Asian Double Eyelid
Surgery
Globally Renowned Anti-Aging Experts
Double Eyelid Surgery in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Francisco
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Before and After Patient Gallery
Visit our before and after patient gallery and our transformation gallery to view real patient results from eyelid procedures performed at Wave Plastic Surgery. These blepharoplasty before and after photos showcase the transformative effects of eyelid surgery with our surgeons and can help you set realistic expectations for your results.
What Is Double Eyelid Surgery?
Double eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to create a defined crease, or “double fold,” in the upper eyelid. By connecting the eyelid skin to underlying tissue, this surgery enhances the appearance of the eyes, creating a more open, bright look. For many, it can also reduce droopy skin, which can sometimes obscure the natural contour of the eye and bring an overall sense of balance to the face.
This surgery is highly individualized, as each person’s eye anatomy is unique. Our approach considers essential factors like skin thickness, muscle tone, eye shape, and personal preferences to create a crease that looks natural and harmonious with the rest of your features. With careful planning and attention to detail, double eyelid surgery enhances your natural appearance, helping you achieve a refreshed, confident look that aligns with your aesthetic goals.
Learn More: What Is Double Eyelid Surgery?
How Does Asian Double Eyelid Surgery Work?
The goal of this specialized upper Blepharoplasty procedure is not to make the eyes appear more youthful, but to accentuate the eyes by giving them a wider, more open appearance.
This procedure is performed by making a discrete incision along the upper lid and manipulating the eyelid skin and underlying tissues to form the eyelid crease. Your Asian double eyelid surgery can be safely done under IV sedation with local anesthesia to help make you remain comfortable, but also awake enough to cooperate during your surgery to determine the desired outcome of the upper eyelid fold. This is the best way for our plastic surgeons to make sure that the shape and size of your eyes remain symmetrical.
Double Eyelid Surgery Methods
No Incision Suture Method
At Wave Plastic Surgery, a unique incisional technique called threading is used to create the double eyelid crease. These plastic surgery double eyelid procedures take approximately one hour and can be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation.
Through tiny punctures made along the eyelid skin, the permanent suture is continuously meticulously threaded and anchored to the tarsus to create the double eyelid crease.
The results are long-lasting, natural-appearing eyelid folds that make the eyes appear bigger, brighter, and more inviting. A full incision is unnecessary since skin or muscle is not removed.
The amount of swelling and bruising is minimal, leading to quicker recovery.
Ideal candidates for the non-incision suture method are:
- Younger adults in their teens and twenties
- Those who prefer a natural appearing upper eyelid crease
- Thin upper eyelid skin with minimal fat
- Loose eyelid skin from eyelid tape, glue, false lashes
- Existing weak double eyelid
- Minimal or no ptosis
- Individuals who want to avoid full incisional scar
- Desires quicker recovery time
Minimal Incision Method
Ideal candidates for the minimal incision method have:
- Thicker upper eyelid skin
- Mild to moderate loose skin
- Mild to moderate excess fat
- Existing weak double eyelid
- Minimal or no ptosis
- Want to avoid full incisional scar
Full Incision Method
Ideal candidates for the full incision suture method have:
- Excess, droopy or saggy skin
- Mild to moderate to severe excess fat
- Prefers double eyelid fold
- Ptosis
- Significant asymmetry
Crease Design & Fold Options
Crease Types
Selecting the right crease shape can significantly impact the look and feel of your double eyelid. While Asian eyelid surgery is highly customized, three primary crease types provide different enhancement styles:
- Infold: The infold crease is a subtle, understated fold closer to the lash line. It is prevalent among younger patients who prefer a natural look that adds a soft definition to the eye without being overly prominent. This crease type provides a gentle enhancement that aligns with the natural contour of the eyelid, making it a versatile choice for those who want a refined change.
