Double Eyelid Surgery Guide

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If you're considering getting double eyelid surgery, this article will help you understand crucial things you'll have in mind before the procedure. Remember that there is more than one eyelid surgery, so be sure to inform yourself about the correct one. The most important thing is to find a doctor you trust who is experienced in performing double eyelid surgery.

Keep reading if you're just curious about the double eyelid surgery or are already seriously considering it, as we'll share valuable information, from understanding the different types of eyelids to learning what the procedure involves. Find out everything about monolids and double eyelids to make the right decision about your eye appearance!

Short Summary

What Is a Double Eyelid Surgery?

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Double eyelid surgery is performed to turn monolid into double eyelids. It is rarely a health-related eyelid procedure but more a cosmetic one. It refers to changing the fold in the upper eyelid between your lashes and your eyebrow. Such a double eyelid fold procedure aims to create a bigger gap between the upper and lower eyelids, making your eyes seem more expansive and creating a crease in the upper lid.

You might have heard about the double eyelid surgery but under another name. Many people call it Asian eyelid surgery or Asian double eyelid surgery. It is a kind of blepharoplasty, but you shouldn't be completely mistaken for it as there are key differences that you need to be aware of.

When it comes to reasons for choosing a double eyelid surgery, these are among the most common ones:

When talking about a double eyelid surgery, a single eyelid will be changed to a double-fold eyelid. The excess skin and fat are taken from the upper eyelid to do the double eyelid procedure. Also, the new eyelid crease will be formed by doing a tiny muscle strip. The scars will not be visible to others as they will be hidden in the new fold created in this cosmetic surgery.

Double Eyelid Vs Monolid

The important thing to remember when discussing double eyelid blepharoplasty is that the procedure is cosmetic. In the same way, the difference between these two eyelid types is also purely cosmetic. Both eyelids will not affect your vision or eye health.

The main reason for getting a so-called Asian blepharoplasty procedure is that the person prefers double eyelids over monolids. That said, sometimes patients will seek to correct certain structural issues, whether it's an inward-growing eyelid surgery or a droopy eyelid. Another less common reason is that monolids cause eye irritation, so the person prefers a double eyelid surgery incision to solve this problem.

Double Eyelid Surgery Types

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If you're determined to get Asian eyelid surgery, you will need to decide between the three techniques for this surgical procedure. The doctor who will perform the incision double eyelid surgery needs to make this decision. Your preferences and needs will be the two main factors when deciding.

1. No Incision Double Eyelid Surgery

Because no incisions are needed, this is the least invasive method of doing double eyelid surgery. It could be a decent alternative for people who don't have any excess skin or excess fat. To create an eyelid crease, the surgeon makes tiny holes in the eyelid and inserts permanent sutures through them. This one is the most "reversible" of all the procedures. The drawback is that the wrinkle can eventually come undone.

2. Partial Incision Double Eyelid Surgery

Similar steps are taken with the partial incision surgery, but the surgeon makes the incision as tiny as possible to reduce the size of the visible scar. The partial incision double eyelid surgery can be the best option for individuals who require the removal of excess skin, but not excess fat, from the eyelid.

3. Full Incision Double Eyelid Surgery

During this cosmetic procedure, the surgeon creates a complete incision along most of the newly formed eyelid crease to hold the eyelid in place while it heals. Removable sutures create the eyelid crease and form an upper lid. Patients who require the removal of excess skin and excess fat from the upper eyelid can benefit from this aesthetic surgery. A faint scar could run the whole length of the eyelid crease due to the suture method.

Preparation Tips for a Double Eyelid Surgery

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First, you'll schedule a consultation with your oculoplastic surgeon to review your medical background, the reason for the procedure, and other matters.

Not only will your visual acuity be measured, but your eye health will also need to be checked before the upper eyelids procedure to see if you're a good candidate. The choice to have double eyelid surgery is mainly based on the structure of the eye, and measurements are taken of each eye's size, levator muscle, and skin folds from every aspect.

Your doctor might order you to stop taking taking certain pharmaceuticals, including aspirin or coumadin, before your procedure. Your doctor could also inquire about the usage of naproxen and ibuprofen. Additionally, you should avoid sun exposure and smoking before and after your aesthetic procedure. Your physician will give you detailed preparation instructions.

