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Eye Procedures
- Aging Upper Eyelid Surgery
- Awake Blepharoplasty
- Asian Upper Blepharoplasty
- Double Eyelid Surgery
- Double Eyelid Surgery for Younger Patients
- Double Eyelid Surgery Ptosis Correction
- Epicanthoplasty
- Eyelid Crease Specifications
- Eyelid Lift Before & After
- Lateral Canthoplasty
- Lower Blepharoplasty
- Lower Eyelid Surgery
- Lower Eyelid Fat Removal
- Medial Epicanthoplasty
- Minimal Incision Technique
- Non-Surgical Ptosis Correction
- Non-Surgical Double Eyelid Surgery
- Suture Technique Double Eyelid
- Ptosis Repair
- Revision Double Eyelid Surgery
- Upper Eyelid Surgery
- Youthful Eyelid Surgery
Ideal candidates for the non-incision suture method are:
Home » Surgical » Eyelid Surgery » Double Eyelid Surgery
Conveniently located to serve Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco.
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.
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:
- Excess, droopy or saggy skin
- Mild to moderate to severe excess fat
- Prefers double eyelid fold
- Ptosis
- Significant asymmetry
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:
- 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
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:
- 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
Double Eyelid Shapes
The eyelids can have three major shapes and patterns:
Tapered Crease
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 Crease
The Eyelid crease has equal width and runs parallel along the entire eyelid. Outside fold with a bigger, more dramatic eyelid appearance.
Hybrid Crease
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.
Crease Design & Fold Options
Double eyelid surgery offers a range of crease shapes and heights that can be customized to suit your unique anatomy and preferences. Choosing the right crease type and fold height is essential for achieving a natural, harmonious look that enhances your overall appearance. Here’s a closer look at the options available:
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?
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:
- Have monolids or weakly defined creases
- Want a more contoured, balanced eyelid shape
- Experience excess skin or puffiness in the upper eyelid
- Have drooping eyelids (ptosis) that affect your vision
- Are in good health
Is Double Eyelid Surgery 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 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.
Benefits of Double Eyelid Surgery
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:
- No-Incision Suture Method: Minimal swelling and bruising, back to normal activities within a week
- Minimal Incision Tehcnique: Mild swelling, about 1–2 weeks of downtime
- Full incision: More swelling and bruising, full recovery in 2–3 weeks
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Medically 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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