Effects in the upper face of far east Asians after Oriental blepharoplasty: a scientific perspective on why Oriental blepharoplasty is essential.

Background: Oriental blepharoplasty is the most frequently performed aesthetic surgery among far east Asians (i.e., Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese). Numerous studies on oriental blepharoplasty have been published, but only a few, if any, have reported on the measurable effects of such surgeries on the upper face. To scientifically evaluate the changes in the upper face of young Korean adults after oriental blepharoplasty, a periocular morphometry study was conducted.

Methods: A retrospective image analysis was used to identify the changes in the upper face after oriental blepharoplasty. Preoperative and postoperative digital facial images of 612 patients (598 women and 14 men) who underwent oriental blepharoplasty were examined. The height of the palpebral fissure (HPF), the distance between the highest point of the palpebral fissure of the upper eyelid and the eyebrow (DEE), and the distance between the eyebrow and the hairline (DEH) were measured to analyze the effects of oriental blepharoplasty in the upper face.

Results: After oriental blepharoplasty, the HPF and DEH increased in length by 11.8 and 4.9 %, respectively, and the DEE decreased in length by 14.0 %. Patients who originally did not possess double eyelids showed greater changes than those who originally did possess such eyelids. Such changes were characterized by a significant inverse correlation between the DEE and DEH. In addition, when postoperative changes were measured before and after 6 months, the palpebral fissure and forehead showed an even greater increase.

Conclusions: Oriental blepharoplasty can induce substantial changes in the proportions of the upper face. It can not only increase the size of the eyes, but also induce changes in eyebrow position resulting in a more refreshed appearance.