

Why is my right eye smaller than my left eye? Can this be caused by a serious problem?

I have drooping eyelid. Should I see a doctor and if so which? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS