What is Asian double eyelid surgery?
Many Asian individuals are born without a visible eyelid crease (called a “single eyelid”) or have a crease that is low, uneven, or poorly defined. Asian double eyelid surgery, also known as cosmetic Asian blepharoplasty, is a procedure that creates or enhances an eyelid crease to form a natural-looking “double eyelid.”
This is a cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing appearance while respecting Asian eyelid anatomy.
Why do people choose this surgery?
Patients may consider double eyelid surgery if they want to:
- Make the eyes look larger, brighter, or more defined
- Improve eyelid symmetry between both eyes
- Have a more visible area for makeup application
- Create a natural-looking crease that suits their facial features
Surgical methods
There are several techniques depending on eyelid anatomy and goals:
- Incisional method
- Involves making a small cut along the planned crease.
- Excess skin, fat, or muscle may be removed.
- Stitches create a permanent crease.
- Best for patients with thick skin, significant fat, or excess eyelid skin.
- Non-incisional (suture) method
- Stitches are placed without skin incision.
- No visible scar, faster recovery.
- Works well for patients with thinner skin and little extra fat.
- Crease may fade over time.
- Sub-brow method
- A strip of skin is removed just beneath the eyebrow.
- Lifts the eyelid skin upward, creating a lighter and more youthful upper lid.
- Useful for patients with low, heavy brows or loose skin but who want to keep a natural-appearing crease.
- Scar is hidden just under the eyebrow.
- Suitable for those who have moderate amount of brow hair or previous brow tattoos.
Your oculoplastic surgeon will recommend the most suitable method based on your eyelid structure, brow position, and desired look.
Recovery after surgery
- Swelling and bruising last 1–2 weeks.
- Stitches (if any) are removed around 5–7 days.
- Most patients resume work or school in about 1 week.
- Final crease appearance becomes clear after swelling subsides, usually within 1–3 months.
Risks and considerations
Possible risks include:
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or asymmetry
- Infection or bleeding (rare)
- Crease too high, too low, or uneven
- Crease fading (especially in non-incisional method)
- Small visible scar with sub-brow method (usually heals well)
- Need for revision in some cases
Summary
Asian double eyelid surgery offers multiple approaches — incisional, non-incisional, and sub-brow — to create or enhance the eyelid crease. With careful planning, the procedure can make the eyes appear more open, balanced, and naturally defined. An experienced oculoplastic surgeon can help design the crease and select the method that best fits your anatomy and goals.