You should anticipate fasting the day before your outpatient operation. Make travel arrangements because you'll be returning home and probably require a driver due to the sedation. Don't wear jewelry, contact lenses, makeup, or nail paint; instead, wear loose, comfy clothes that you can easily change out of. Remember to bring your insurance information and ID.

Double Eyelid Tape Vs. Double Eyelid Surgery

Double eyelid tape is a unique type that may be applied to the eyelid to simulate having two eyelids without having the double eyelid surgery. Some people use double eyelid glue instead of double eyelid tape.

If you're uncomfortable with the potential complications of double eyelid surgery or want to see what you may look like with double eyelids, it's a good idea to try double eyelid tape or adhesive. However, there are drawbacks to utilizing these products from the standpoint of eye health. Over time, the eyelid skin may thicken or stretch due to double eyelid tape.

Some individuals utilize double eyelid makeup techniques to produce the illusion of an eyelid crease instead of double eyelid tape, glue, or surgery. If you have any concerns about your eyelids that are causing discomfort or vision problems, or if you are considering having double eyelid surgery, speak with your eye doctor before any surgical planning.

Benefits of Double Eyelid Surgery

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There are numerous benefits for someone interested in getting a double eyelid surgery or Asian eyelid surgery. If you've always fancied yourself with the double eyelid crease but were born with monolids, this eyelid surgery might be your only permanent solution.

Appropriate Age for a Double Eyelid Surgery

Patients may benefit most at particular stages of their life, even though there is no precise cut-off age on either end of the range. On the younger end, it's usually recommended to put off getting upper eyelid surgery until you're around 18 years old. That makes it more likely that your body will remain developed and not experience any changes affecting the eye's appearance.

People who are in good general health can continue to enjoy these benefits at a later age. The doctor may modify specific treatment components to address any extra cosmetic issues you may have. However, those who are 18 years of age or older might still benefit from the Asian double eyelid surgery.

Conclusion

Double eyelid surgery is a highly popular technique among people of Asian descent, but it is growing in popularity in other parts of the world where people wish to alter the shape and look of their monolid eyes. It is frequently referred to as Asian blepharoplasty. Also, it's becoming a more common cosmetic operation for those with double eyelids who want to seem younger or for medical reasons, such as getting rid of eye irritation or improving the field of vision.

Remember that not everyone is a good candidate for a double eyelid fold surgery. Consult your medical professionals to determine if double eyelid surgery suits you. One thing is for sure: your eye appearance will change with this procedure, so it's essential to be sure of your decision. Ask any questions before and inform yourself from the sources and people you trust. Also, read forums that discuss patients' experiences with double eyelid surgery to know what you can expect.

Once you're sure that you want to change the appearance of your eyelids, find an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in this area and schedule a consultation to eliminate any concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Upper Eyelid Surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery, also known as Asian eyelid surgery, creates a double eyelid fold on monolids by taking away excess skin and excess fat to create a new eyelid crease. That makes your eyes seem wider, but it also improves vision and eliminates eye irritation, which could affect you each time you wear contact lenses.

What Is the Difference Between Single and Double Eyelids?

The difference between the double eyelids and single eyelids is in the crease or fold. That divides the upper eyelid, which is not possible with monolids. Whether it's with a small incision or no incision at all, the double eyelid fold will be created with the eyelid fold procedure on an eyelid that previously didn't have a crease.

How Risky Is Double Eyelid Surgery?

As with any surgery, double eyelid fold surgery also has certain risks, especially the local anesthetic risks. However, if you follow your doctor's instructions and ensure that the doctor has enough experience with double eyelid fold surgeries, you will be fine. Not only that, you can expect to either have a minimum visible scar or no scar at all, depending on the suture method.

How Painful Is Double Eyelid Surgery?

Due to the local anesthetic effect, you will probably not feel anything during the incisional method that aims to create a crease on your monoids. However, minimal pain is possible after the procedure and during the suture removal, so make sure you ask your doctor for a painkiller that is recommended in this type of situation.