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Double eyelid surgery (also known as Asian blepharoplasty or Asian eyelid surgery) is one of the most common procedures we perform at WAVE in our various Southern California locations throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco. Patients of all ages and ethnic backgrounds may be good candidates for traditional upper eyelid surgery, but each patient’s technique and approach will differ. 

If you’re considering double eyelid surgery, it is essential to schedule a consultation. Our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in Asian single-eyelid and double-eyelid surgery and can help determine the best surgical plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Before and After Photos

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 images showcase the transformative effects of eyelid surgery and can help you set realistic expectations for your results.

Client Testimonials

What Is Double Eyelid Surgery?

Double eyelid surgery, also called Asian blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that creates a natural-looking eyelid crease for those with monolids or poorly defined folds. For many, this procedure enhances the way their eyes look—making them appear larger, brighter, and more expressive—while still preserving their unique features.

Some people are born with a naturally well-defined crease, while others don’t. If you’ve ever used eyelid tape or glue to create a temporary fold, you might be looking for a longer-lasting solution. That’s where double eyelid surgery comes in.

At Wave Plastic Surgery, our expert surgeons specialize in precise, natural results that enhance rather than change your features. Whether you’re looking for a subtle fold or a more defined crease, we customize the procedure to suit your unique eyelid anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Techniques For Double Eyelid Surgery

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to double eyelid surgery. That’s why we offer three different techniques, each tailored to different needs.

Three main surgical techniques are used to create the double eyelid fold. Asian eyelid surgery is extremely specific and customized due to the inherent differences in anatomy, personal goals, and preferences.

When choosing the most appropriate method, individual characteristics of the eyelids, such as the amount of excess skin, heaviness of the eyelids, asymmetry, ptosis, eye shape, as well as the type of double eyelid desired must be considered. During your consultation, we’ll help you choose the best method based on your eyelid anatomy, desired outcomes, and recovery preferences.

1. Full Incision Method

For this method, a full incision is made along the upper eyelid to create the desired crease. Excess fat, muscle, subcutaneous tissue, and skin are removed. Fat resection should be conservative to avoid hollowing or sunken-in appearance. Fixation sutures are placed to connect the tarsus and levator muscle to the dermis of the skin, creating a natural, defined upper eyelid crease. Very fine sutures are then used to close the incisions meticulously.

If your eyelids feel heavy or you’ve noticed sagging over time, a full incision technique can refresh your appearance while giving you a well-defined crease. Since this method removes excess tissue, the results are long-lasting, making it an excellent option for those seeking a more permanent transformation.

Ideal candidates for the full incision method have:

2. Minimal Incision Method

Think of this as a middle ground between full incisional surgery and the suture method. Instead of making a full-length cut, our experienced surgeons make two or three small incisions along the new crease line. This allows for the removal or repositioning of fat, but with less disruption to the surrounding tissue.

Ideal candidates for the minimal incision method have:

3. 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:

Our Design Philosophy: Creating Your Perfect Double Eyelid

At Wave Plastic Surgery, we believe that creating beautiful double eyelids requires both scientific precision and artistic vision. What sets our approach apart is our deep understanding that there’s no universal “ideal” double eyelid – what looks stunning on one person may not complement another’s unique facial structure.

Our design philosophy centers on individualization. During your consultation, we’ll ask you to bring photos of eyes you find attractive. These images become an invaluable starting point – not because we’ll replicate them exactly, but because they reveal your aesthetic preferences and help us understand your vision. We use these photos as a roadmap, then carefully adapt your preferences to work harmoniously with your specific anatomy, eye spacing, and facial proportions.

Three Critical Design Elements

Every beautiful double eyelid result depends on three fundamental design decisions. Our surgeons carefully evaluate each element during your consultation to create a surgical plan that enhances your natural beauty while achieving your aesthetic goals.

Fold Starting Position Analysis

The starting position of your double eyelid fold dramatically influences your overall appearance and determines whether your enhancement looks natural or dramatic.

Precise Size Measurement Approach

The starting position of your double eyelid fold dramatically influences your overall appearance and determines whether your enhancement looks natural or dramatic.

Shape Selection for Natural Contours

The shape of your double eyelid contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic result and must complement your natural eye contours and facial structure.

Double Eyelid Fold Starting Position Options

We offer three distinct approaches for where your double eyelid fold begins, each creating different aesthetic effects depending on your facial anatomy and desired outcome.

Tapered

Eyelid crease nasally tapered and converges inside the medial canthus, runs parallel along the central portion, then flares out laterally. Natural, inside fold crease, more conservative eyelid appearance.

