Actress Amanda Bynes recently announced that she underwent blepharoplasty, a cosmetic procedure that removes excess eyelid skin to give the area a more open, drawn-out appearance. Those unfamiliar with the procedure may raise eyebrows at the star’s decision, but Bynes isn’t the only one pursuing “double eyelid” surgery.
As reported in the November 2023 issue of Fashion, blepharoplasty is incredibly popular. It is the second in demand plastic surgery after rhinoplasty (“nose job”). The procedure has been around for years and, according to some plastic surgeons, is here to stay.
“Blepharoplasty surgery has been around for many years. it’s one of those procedures that will always be around because of the anatomy of the eyelid,” he says Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS, a quadruple board certified plastic surgeon with Zuri Plastic Surgery in Miami. “As we age, the eyelid continues to droop and the only effective treatment is to remove the excess skin.”
He adds that he does about ten eyelid surgeries a month.
Dr. Zuriarrain recommends the surgery to patients who are unhappy with excess skin or sagging skin around their eyelids and who are at least 35 years old. Bynes is 37.
The Asian roots of blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty was invented in 1896 by Japanese doctor Kotaro Mikamo to address “Japanese women’s new concerns with physical attractiveness” during social transitions and early Westernization in Japan, according to an English translation of an article by Mikamo. By creating a more defined crease and open look to the eyes, the surgery has been seen as a way to manipulate a traditional Asian eye shape into a more Western look, according to Fashion.
Blepharoplasty also reduces the appearance of hooded eyes, Dr. Zuriarrain says.
Blepharoplasty vs botox
Some cosmetic facial procedures can be repeated with fillers or botox. However, Dr. Zuriarrain says there is no other non-surgical procedure that can remove skin from the eyelid as effectively as blepharoplasty.
That’s because, he explains, blepharoplasty isn’t just about reducing wrinkles and fine lines. it is also about skin removal, contouring and tightening.
Risks of blepharoplasty
The eye is an incredibly sensitive area of the face, so this procedure does not come without risks.
A poorly done blepharoplasty could affect a person’s ability to close their eyes and/or add complications to their vision. For these reasons, surgeons do not recommend the procedure to younger patients or those who already have stretched skin around their eyes.
“Complications can be significant if the lid can’t close properly,” explains Dr. Zuriarrain. (On the other hand, surgery could improve vision for someone whose eyelids are extremely loose, he adds.)
If you’re talking to a patient about an upcoming blepharoplasty—or helping them decide whether or not to go ahead—Dr. Zuriarrain recommends in-depth conversations combined with physical exams and referrals to an eye doctor. He adds that it is imperative that the patient see an ophthalmologist for an eye exam—with proper documentation—before undergoing surgery to assess skin redundancy, review their current eye health and vision, and discuss how these things can be affected by the process.
What does this mean for you?
Blepharoplasty, or double eyelid surgery, has been around since the late 1800s and is known for giving patients an open look. If you are talking to a patient who is interested in having this procedure, make sure they see an ophthalmologist first.
