A long time, growing trend has been for people of Asian descent to seek out procedures that will make their features more angular, more westernized. These popular cosmetic treatments for Asian faces are sometimes referred to as ‘ethnic softening’—softening features Asians regard as overly ethnic while still preserving some ethnic facial traits. When looking at the beauty of the Asian face, it may not make sense; however, lightening skin and enhancing nose bridges are more popular than ever.
According to a survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2005 Asian-Americans had 437,000 cosmetic surgeries. In 2010, the number rose to 760,691— almost doubling in 5 years.
The most popular surgical procedure amongst the Asian populations is eyelid surgery. For those who seek larger, more open eyes, double eyelids are created and the Mongolian folds at the inner corner of the eyes are removed.
For those who are not ready for surgery, there are some doctors who perform a suture method on the eyelids for the appropriate patients.
What else can be done without ‘going under the knife?’
Nose bridge shaping
Many Asian people desire a more pronounced nose bridge and a thinner nose which they feel gives them a stronger profile and makes it easier to wear glasses. This is easily created by fillers made from hyaluronic acid, cross-linked into a gel and injected under the skin into the nose bridge area. The filler is easily moulded into the desired shape and remains pliable for a few days and can last up to a year or longer. The nose can also be elongated by injecting a small amount of filler into the tip.
(Results vary by individual patient and results cannot be guaranteed)
Face thinning
Also very popular is the thinning of the face by relaxing the muscles that affect the jawline. This is accomplished by injecting neuromodulators into those muscles. This stops communication between the muscles and their nerve receptors for 3-4 months without chewing or speaking.
(Results vary by individual patient and results cannot be guaranteed)
Chin enhancement
The chin is another area that Asian clients ask to enhance. Again, sturdy, thicker fillers naturally add volume and shape to a weak or flat chin. This treatment also helps turn a square face shape into a ‘V’ by elongating the tip of the chin.
Skin lightening
Asian skin is particularly prone to PIH, Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. Any form of skin irritation such as burns, scratches, bruises and sun damage can result in brown spots and patches which are difficult to get rid of. For some, the IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light can be effective. The IPL is based on sending light which converts into heat into the skin by a ‘stamping’ process which can sometimes result in a worsening of the pigmentation or creation of new pigmented areas. However, the Halo Laser with its revolutionary technology is preferred for reducing pigment on Asian skin when parameters are kept low. Because of the conservative settings, more treatments may be required but worth not having to risk further damage.
(Results vary by individual patient and results cannot be guaranteed)
The safest methods may be in skin lightening creams such as hydroquinone which can be purchased over the counter in Canada. On the natural side, ingredients such as kojic acid— a compound that comes from a fungus—and arbutin, a compound found in various plants can also be effective.
The most important tip for Asian skin is to protect it from further sun damage. SPF 30 and higher, used every day, along with hats and UV protection sunglasses are essential in hindering the formation of PIH and stopping the current sun damage from getting worse.
Although controversial, there is no denying that the current trend for Asian faces is ethnic softening and if that trend changes, using temporary products such as hyaluronic acid fillers and neuromodulators is the safest way to go!
Read more about Asian face shaping and skin treatments offered by Anti-Aging Medical and Laser Clinic.