Parallel

The Eyelid crease has equal width and runs parallel along the entire eyelid. Outside fold with a bigger, more dramatic eyelid appearance.

Hybrid

This combines the tapered and parallel crease. The inner corner consists of a thin parallel eyelid that gradually widens toward the outer corner. Outside fold with an almond-shaped, natural eyelid appearance.

Parallel Double Eyelid Style

The parallel approach begins outside the inner corner of your eye, creating a more dramatic enhancement that significantly opens up the eye area.

How it works: The fold begins outside the inner corner of your eye, creating maximum eye-opening effect.

  • Makes eyes appear longer and bigger
  • Excellent for those who wear makeup as it truly accentuates the eyes
  • May appear too dramatic for conservative preferences or those with naturally longer eyes

Tapered Double Eyelid Style

The tapered style starts inside the inner corner, offering a more conservative approach that provides subtle enhancement while maintaining a completely natural appearance.

How it works: The fold starts inside the inner corner for understated enhancement.

  • Creates a more conservative, natural appearance
  • Ideal for patients seeking minimal change
  • May not adequately accentuate eye length for those with shorter eyes

Hybrid Double Eyelid Style

This approach combines elements of both styles, starting right at the inner corner to offer the perfect balance between natural appearance and eye enhancement.

How it works: Starts right at the inner corner, blending both approaches.

  • Perfect balance between natural appearance and eye enhancement
  • Often considered the ideal “happy medium”
  • Suitable for patients wanting noticeable yet natural-looking results

Double Eyelid Size Measurement Options

We work closely with you to determine the ideal size that complements your facial features and meets your aesthetic preferences. The final appearance isn’t determined solely by where we make the incision – the depth of the fold and the strength of your eye-opening muscle also significantly influence prominence.

Conservative Double Eyelid Size (6-7mm)

Perfect for patients seeking subtle enhancement, conservative sizing provides natural-looking results that gently define the eyelid without dramatic change.

Measurement: 6-7 millimeters from the lash line

  • Ideal for those wanting minimal enhancement
  • Maintains existing eye proportions
  • Perfect for conservative aesthetic preferences

Average Double Eyelid Size (7-8mm)

The most commonly requested size range, average sizing provides noticeable enhancement while maintaining natural proportions for most facial structures.

Measurement: 7-8 millimeters from the lash line

  • Most popular choice among patients
  • Provides clear definition without appearing overdone
  • Works well with most facial anatomies and aesthetic goals

Dramatic Double Eyelid Size (8mm+)

For patients seeking significant transformation, dramatic sizing creates bold, defined eyelids that make a striking aesthetic statement.

Measurement: Greater than 8 millimeters from the lash line

  • Creates the most noticeable change in eye appearance
  • Ideal for patients wanting maximum eyelid definition
  • Requires careful evaluation of facial anatomy and proportions

This is precisely why we keep patients somewhat awake during surgery – so you can open your eyes and we can see exactly how they’ll look in real life.

Double Eyelid Shape Selection Options

We carefully consider which shape will best complement your natural eye contours and facial structure to achieve the most flattering outcome. The best choice depends on your individual anatomy, including how close your eyes are together and your overall face width.

Circular Double Eyelid Shape

The circular shape maintains even thickness throughout the entire eye, creating consistent definition from inner to outer corner.

Characteristics: Even fold thickness across the entire eyelid

  • Creates consistent, defined look
  • Provides uniform enhancement across the entire eyelid
  • Ideal for patients seeking balanced, symmetrical results

Almond Double Eyelid Shape

The almond shape is slightly smaller toward the inner corner and gradually becomes larger toward the outer corner, mimicking natural eye contours.

Characteristics: Gradually increasing thickness from inner to outer corner

  • Often appears more natural and helps open up the outer corner
  • Creates a fresher appearance
  • Preferred by many patients seeking subtle enhancement

What looks beautiful on one person may not be the ideal choice for another, which is why our consultation process is so crucial in determining your optimal design.

The Wave Advantage: Awake Surgery for Optimal Results

One of the most significant advantages of choosing Wave Plastic Surgery for your double eyelid surgery is our sophisticated approach to anesthesia and real-time surgical assessment. Unlike practices that perform this surgery under general anesthesia, we use IV sedation with local anesthesia – keeping you somewhat awake during the procedure for a crucial reason.

