In today’s beauty-conscious society, big, bright eyes are often considered a symbol of attractiveness. Many people desire to enhance the size and appearance of their eyes to achieve a more youthful and alluring look. While makeup can provide a temporary solution, plastic surgery offers more long – lasting results. Here are 5 plastic surgery procedures that can help make your eyes look bigger.
1. Double Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Procedure Basics
Double eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty in the medical field, is one of the most popular procedures for enhancing the eyes. The goal is to create a crease in the upper eyelid, which gives the illusion of larger eyes.
For those with monolids (no natural crease), the surgeon will carefully mark the desired position of the new crease. There are two main techniques: the incisional method and the suture method.
The incisional method involves making an incision along the marked line. The surgeon then removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper eyelid. After that, the incision is carefully stitched up, creating a natural – looking double eyelid. This method is suitable for people with thick eyelids, as it can effectively deal with the excess tissue.
The suture method, on the other hand, is less invasive. Small sutures are placed through the eyelid to create the crease. This method doesn’t involve removing tissue, so the recovery time is generally shorter. However, it may not be as effective for those with very thick eyelids or a lot of excess skin.
Recovery Process
After the surgery, the eyelids will be swollen and bruised. Cold compresses are often recommended in the first few days to reduce swelling. The swelling usually peaks within the first 2 – 3 days and gradually subsides over the next 1 – 2 weeks. Sutures are typically removed within 5 – 7 days.
It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions on eye care. This includes keeping the surgical area clean, applying prescribed eye drops, and avoiding strenuous activities that could increase blood pressure and swelling.
Who Is It Suitable For
Double eyelid surgery is ideal for people with monolids who want to add a crease to their eyes. It can also benefit those with droopy upper eyelids, as removing the excess skin can make the eyes look more open and larger. Asians, in particular, have a high prevalence of monolids, so this procedure is quite popular in Asian countries.
2. Epicanthoplasty (Inner Canthoplasty)
Procedure Basics
Epicanthoplasty, or inner canthoplasty, focuses on the inner corner of the eye. Many people have an epicanthal fold, which is a vertical fold of skin that covers the inner corner of the eye. This fold can make the eyes appear smaller and closer – set.
During the procedure, the surgeon will carefully remove or reshape the epicanthal fold. There are several techniques available, such as the Z – plasty, V – Y plasty, and Mustarde’s technique.
The Z – plasty involves creating two triangular flaps of skin at the inner corner of the eye. These flaps are then transposed and sutured together, effectively reducing the epicanthal fold. The V – Y plasty is another option, where a V – shaped incision is made at the inner corner, and the skin is pulled and sutured to form a Y – shape, opening up the inner corner.
Recovery Process
After epicanthoplasty, the inner corners of the eyes will be swollen and may have some bruising. The swelling usually starts to subside within a few days, but it may take a few weeks for the full results to become apparent. The sutures are usually removed within 7 – 10 days.
Patients are advised to keep the area clean and avoid rubbing the eyes. Applying antibiotic ointment as prescribed can help prevent infection.
Who Is It Suitable For
This procedure is especially beneficial for people with a prominent epicanthal fold. Asians are more likely to have this feature, so epicanthoplasty is often combined with double eyelid surgery for a more comprehensive eye – enhancing effect. It can also be helpful for those who want to improve the overall symmetry of their eyes.
3. Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)
Procedure Basics
Lower eyelid surgery is mainly aimed at addressing issues such as under – eye bags and excess skin that can make the eyes look tired and smaller.
There are two main approaches: the transcutaneous approach and the transconjunctival approach.
The transcutaneous approach involves making an incision just below the lash line. Through this incision, the surgeon can remove excess skin, fat, and muscle. This method is effective for treating both excess skin and fat. However, it may leave a small scar, although it is usually well – hidden.
The transconjunctival approach, on the other hand, is a more minimally invasive option. The incision is made inside the lower eyelid, so there is no visible scar. This method is mainly used to remove excess fat from the lower eyelid, without dealing with the excess skin.
