Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

Hi, Dr Lam,
I have a question about asian eyelid surgery. I have "double' eyelids but those are folding inwards that when my eyes are wide open, the folds disappear, can surgery help correct them? I am not looking to make a bigger crease but just wanting them to be visible if that makes sense? Thank you!

yes. usually, what you are describing (but would have to confirm by seeing you) is what is known as a partial crease, i.e., a crease that occurs and disappears at various positions when your eye is open or closed. i treat that fold as a non-existent crease where my new crease will be secure and define a single more visible crease. at times, if you have existing 2 to 3 folds, the minor folds may be somewhat visible but the dominant fold is distinctly present. of course, i make the dominant fold low so i understand that you don't want a high crease for the surgically created fold. don't worry, i don't either.
best,
sml

Dr Lam,

I understand that achieving symmetry is not always possible in some cases when performing asian eyelid surgery. If the eyes are asymmetric in like 2-3 mm before, can doing the eyelid surgery make it close to symmetric....possibly 1 mm or less. I'm not looking for perfection in both eyes. Right now the asymmetry in my eyes are slightly noticeable. I'm afraid that doing the eyelid surgery would make the asymmetry in my eyes more noticeable. I was in Korea a couple of months ago and purchased some eyelid tape to see how my eyes will look like after the procedure. My husband pointed out that one eye looks much larger than the other when I put the tape on. Again I'm not looking for perfection just to where the difference in both eyes are not too noticeable. Is this possible to do?

interestingly, if you look at my before and after images, you will notice a decent # of patients who moved from asymmetry to less asymmetry. the reason that in almost every type of surgery i can't achieve symmetry but with double eyelid procedures i possibly can has to do with the anatomy. the reason for the asymmetry USUALLY has to do with the relative absence of a crease. usually the side that has a more defined crease has a higher eyelid opening. the reason is that the fat sinks lower in the eyelid when the crease is weaker or not well defined making the eyelid opening narrower. that is typically why you have an asymmetry. however, some people are just born with a weak muscle that can't be fixed. i would say that in pre-existing asymmetries, i typically improve over 80% of them.
best,
sml

Thanks again for your prompt reply. I look forward to seeing you soon. Take care for now.

Thanks again for your prompt reply. I look forward to seeing you soon. Take care for now.

my pleasure!