Why We Keep You Awake During Surgery

This isn’t about convenience or cost savings – it’s about achieving the most precise, symmetrical results possible. During your surgery, we periodically ask you to open and close your eyes, allowing us to make real-time assessments that simply cannot be accomplished when patients are fully unconscious.

Real-Time Symmetry Verification

By having you open your eyes during surgery, we can immediately check for perfect symmetry between both eyes, making micro-adjustments as needed to ensure balanced results.

Live Function Testing

We can verify that your eye-opening function is optimal and that any muscle corrections (particularly important for ptosis patients) are working exactly as intended.

Dynamic Assessment Capabilities

Static assessment of closed eyelids doesn’t show how your eyes will actually appear when you’re awake and alert. Our approach allows us to see your eyes in their natural, functional state during the procedure.

Immediate Surgical Corrections

If any asymmetry or technical issues are detected during these real-time checks, we can address them immediately rather than discovering them only during recovery.

Patient Comfort and Safety During Surgery

Despite remaining somewhat awake, patients report being very comfortable throughout the procedure. The IV sedation keeps you relaxed and pain-free, while the local anesthesia ensures you feel no discomfort during the surgery itself.

You’ll be conscious enough to respond to our requests to open and close your eyes, but relaxed enough that most patients have little memory of the procedure details. This technique requires significant surgical expertise and experience, as the surgeon must work with precision while managing the dynamic nature of an awake patient.

Our surgeons have performed thousands of these procedures using this technique, making them uniquely qualified to deliver exceptional results through this sophisticated approach. The surgery typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, and this real-time assessment capability is one of the key reasons our double eyelid surgery results consistently achieve the natural, symmetrical outcomes our patients desire.

Understanding and Correcting Ptosis in Double Eyelid Surgery

Ptosis, commonly called “lazy eyes,” is a condition that exists in most Asian patients, though many people are completely unaware they have it. Understanding and properly addressing ptosis is absolutely crucial for achieving optimal results from double eyelid surgery, yet it’s often overlooked by less experienced practitioners.

What is Ptosis and How It Affects Your Eyes

Ptosis occurs when the levator muscle – the muscle responsible for voluntarily opening and closing your eyes – is weaker than normal. This weakness prevents your eyelids from opening fully, creating a tired or sleepy appearance even when you’re completely alert and well-rested.

Many patients seek double eyelid surgery thinking they only need a crease created or excess skin removed. However, if underlying ptosis isn’t identified and addressed, the results may still leave you looking tired or aged, despite having a beautiful new double eyelid crease. Even after successful double eyelid creation, untreated ptosis creates several aesthetic concerns:

  • Persistent tired appearance regardless of how rested you feel
  • Eyes that appear smaller or less open than their potential
  • Unintentional “lazy” or sleepy expression
  • Continued aged appearance that may make you look older

Expected Results After Comprehensive Treatment at Wave

When ptosis correction is combined with double eyelid creation, patients experience the most dramatic and satisfying transformation. The strengthened levator muscle allows for complete, natural eye opening, while ptosis correction eliminates the tired or sleepy look, creating eyes that appear naturally alert and well-rested. Both eyes open equally after correction, creating balanced facial harmony.

The combination of excess skin management, double eyelid creation, and ptosis correction creates the most complete improvement for patients seeking optimal eye enhancement, addressing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of eyelid concerns.

Who is a Good Candidate for Double Eyelid Surgery?

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:

asian double eyelid before and after
Asian Double Eyelid surgery results on a real WAVE Patient. See more on our Before & After gallery!

Benefits of Double Eyelid Surgery

Double eyelid surgery offers several advantages beyond simply enhancing the appearance of the eyes. This procedure provides aesthetic, functional, and long-lasting benefits, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to improve how their eyes look and feel. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Brighter, More Defined Eyes

A well-placed eyelid crease makes the eyes look larger and more open, reducing the appearance of puffiness or heaviness. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference in how awake and refreshed you look.

2. Tailored to Your Features

At Wave Plastic Surgery, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Your double eyelid crease will be designed specifically for you, taking into account your natural eye shape, skin thickness, and facial balance. The result? A crease that looks completely natural, as if you were born with it.

3. Minimal Downtime, Long-Lasting Results

Whether you opt for the suture method with its quick recovery time or the full incision technique for permanent results, our advanced surgical methods ensure smooth healing and natural-looking outcomes.

The Double Eyelid Surgery Procedure

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 can expect:

Step 1: Consultation & Planning

During your consultation, we take the time to understand what you want to achieve. Our surgeons will examine your eyelids, discuss your desired crease height and shape, and recommend the best technique to create natural, balanced results.

