Double eyelid surgery—also known as Asian blepharoplasty—has gained significant popularity among men across East and Southeast Asia. Once primarily sought by women, this cosmetic procedure has become part of a broader trend of male aesthetic enhancement, influenced by evolving ideals around masculinity, the global rise of K-pop and Korean beauty culture, and competitive pressures in professional and social spheres.
However, while the medical and cosmetic surgery industries emphasize this upward trend, a growing countermovement is gaining traction—one that questions the need for surgery and embraces monolids as a mark of identity, authenticity, and pride. This blog explores both sides of the conversation and offers a balanced look at what men should consider before undergoing eyelid surgery.
What Is Double Eyelid Surgery?
Double eyelid surgery involves creating a visible crease in the upper eyelid, a feature naturally present in many but not all individuals of East Asian descent. This crease is often associated with eyes that appear larger, more open, and more symmetrical. For Asian men seeking this procedure, the goals typically include:
- Looking more alert or rested
- Achieving better facial symmetry
- Enhancing personal or professional appearance
- Increasing confidence in social settings
Surgeons usually design the crease to be lower and more subtle in male patients, preserving masculine facial proportions and avoiding feminization. Unlike Western blepharoplasty, the emphasis in Asian double eyelid surgery is often on refinement, not transformation.
Why More Asian Men Are Choosing Blepharoplasty
Several factors are driving the rise in double eyelid surgery for Asian men:
- Modern Beauty Standards
K-pop idols, actors, and influencers across South Korea, China, and Japan often embody a polished look that includes defined eyelids. These standards are widely promoted in media and advertising, setting the tone for what is considered “attractive” or “professional.”
- Career and Social Pressures
In countries where physical appearance is tied to job interviews, media visibility, and even dating prospects, some men feel pressure to “upgrade” their appearance through surgery. This phenomenon—often referred to as lookism—creates a culture where cosmetic conformity is rewarded.
- Acceptance of Male Cosmetic Procedures
As male grooming becomes more normalized, men are increasingly open to procedures once considered taboo. For many, double eyelid surgery is seen as a routine self-enhancement, similar to orthodontics or skincare.
Monolid Pride: Embracing Natural Features
While the demand for eyelid surgery grows, so does a vocal countercurrent—particularly among younger generations and diaspora communities. Many Asian men are reclaiming monolids as a powerful symbol of cultural identity and self-acceptance.
✳️ Hashtag Movements and Representation
Social media campaigns like #monolidpride on TikTok and Instagram challenge the notion that double eyelids are inherently superior. Creators share photos, videos, and messages celebrating natural eyelid shapes, pushing back against Western-centric beauty standards.
✳️ Rejection of Surgical Pressure
For these men, keeping their monolids is a form of resistance against the idea that all eyes must conform to a singular standard of beauty. It’s a way to say: “I don’t need to change my face to be handsome, professional, or proud of my heritage.”
Cosmetic Surgery and Masculinity in Asian Cultures
Cosmetic surgery among men remains a culturally sensitive issue in many Asian societies. While younger generations may view surgery as part of normal grooming, older and more traditional perspectives often associate it with:
- Vanity
- Loss of masculine stoicism
- Overconformity to superficial ideals
This divide creates tension for many men—especially those caught between wanting to improve their appearance and fearing social judgment.
Class Pressure, Lookism, and the Cost of Conformity
In highly competitive environments like South Korea, China, and parts of Southeast Asia, appearance can influence everything from employment to romantic prospects. Critics argue that double eyelid surgery is less about personal choice and more about complying with systemic pressure.
This has sparked a broader critique of lookism—the bias that privileges people who fit narrow, often surgically enhanced, beauty standards. In this light, some view double eyelid surgery not as empowerment, but as submission to discriminatory norms.
When Surgery Regret Sets In: Voices of Caution
Not everyone who undergoes eyelid surgery is satisfied. On forums like Reddit, Xiaohongshu, and YouTube, former patients share stories of regret. Their concerns include:
- Unnatural or asymmetrical results
- Scarring or complications
- Emotional detachment from their post-surgery appearance
- A sense of cultural loss or disconnection
These stories highlight the importance of informed decision-making. Some men who had the procedure in their youth later realized that their natural features were meaningful to them—culturally, emotionally, and personally.
Key Takeaways for Men Considering Double Eyelid Surgery
Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to weigh both the aesthetic goals and the cultural implications:
- Know your motivation: Are you making the choice for yourself—or because of external pressure?
- Consider permanence: Blepharoplasty changes your face permanently. Be sure you’re ready for that change.
- Explore alternatives: Non-surgical eyelid tape or makeup can simulate the crease without commitment.
- Find the right surgeon: Choose someone with experience in male Asian blepharoplasty to avoid feminization or exaggerated results.
Conclusion: Between Confidence and Cultural Integrity
The rising popularity of double eyelid surgery among Asian men is undeniable—but so is the growing resistance. For every man who sees the double fold as a path to greater confidence, there is another who sees his monolids as a symbol of cultural pride and self-definition.
The conversation is no longer about whether the double eyelid is better. It’s about how each individual defines their identity—and how they want to present themselves to the world.
At the intersection of beauty, culture, and masculinity lies an opportunity: to support choices that are intentional, informed, and aligned with personal values.
📞 Considering Eyelid Surgery or Do You Need Eyelid Surgery Corrected? Dr. Steinsapir is Here to Help.
Whether you’re exploring double eyelid surgery, seeking ways to embrace your natural look, or suffering as a result of an untoward surgical outcome, Dr. Steinsapir offers personalized consultations in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board-certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician or surgeon and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.