- In-Out Fold: The in-out fold is a balanced option that begins at the inner corner of the eye, blending smoothly into the eyelid. This crease type is ideal for individuals looking for a natural, seamless fold that complements the natural anatomy of the eye. The in-out fold creates a smooth transition, making the eyes appear larger and more open, without altering the natural eye shape.
- Outfold: The outfold crease sits higher on the eyelid, creating a more pronounced and defined look. It begins above the inner corner of the eye and maintains a consistent height along the eyelid, providing a lifted and dramatic appearance. The outfold is ideal for those who desire a bolder look with enhanced eye shape definition, adding a distinct, attractive contour to the eyes.
Fold Heights
The eyelid fold height is another essential factor in double eyelid surgery. Fold height influences the degree of enhancement and affects how the eyes appear within the overall facial structure. Here are three commonly seen fold height options suited to various aesthetic preferences and anatomical needs:
- Low Fold: A low fold sits closer to the lash line, offering a subtle, natural enhancement. This height is ideal for patients seeking a soft, barely-there crease that aligns with their natural eye shape. It provides a gentle definition and is especially suitable for individuals who prefer a more delicate change or have smaller or less prominent eye muscles.
- Medium Fold: The medium fold height is a balanced option that sits slightly above the lash line, providing a defined yet natural result. This height is versatile and often suits a variety of eye shapes and sizes, making it an ideal choice for those who want a noticeable yet harmonious enhancement. The medium fold creates a clear crease without overpowering the eye’s natural features, blending seamlessly with the rest of the face.
- High Fold: The high fold height creates a more dramatic, lifted appearance and is often chosen by individuals with stronger eye muscles or a more prominent eye structure. This crease height sits higher on the eyelid, giving the eyes a larger, more expressive look. The high fold is an excellent option for patients seeking a bold, well-defined crease that enhances their eye shape and draws attention to the eyes.
Personalized Crease Design
At Wave Plastic Surgery, our surgeons carefully assess each patient’s unique eye shape, skin thickness, muscle tone, and desired aesthetic to help determine the ideal crease type and fold height.
Customizing the crease design to your facial structure, we ensure a balanced, natural result that enhances your natural beauty. We aim to create a double eyelid that complements your features, bringing out the best in your overall appearance.
Who is a Good Candidate for Double Eyelid Surgery?
Double eyelid surgery can be a transformative procedure for the right candidate. Ideal candidates are men and women in good health, with realistic expectations, moderate skin elasticity, and a desire to enhance the natural beauty of their eyes. This procedure can particularly benefit individuals who meet the following criteria:
1. “Monolid” or Lack of a Natural Eyelid Crease
Many patients seeking double eyelid surgery have what is known as a “monolid,” or an eyelid without a defined crease. The surgery creates a crease that adds dimension and brightness to the eyes, enhancing their expressiveness and creating a more open appearance.
2. Desire for a Brighter, More Open Eye Appearance
Double eyelid surgery can help create a larger, more defined eye shape that brings attention to the eyes and makes the entire face appear more alert and vibrant. For those looking to add definition and brightness to their eye area, this procedure can offer a subtle yet noticeable transformation.
3. Drooping Eyelid Skin that Impedes Vision
For some individuals, excess eyelid skin can begin to droop over the eyes, partially blocking their field of view and causing discomfort. Double eyelid surgery removes this excess skin, potentially improving vision and enhancing overall comfort by making it easier to open the eyes fully.
4. Seeking a Harmonious, Natural Look
Double eyelid surgery is ideal for individuals who want a refined, natural look that respects their unique facial features. The procedure enhances eye appearance to complement other facial characteristics, ensuring that the result is harmonious and balanced within the overall facial structure.
If you’re considering double eyelid surgery, our team at Wave Plastic Surgery will work with you to assess your needs and determine if this procedure is right for you. With expert guidance and personalized treatment, you can achieve beautiful, lasting results that enhance your eyes’ look and function.
Benefits of Double Eyelid Surgery
1. Aesthetic Balance
Double eyelid surgery significantly enhances facial harmony by creating a defined crease that makes the eyes appear larger, brighter, and more youthful.