Step 2: The Procedure

Double eyelid surgery typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the method used. We use local anesthesia with light sedation, ensuring that you remain comfortable throughout the process.

Step 3: Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery time varies depending on the technique, but in general:

Recovery and Results

After double eyelid surgery, it’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising in the first few days. These effects gradually subside as your eyelids heal. If stitches were used, they are typically removed within 7 to 10 days. While you’ll notice an improvement immediately, it takes about 1 to 3 months for the final results to fully settle as the eyelid crease becomes more defined and natural-looking.

At Wave Plastic Surgery, we schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure your recovery is on track. Our team can answer questions and guide the healing process so you feel confident and comfortable at every step.

Complementary Eyelid Procedures for Enhanced Results

The double eyelid surgical procedure is often combined with complementary procedures to achieve the patient’s desired eye shape and size. The inner and outer portions of the eye can be targeted to create a larger, more vibrant look.

1. 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.

Medial Epicanthoplasty Asian Blepharoplasty in Los Angeles
Medial Epicanthoplasty Asian Blepharoplasty in Los Angeles
Medial Epicanthoplasty Asian Blepharoplasty in Los Angeles

2. 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.

Lateral Canthoplasty Asian Blepharoplasty in Los Angeles
Lateral Canthoplasty Asian Blepharoplasty in Los Angeles
Lateral Canthoplasty Asian Blepharoplasty in Los Angeles

3. Ptosis Correction

For individuals with drooping eyelids (ptosis), a ptosis correction procedure can help lift the upper eyelid to improve both vision and appearance. This procedure is often recommended for patients whose eyelids partially cover their pupils, making their eyes look tired or asymmetrical. Ptosis correction can create a more alert, refreshed look by strengthening the levator muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid.

4. Lateral Canthoplasty

If you want to make your eyes appear larger and more elongated, lateral canthoplasty can reshape and extend the outer corners of the eyes. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those who feel their eyes look too short or rounded, as it helps to create a more balanced and proportionate shape. Lateral canthoplasty is often paired with double eyelid surgery for a subtle yet impactful enhancement.

5. Brow Lift

A brow lift can elevate sagging eyebrows and reduce heaviness around the eyes, creating a more open and youthful expression. This is an excellent option for patients whose brows have started to droop with age or those who want a smoother, more lifted appearance in the upper face. Combined with double eyelid surgery, a brow lift can provide a brighter, more rejuvenated look.

6. Fat Grafting

Fat grafting can restore lost volume for a softer, more youthful appearance for patients with hollow or sunken areas around the eyes. This procedure involves transferring a small amount of fat from another body area—such as the thighs or abdomen—and carefully injecting it into the eyelid or brow area. Fat grafting can help create a smoother transition between the eyelid and brow, enhancing double eyelid surgery results.

Our surgeons will assess your features during your consultation and discuss whether additional procedures might complement your double eyelid surgery. Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique goals, ensuring your results look natural and harmonious with your overall facial structure.

International Asian Eyelid Surgery Expertise

At Wave Plastic Surgery, patients seeking expert double eyelid surgery find world-class expertise without traveling overseas. Our surgical team combines international experience with American board certification and safety standards.

Dr. Peter Lee, CEO and Chief Surgeon, brings unique international experience as an Advanced ENDOTINE Bioskills surgeon educator and trainer who has mentored and trained master surgeons in South Korea, China and other Asian countries. His bilingual capabilities (English and Korean) and deep understanding of Asian aesthetic preferences make him uniquely qualified to deliver refined double eyelid results.

Dr. Ben Lee adds additional expertise with his extensive training in advanced eyelid techniques and body contouring procedures. Together, the surgical team at Wave provides comprehensive double eyelid surgery using advanced techniques refined through years of international experience.

This combination of international surgical experience, advanced American training, and board certification allows Wave to deliver the natural, refined double eyelid results that patients seek – all while maintaining the highest safety standards and providing comprehensive aftercare support in multiple convenient California locations.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re considering double eyelid surgery, we’re here to help. Our expert surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery specialize in Asian eyelid surgery techniques that create natural, beautiful results tailored to your unique facial features.

We serve patients from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco, offering personalized consultations to help you make the best decision.

Call us today or book your appointment online to take the first step toward brighter, more defined eyes.

Our Double Eyelid Specialists

Plastic Surgeon Peter Lee

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.

Plastic Surgeon Ben Lee

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

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.

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Ben Lee

M.D., F.A.C.S.

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.

Learn More About Dr. Ben Lee

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