Lidlift Kenneth D. Steinsapir, M.D.
Cosmetic, Facial & Eye Plastic Surgery

“Double eyelid” is applied to describe Asian eyelids where there is a defined upper eyelid fold above the eyelashes with and exposed eyelid platform.  There is great variation in eyelids and not every eyelid has a double fold.  The fold is created by a crease at the top of the eyelid platform under the fold.  This crease represents a defined attachment between the eyelid skin and the tendon that raises the upper eyelid.  The Double fold creates definition in the upper eyelid and it is generally considered desirable in both men and women.  For women, the defined platform also creates a protected place to apply make up and further beautify the eyes.

Asian Double Eyelid Surgery Before and After

Will Asian Double Eyelid Surgery “Westernize” My Eyes?

Double eyelid surgery is not about westernizing the eyes, which is a common mischaracterization.  Both the double eyelid and its absence are common in Asian people.  Some people who don’t have a double eyelid wish to obtain one, but they worry that this means they have to “westernize” their appearance.  This is not an accurate depiction although this was how the surgery was characterized in the past and is sometimes described in articles where the writer does not understand the purpose of the surgery.  Double fold surgery aims to create a natural appearance by creating a well defined upper eyelid fold.  This is accomplished by creating a low crease and removing a small amount of skin, while leaving the rest of the eye’s natural appearance intact.  Unfortunately, there are practioners who make the crease too high and take too much skin and this type of poorly designed surgery can harm the appearance.   The key is to go to an very experienced eyelid surgeon who has thoroughly mastered the procedure and understands what needs to be accomplished.  The goal is the conservation of normal eyelid structure while providing complementary eyelid definition in accordance with what you desire your eyes to look like.

Creating a Double Fold

There are two basic ways to create a double fold.  Suture methods are common in Asian countries and utilize temporary stitches to that make an upper crease.  The threads always eventually fail, which means that they are not the best option for those seeking permanent.
In double eyelid surgery, the doctor removes some tissue to form a defined crease in the eyelid at the top of the eyelid platform.  It is a critical goal of the surgery to maintain the essential Asian character of the upper eyelid while at the same time adding an eyelid crease to form a defined upper eyelid fold.

Many of these surgeries can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.  Recovery is about 10 days before all bruising and most noticeable swelling has resolved.  Most stitches are removed at 1 week for most individuals three tiny stitches are left at the crease for about 3 weeks to help make a permanent crease.  By about 10 days after surgery most people will not be aware that you just had surgery.

What If My Eyes Are Small?

An eye’s size is usually measured by how much of the white area, otherwise known as the sclera, can be seen.  Eyes that appear small may be the result of upper eyelid ptosis, or “droopy” lids, or they may mean you have deep set eyes.  Depending on your condition, the surgical approach will vary.  Often the double eyelid surgery makes the eyes appear larger by adding definition and naturally framing the eye with aesthetic contours.   As always, the best approach is a flexible one that relies on a careful physical examination and weighing the options to choose the best method.  There is no standard surgery or procedure for small eyes – surgery must always be adapted to the individual circumstances.

What about My Other Asian Eyelid Concerns?

If you are worried about other issues including asymmetry or a tired look, these are again best addressed on an individual basis.  All aesthetic reconstructive eyelid surgeries must be tailored and adapted for the unique characteristics of your eyelid.  For this reason, it’s best to find a doctor who specializes in eyelid treatment and who has helped people with widely varying eyelids obtain the best possible results.  There are certainly procedures besides the double eyelid surgery that may be right for you and a doctor who understands the anatomy and variations in Asian eyes will be able to help.

Taking the First Step

Now that you know a bit more about double eyelid surgery and Asian eyelid surgery, call for a consultation rather than try to make sense of all the information and misinformation on the internet.  Remember, a consultation does not obligate you to go through with any procedure, and it will give you an excellent opportunity to seek personalized advice from an experienced professional.  As a specialist, Dr. Steinsapir has extensive experience with oculoplastic surgery and has helped many people obtain their desired results.  Contact us today for an individualized approach that will help you realize your personal goals.