What Is Double Eyelid Surgery?

For many people of Asian descent, the upper eyelid has no visible fold, often described as a single eyelid or monolid. Some prefer a defined crease, while others have a crease on one eyelid but not the other. Double eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure that creates a natural crease in the upper eyelid for individuals who do not have one.

What Is Double Eyelid Surgery?

In eyelids with a crease, fine attachments link the skin to the muscle that lifts the eyelid, so the skin folds when the eye opens. Where these attachments are absent or weak, no fold forms. Double eyelid surgery creates this attachment.

It may be considered for:

• Single Eyelids – No visible crease.
• Uneven Creases – A crease on just one eyelid, or creases of different shapes.
• Excess Skin or Fat – Extra upper eyelid skin or fat can often be removed in the same procedure.

Common Techniques

There are two main approaches.

• Incisional Technique – An incision is made along the planned crease. Excess skin or fat is removed if needed, and sutures attach the skin to the deeper tissue to form the crease. The crease tends to last longer. A shorter, partial incision may be used when there is excess fat but little excess skin.
• Non-Incisional (Suture) Technique – Sutures are placed through small openings and buried under the skin. No skin is removed. It may suit eyelids without excess skin. Recovery is usually quicker, but the crease may loosen over time.

The technique depends on skin thickness, the amount of excess skin and fat, the strength of the eyelid-lifting muscle and the crease you would like. We discuss the options with you at consultation.

The Procedure and Recovery

Double eyelid surgery is usually performed as a day procedure under local anaesthesia. Swelling, bruising and mild discomfort are common in the first few days. They generally improve within one to two weeks but can take several weeks to settle fully. Stitches from the incisional technique are usually removed within a week.

The eyelids may look uneven while healing. Aftercare may include cold compresses, keeping the head elevated, prescribed eye drops and protective eyewear. Contact lenses are usually avoided for the first few weeks.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include bleeding, infection and dry or irritated eyes. The two creases may differ slightly, and with the suture technique the crease may fade over time.

Outcomes vary between individuals. We assess your eyelids, medical history and eye health at consultation and discuss these risks with you.

Personalised Care at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery

Our practice is led by Dr Ong Wei Chen, a Ministry of Health (MOH)-accredited plastic surgeon with over 20 years of clinical experience, based at Gleneagles Medical Centre. We see both adult and paediatric patients, and consultation and treatment planning are individualised.

Fees are communicated and estimated costs are provided before treatment. E-filing, Medisave claims, and application for insurance coverage are offered.

Contact Us for a Consultation

To learn more about double eyelid surgery or a plastic surgery eyelid lift, contact WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery to arrange a consultation.