Facial Plastic Surgery · Dr. Susan Tan, MD ABFPRS

Asian Blepharoplasty in Honolulu

Asian double eyelid surgery is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures worldwide — and one of the most technically nuanced. Dr. Susan Tan is double board-certified, understands Asian facial anatomy deeply, and is committed to results that enhance the eyes while fully respecting the patient’s natural aesthetic identity and heritage.

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ABFPRS Board Certified Fellowship-Trained · University of Toronto Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026 Only Female Facial Plastic Surgeon in Honolulu

A Specialist’s Perspective

Asian Blepharoplasty — Enhancing the Eyes While Honoring Your Identity

Asian blepharoplasty is not simply a variation on standard eyelid surgery. It is a distinctly different procedure — one that requires an in-depth understanding of Asian eyelid anatomy, the spectrum of crease presentations across different East Asian backgrounds, and a careful conversation about what the patient actually wants their result to look like.

Dr. Tan is among Honolulu’s foremost providers of Asian blepharoplasty — and as a woman of Asian heritage herself, she brings a particular depth of cultural understanding and aesthetic sensitivity to every consultation. Her goal is always a result that looks beautiful, natural, and entirely like you — not like someone else’s eyes.

Hawaii’s patient population includes a high proportion of patients of East Asian, Southeast Asian, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, and mixed heritage. Dr. Tan has worked with hundreds of patients from across this spectrum — understanding that the right result differs meaningfully across backgrounds, and that a single technique does not serve every patient.

What Asian Eyelid Surgery Corrects

Asian Blepharoplasty Corrects or Enhances These Eyelid Concerns

Reshapes the Eye-Area Skin

The delicate eyelid skin is sculpted precisely — creating a natural, defined crease that opens the eye and improves symmetry.

Corrects Single Eyelids

Creates a natural upper eyelid crease where none exists — the defining feature of the double eyelid procedure and the most commonly requested change.

Reduces Sagging Eyelids

Excess skin and fat that cause hooding, puffiness, or a tired appearance are addressed — restoring alertness and openness to the eye.

Eliminates a Tired or Hooded Look

The combination of a well-positioned crease and appropriate tissue management restores the eye’s natural expressiveness.

Improves Makeup Application

For patients who have struggled to apply eye makeup to their satisfaction, the added crease makes precision application possible.

Addresses Medical Eyelash Concerns

For some patients of East Asian descent, the upper eyelid folds inward — causing eyelashes to contact the cornea. Asian blepharoplasty can correct this structural issue.

Surgical Options

Asian Eyelid Surgical Procedure Types

The approach is determined by the patient’s eyelid anatomy, the degree of excess skin and fat, and the desired result. Dr. Tan discusses all options thoroughly at consultation.

Full Incision Method

A longer incision permits optimal improvement for patients with excess fat and skin in the upper eyelid. Provides the longest-lasting results and is appropriate when significant tissue needs to be addressed. A slightly visible scar forms along the new eyelid crease — most patients feel this is cosmetically acceptable, and it fades significantly over time.

Partial Incision Method

Less invasive than the full incision, with reduced scarring — appropriate for patients who need only excess fat removed rather than significant skin excision. The smaller incision provides a narrower entry point and works well for patients with less tissue to address.

No-Incision (Suture) Method

The least invasive approach — no incision is made. Instead, Dr. Tan creates several tiny holes through which sutures are passed to create an eyelid crease beneath the skin. No visible scar. Less swelling. Appropriate for patients with no significant excess fat or skin. Results may be less permanent than incisional methods.

Epicanthoplasty

Often combined with Asian blepharoplasty — epicanthoplasty alters or removes folds of skin at the inner corner of the eye. Lengthens the eye horizontally, makes eyes appear larger, and helps create the almond shape many patients desire. Dr. Tan works carefully to minimize scarring; the procedure typically takes approximately 30 minutes.

Candidacy

Am I a Good Candidate for Asian Blepharoplasty?

Each patient has unique eyes and unique concerns about them. Asian eyelid surgery can address a range of issues — excess tissue, puffiness, the absence of a natural crease, inward-folding lids that cause corneal contact, or simply the desire for a more symmetrical, open appearance.

Dr. Tan evaluates each patient individually — assessing eyelid anatomy, crease anatomy, skin quality, and the patient’s specific aesthetic goals. She will never apply a standard result to every patient. The right crease height, depth, and technique are determined by your specific anatomy and your desired outcome.

The procedure can be performed as an outpatient. Most patients recover within one to two weeks and find the recovery significantly more comfortable than expected.

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Asian Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline

Days 4–6 Return to Dr. Tan to have stitches removed (incisional). Keep head elevated

Week 1 Return to work (desk job) and nonstrenuous activities. Swelling present

Weeks 1–2 Resume driving. Swelling continuously improving

Weeks 2–4 Gradually resume strenuous physical activities as directed

Months 2–6 Final result visible as residual swelling and any scar redness fully resolve

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Frequently Asked Questions

Asian Blepharoplasty in Honolulu — Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens During Asian Eyelid Surgery?

Asian blepharoplasty can be performed with an incisional or non-incisional approach. An incision is needed if you have extra skin and fat in the upper eyelids. During the procedure, Dr. Tan modifies the eyelid’s underlying structure — adding a crease that creates a double eyelid. The goal is always a natural-looking, symmetrical result that enhances the eye without appearing operated on.

How Do I Get Ready for Double Eyelid Surgery?

Providing thorough patient information is a priority at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery. You will receive detailed instructions about what to do before your procedure. Plan to have someone pick you up and drive you home after surgery. If you have responsibilities around the date of surgery, arrange coverage in advance so you have the needed downtime.

What Is the Recovery Process Like After Asian Blepharoplasty?

For most patients, post-surgical discomfort is minimal. Swelling varies by person, how much fat and skin were addressed, and the size of the incisions. Days 4–6: return to Dr. Tan for suture removal if you had an incisional procedure. Week 1: return to desk work and light activities. Weeks 1–2: resume driving. Weeks 2–4: gradually resume strenuous activities. Final results are visible as swelling and any scar redness fully resolve over several months.

What Is an Epicanthoplasty?

An epicanthoplasty alters or removes the fold of skin at the inner corner of the eye — sometimes called the epicanthal fold or Mongolian fold — which can cover part of the inner eye and make the eyes appear closer together. Epicanthoplasty lengthens the eyes horizontally, makes eyes appear larger, and is often performed in combination with Asian blepharoplasty for the most complete result.

Where Can I Get Asian Eyelid Surgery in Honolulu?

Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery is located at 1150 S. King St., Suite 504, Honolulu, HI 96814 — easily accessible from anywhere in Oahu. Parking is available on Young Street at the Eleven50 parking structure. By appointment only. Call (808) 636-9084 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Tan.

Interested in Asian eyelid surgery in Honolulu?

Begin with a consultation — Dr. Tan will evaluate your eyelid anatomy, listen carefully to your goals, and recommend the approach that will produce the most natural, beautiful result for your eyes specifically.

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