Double Eyelid Surgery

About the Procedure

Double eyelid surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure to create a natural looking, permanent crease in the upper eyelid. Roughly 50% of Asians are born with eyelids that do not have a crease. Some find that their eyes look “closed” and “puffy,” or that they have a tired appearance that does not reflect the way they truly feel. Double eyelid surgery is often combined with medial epicanthoplasty to reshape the fold of skin on the inside corner of the eyes.

Benefits of a Double Eyelid Procedure

The main benefit of this cosmetic eyelid surgery is to create a more open and larger looking eye appearance, characterized by a double eyelid fold. Addition benefits include more exposed eyelashes and reduced puffiness. This surgery is ideal for both young people who desire a crease, and older people who want the additional benefit of improving eyelid puffiness and sagging.

How Double Eyelid Surgery Is Performed

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi makes a fine incision in the upper eyelid skin. He removes excess skin and fat, if necessary. Dr. Buonassisi hides the incisions in the new eyelid crease, so that it is virtually imperceptible once healed. Double eyelid surgery takes from 1.5 – 2 hours, and patients can return home the same day.

Benefits of the Surgery

• Creation of a natural looking, permanent upper eyelid crease
• Natural looking crease: the crease is visible when the eyelid is open, but not when it is closed
• Larger, more open appearing eyes
• More exposed upper eyelashes
• Less upper eyelid puffiness

Are You a Good Candidate

If you were born with eyelids that do not have a crease, or your creases are asymmetrical, and you are bothered with the appearance of closed, puffy upper eyelids, you may be a good candidate for double eyelid surgery.

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for double eyelid surgery if you have any of the following physical features:

• Single eyelid (no upper eyelid fold)
• Asymmetrical upper eyelid folds
• Single or asymmetrical eyelid and puffy upper eyelids characterized by excess eyelid skin

General Health

You may be a candidate for double eyelid surgery if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your physician could safely recommend that you discontinue them for 2 weeks
• You do not have significant dry eye syndrome
• Your eye health is otherwise normal

Recovery

Most patients describe the recovery period from double eyelid surgery to be quite easy. There is typically no discomfort, aside from some slight itching where the sutures are placed. Swelling and bruising is at its worst on day three following surgery, and usually subsides two weeks following surgery. The appearance of the new crease changes over time, which it’s final result taking shape roughly three months after surgery. Although most bruising and swelling subsides within two weeks of the surgery, residual swelling can last up to three months. The crease always appears too high in the weeks after surgery, reaching its final shape roughly three months later. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people who work in the public eye take one week off work
• One week after surgery, some people have perceptible swelling and bruising, which can last for another week or so – these signs are easily covered with makeup or glasses
• People who work from home are typically feeling good and are able to be back at their desks two days after surgery

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, one week after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, two weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery

Restaurant Ready

• Once your sutures are removed seven days following surgery, you will typically feel “restaurant ready”, meaning that you would feel comfortable meeting up with friends – however, you will still have some evidence of swelling and light bruising, which can be camouflaged with makeup
• Your crease will appear to high at this time, and will slowly improve over the next few weeks

Complete Recovery

• Most people are feeling quite comfortable being out in public without much evidence of swelling or bruising two weeks after surgery – makeup or glasses can be used to camouflage these signs
• The incisions, which are carefully hidden in the natural eyelid crease, fade over time, often becoming imperceptible within three months of surgery

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Buonassisi will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult.

Dr. Buonassisi specializes in Facial Plastic Surgery and Asian facial cosmetic surgery, including double eyelid surgery, medial epicanthoplasty, and augmentation rhinoplasty.

We are here to help and can answer any questions you may have about surgery. Please call 604 733 1669 or request a consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Needs With Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult.  If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.