What is double eyelid surgery?
Double eyelid surgery is a specific type of upper eyelid surgery to create a crease in the eyelid in order to form a double eyelid.
Who are candidates for double eyelid surgery?
Candidates for double eyelid surgery do not have a visible crease in their upper eyelid and therefore the eyelid appears to touch the lash line. Often, patients are of East Asian origin and this is the most popular procedure in that region.
Some reasons for getting double eyelid surgery include:
- A permanent crease that can make your eyes appear larger
- Easier application of eye makeup
- Eyelids are interfering with your vision
- There is asymmetry of your eyelids
You will be evaluated by one of our surgeons to discuss if you are a candidate and surgical options.
How is double eyelid surgery performed?
There are two main ways to do double eyelid surgery – incision and non-incisional technique.
Incisional technique may be used if you have thick skin, need extra fat, muscle, or skin removed, and are looking for a more permanent result. This is often done under local, IV, or general anesthesia, depending on patient preference. The scar heals beautifully in the crease and is often imperceptible.
Non-incisional technique is essentially using buried sutures to create a crease. There is no external scar and the procedure is reversible. However, occasionally this technique does not achieve a permanent result.
What is the recovery from double eyelid surgery?
In general, your eyelids will be swollen for about 1-2 weeks. You will be instructed on incision care, using ice packs for the eyes, and using lubricating eye drops. Sutures for incisional technique are removed at 1 week. Sutures for non-incisional technique are absorbable and are not removed.
After the sutures are removed, the incision is expected to be pink in color for a few weeks to months, however, you can wear tinted sunscreen or make up over the scar. Additionally, you are started on silicone scar gel to improve the outcome of the scar until it is not visible.
What are the risks of double eyelid surgery?
With all eyelid surgical procedures, the risks of the surgery are infection, scarring, asymmetry, irritation from the sutures, and dry eye.
It is important to have a consultation with one of our board certified facial plastic surgeons to determine if you’re a candidate for double eyelid surgery and discuss your goals and expectations for surgery!