Recovery Process
After lower eyelid surgery, the lower eyelids will be swollen and may have some bruising. Cold compresses are recommended in the first few days to reduce swelling. The swelling usually starts to improve within a week, but it may take a few weeks for the full results to be visible. Sutures, if any, are removed within 5 – 7 days.
Patients should avoid activities that can increase blood pressure, such as heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. Using eye drops as prescribed can help keep the eyes moist and prevent infection.
Who Is It Suitable For
Lower eyelid surgery is suitable for people with under – eye bags, whether caused by aging, genetics, or lifestyle factors. It can also benefit those with excess skin in the lower eyelid area, which can make the eyes look smaller and less vibrant.
4. Lateral Canthoplasty
Procedure Basics
Lateral canthoplasty focuses on the outer corner of the eye. The procedure aims to lift and widen the outer corner of the eye, creating a more almond – shaped and larger – looking eye.
During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision at the outer corner of the eye. The lateral canthus (the outer corner) is then repositioned and sutured to a higher and more outward position. This can involve cutting and reattaching the ligaments and tissues around the outer corner of the eye.
Recovery Process
After lateral canthoplasty, the outer corners of the eyes will be swollen and may have some bruising. The swelling usually peaks in the first 2 – 3 days and gradually subsides over the next 1 – 2 weeks. Sutures are removed within 7 – 10 days.
Patients need to be careful not to rub or pull on the outer corners of the eyes during the recovery period. Applying antibiotic ointment as directed can help prevent infection.
Who Is It Suitable For
This procedure is suitable for those who want to change the shape of their eyes to a more almond – shaped one. It can also be beneficial for people with droopy outer corners of the eyes, as it can lift and rejuvenate the area, making the eyes look more open and larger.
5. Brow Lift (Browplasty)
Procedure Basics
A brow lift, also known as browplasty, is not directly about the eyes but can have a significant impact on how the eyes appear. As we age, the eyebrows tend to droop, which can make the eyes look smaller and give a tired appearance.
There are several techniques for a brow lift, including the traditional forehead lift, endoscopic brow lift, and mini – brow lift.
The traditional forehead lift involves making a long incision across the scalp, usually starting from one ear to the other. The surgeon then lifts the forehead skin and underlying tissues, removing excess skin and tightening the muscles. This method provides a more comprehensive lift but has a longer recovery time and more visible scar.
The endoscopic brow lift is a more minimally invasive option. Small incisions are made in the scalp, and an endoscope (a small, lighted tube with a camera) is used to guide the surgeon. The surgeon can then lift the brow tissues and secure them in a higher position. This method has less scarring and a shorter recovery time.
The mini – brow lift is suitable for those with mild brow drooping. It involves making smaller incisions, usually at the temples or in the hairline, and lifting only the necessary tissues.
Recovery Process
After a brow lift, the forehead will be swollen and may have some bruising, which can also affect the upper eyelid area. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling. The swelling usually starts to subside within a few days, but it may take a few weeks for the full results to be visible. Sutures are removed within 7 – 10 days.
Patients should avoid activities that can increase blood pressure, such as bending over or heavy exercise. Wearing a headband or compression garment as directed can help with the recovery process.
Who Is It Suitable For
A brow lift is suitable for people with droopy eyebrows, especially those who have noticed a significant change in the position of their eyebrows due to aging. It can also benefit those who want to create a more open – eyed look, as lifting the eyebrows can make the eyes appear larger and more alert.
Conclusion
These five plastic surgery procedures offer different ways to make your eyes look bigger. However, it’s important to remember that any surgical procedure comes with risks. Before considering any of these surgeries, it’s crucial to have a detailed consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. The surgeon can assess your individual situation, discuss the potential risks and benefits, and help you make an informed decision about which procedure, if any, is right for you. Your safety and satisfaction should always be the top priorities when considering plastic surgery.
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