Incisional Double Eyelid

Written by: Angie Buonassisi

Reviewed By: Dr. Buonassisi

Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery

Incisional double eyelid surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure to create a natural looking, crease in the upper eyelid. This procedure is commonly known as “Asian eyelid surgery,” as 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. The incisional technique offers patients a more controlled crease shape and height. Another double eyelid surgery option is the suture technique.

Watch this video documentary of incisional patient Tiffany.

Benefits of the Double Eyelid Procedure

The main benefit of asian 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 Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery

• Creation of a natural looking, long lasting 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

Recovery Expectations

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.