By carefully designing the crease to suit the eye’s natural shape, the procedure brings symmetry and balance to the face. This improvement enhances eye appearance and contributes to an overall youthful, refreshed look, boosting self-confidence and personal aesthetics.
2. Improved Functionality
In addition to its cosmetic benefits, double eyelid surgery can improve eyelid function for individuals with droopy or heavy eyelids. When excess skin is removed, patients often experience greater ease in opening their eyes and may notice improved vision if the drooping skin previously obstructed their field of view.
This functional benefit can be especially valuable for individuals who have experienced discomfort or reduced vision due to their eyelid structure.
3. Personalized, Long-Lasting Results
Each double eyelid surgery is customized to align with the patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. This level of personalization ensures natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with the face.
Careful technique and attention to individual features result in beautiful, natural, and long-lasting outcomes. The crease maintains its definition over time, offering enduring enhancements without appearing artificial or overly done.
Complementary Eyelid Procedures
The Asian double eyelid surgical procedure is often combined with complementary procedures to achieve the eye shape and size that the patient desires. The inner and outer portion of the eye can be targeted to create a larger, more vibrant look.
Medial Epicanthoplasty
This procedure focuses on the corner of the eye near the nose. By shaping and contouring the inner corner of the eyes, a Medial Epicanthoplasty makes the eyes look longer and more almond-shaped. It is often paired with Asian Blepharoplasty to give the eyes a rounder, clearer appearance.
Lateral Canthoplasty
A Lateral Canthoplasty is a lower eyelid procedure that focuses on the outer corners of the eyes. This procedure opens up the outside corners of the eyes to make them look bigger and longer. When incisions for double eyelid surgery are paired with a Canthoplasty, the combination helps augment the shape and angle of the eyes.
Preparing for Your Double Eyelid Surgery
A successful double eyelid surgery begins with careful preparation. Following your surgeon’s guidelines and taking specific steps in the days and weeks leading up to your procedure can help ensure a smooth surgical experience and optimal results. Here’s what you should do to prepare:
1. Avoid Certain Medications and Supplements
Some medications, supplements, and over-the-counter products can affect healing or increase the risk of bleeding. In the weeks before surgery, it’s essential to stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, certain herbal supplements, and Vitamin E. Consult with your surgeon to understand which medications should be paused, and follow their instructions closely.
2. Arrange for Assistance
Double eyelid surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you will be able to go home the same day. However, you’ll need someone to drive you home and ideally stay with you for the first 24 hours. Having a trusted friend or family member nearby can ensure you’re comfortable and safe during the initial recovery period.
3. Set Up a Rest Area at Home
Before your surgery, prepare a comfortable, quiet space to rest undisturbed. Ensure you have any prescribed medications, water, tissues, a cold compress, and entertainment (like books or a TV remote) within easy reach. Minimizing movement during early recovery can help reduce swelling and aid healing, so having everything accessible is essential.
4. Prepare for a Relaxing Pre-Surgery Morning
Give yourself ample time to get ready and arrive at your appointment without stress on the day of surgery. Shower, wear loose, comfortable clothing, and avoid makeup or skincare products. This simple preparation can help you feel calm and focused on the positive outcome of your procedure.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovering from double eyelid surgery involves a brief period of rest and care. While recovery time can vary depending on the technique used, most patients can expect a few weeks of gradual healing, with final results becoming visible over a few months. Here’s a general recovery timeline:
Days 1–5
Swelling and mild discomfort typically peak within the first few days after surgery. A cold compress intermittently during the first 48 hours can help manage swelling. Depending on the method used, any stitches may be removed within this time frame.
Weeks 1–2
Months 1–3
Over the next few months, the final results of your double eyelid surgery will become increasingly visible as the crease settles naturally and the skin fully heals. Patients often report that by the end of the third month, the crease has taken on its final shape, looking balanced, natural, and well-suited to their facial features.
Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions closely is crucial for achieving the best results. Keep the eye area clean, use any prescribed ointments or eye drops as directed, and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. Taking these steps can help ensure a smooth recovery and a beautiful outcome.
Expected Results
Patients who undergo double eyelid surgery at Wave Plastic Surgery can expect balanced and natural results. The newly created eyelid crease enhances the overall appearance of the eyes, creating a brighter, more open look that complements your unique facial features. With our personalized approach, each crease is designed to suit your anatomy, ensuring that the results are in harmony with the rest of your face.
Double eyelid surgery provides lasting results, with the crease typically maintaining its shape and position over time. Your results will look beautiful for years with proper care and attention to aftercare guidelines. Many patients report increased confidence and satisfaction with their enhanced eye appearance, knowing that the outcome aligns perfectly with their aesthetic goals.
How Much Does Double Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of double eyelid surgery varies widely due to the range of techniques available and each patient’s specific needs. This type of surgery can be performed using different methods, each impacting the price based on complexity, duration, and enhancements needed.
For example, a straightforward non-incision suture method typically costs less because it is less invasive, involves minimal downtime, and can often be completed within a shorter time frame. This technique suits individuals with thinner eyelid skin and those seeking a subtle, natural-looking crease.
However, the cost will likely be higher for patients requiring the incision method, which involves removing excess skin, muscle, or fat to create a defined eyelid crease. This approach benefits individuals with thicker eyelid skin, prominent eyelid muscle, or those seeking more significant eye enhancement. The incision method provides lasting results and a crease that blends seamlessly with the natural contours of the eye, though it requires a slightly more extended recovery period.
Additional procedures, such as epicanthoplasty or eyelid ptosis correction, can further influence the cost. Epicanthoplasty, which modifies the inner corner of the eye, is often combined with double eyelid surgery to create a more prominent, open-eye appearance. In cases where patients have ptosis or weakened eyelid muscles, a simultaneous ptosis correction can make the eyes appear more alert and wider. Adding these procedures can increase the overall cost but often leads to a more comprehensive and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Why Investing in an Experienced Surgeon Matters
Double eyelid surgery is a highly specialized procedure requiring an advanced understanding of eyelid anatomy and surgical skills. Selecting a surgeon with extensive experience in Asian blepharoplasty and eyelid procedures is essential for achieving the best results. A skilled surgeon can help you avoid complications, achieve a natural-looking outcome, and provide a crease that maintains its appearance over time.
While investing in a qualified, experienced surgeon may result in a higher upfront cost, the lasting, high-quality results often make it worthwhile.
Personalized Pricing and Financing Options At Wave
At Wave Plastic Surgery, cost should not stand in the way of feeling your best. We offer flexible financing options through trusted partners to make double eyelid surgery and other treatments accessible to more patients. With financing plans extending up to 24 months at 0% APR, you can choose a payment schedule that fits comfortably within your budget.
Visit our financing and specials pages to learn more about payment options and monthly offers.
Is Blepharoplasty right For You?
Asian double eyelid surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty, is the most popular of all facial cosmetic surgeries performed on Asian patients. There are several aspects of upper eyelid surgery for younger patients to consider when determining suitability. Some of these determining factors include:
- The pretarsal show, which is the same size as the supratarsal show, should not be greater than 3mm – anything larger than this size can cause the upper eyelid to appear heavy or puffy.
- The supratarsal and epicanthal fold should be crisp but not too deep. Surgery, in this case, may result in an unnatural appearance.
- The fat resection should be very conservative. Over-resection of fat can lead to a sunken-in look of the upper lid.
- The outer edge of the fold should taper off gradually and not turn downward abruptly.
- In people with mild ptosis, the plication of the levator muscle can open the eyes more.
Our Asian Upper Eyelid Specialists
Peter Lee
M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Peter is CEO and Chief Surgeon of WAVE Plastic Surgery Center with over 20 years of plastic surgery experience, overlooking 30K+ successful plastic surgery cases. He has mentored master surgeons around the world in state-of-the-art techniques, and has been inducted into the RealSelf 100 & 500 Hall of Fame.
His many accolades and first-hand results are evidence of Peter’s expertise.
Ben Lee
M.D., F.A.C.S.
Throughout 20+ years in aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Ben Lee has always been passionate about using his skills to impart a lasting, positive impact on the lives of his patients.
“Time and time again, I have witnessed dramatic improvements in a patient’s confidence and well-being after a relatively minor cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. As a surgeon, that brings me great joy.” — Dr. Ben Lee
Denise Wong
M.D., F.A.C.S.
With a focus on Upper Eyelid Surgery, Dr. Wong has a deep understanding of the unique anatomy of the eyelid which is critical in performing this highly technical and intricate surgery. She is experienced in approaching various specific eyelid characteristics for different ethnicities, especially Asian cultures.
She uses precise microplastic surgical techniques to enhance the natural shape and inherent beauty of your eyes, making them appear bigger and brighter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
Asian Blepharoplasty is the medical term for a type of eyelid surgery designed to create a crease above the ‘monolid’ that some people with East Asian ancestry have. Asian Blepharoplasty is considered an Upper Eyelid Surgery, but it can be paired with Lower Eyelid Surgery to augment further the size and shape of a person’s eyes.
Surgery on double eyelids is also known as East Asian Blepharoplasty. It is the most popular plastic surgery procedure for patients with Asian ancestry. Double Eyelid Surgery is a delicate procedure that reshapes the skin around the eye. It is usually performed to create or augment a crease, or fold, above the eye.
The eyelid surgery is ambulatory, so patients return home the day of the operation. After 7 to 10 days, the sutures are removed, and any swelling will quickly subside. The swelling usually dissipates completely 2 weeks after the Blepharoplasty. Patients typically return to work a week after the surgery.
The double eyelid surgery cost varies depending on the method and doctor. The average cost for eyelid surgery, or Blepharoplasty, is around $4,000 for upper eyelid surgery and $5,000 for lower eyelid surgery. Most Plastic Surgeons will bundle upper and lower eyelid surgery for a discounted price.
Eyelid surgery typically begins with local anesthesia to numb the area, along with light intravenous sedation. Patients remain awake, but stay comfortable and do not experience any pain during the procedure. After any surgical procedure, some discomfort can be expected. All patients are provided with prescriptions for pain medication. Patients typically have very mild discomfort after their eyelid procedures.
Eyelid skin is the thinnest skin on the body. As such, it heals more quickly than any other skin on the body. The incisions made during an Eye Lift procedure are made along the eye’s natural creases. These incisions will heal quickly and be almost invisible and are typically only visible when the eyes are closed.
Blepharoplasty is a relatively quick and non-invasive cosmetic procedure. A plastic surgeon can perform the upper eyelid surgery in an hour and the lower eyelid surgery in another hour.
Yes, if you have double eyelids but are not satisfied with their appearance, you can still have this procedure done. Eyelid Surgery can be used to enhance and rejuvenate the appearance of your eyes. Excess skin can be removed and reshaped to give the appearance of larger, more vibrant eyes.
If you’re searching for ‘double eyelid surgery near me ,’ Wave Plastic Surgery’s convenient locations in Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, and San Francisco make it an accessible choice for many patients.
Double eyelid cosmetic surgery, in general , does not affect vision . However, in some cases, patients with severely sagging or drooping eyelids (also called ptosis) may notice their vision improve after the surgery, as the excess skin that obstructed their field of vision is removed.
Give us a call today to schedule your Eyelid Surgery consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery.
Medcially Reviewed By Dr. Ben Lee
Proudly using his creativity to help patients regain a sense of wholeness and confidence, Dr. Ben Lee takes a very patient-centered approach to care.
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