Plastic surgery

Double eyelid surgery

Asian blepharoplasty · Upper blepharoplasty · Non-incisional / incisional double eyelid

At a glance

Recovery
7–14days
Pain
Moderate
Time
30–120 min
Sessions
1 session
Type
Surgery

What it is

Surgery to create a visible upper-eyelid crease. Monolids (no visible crease) occur in about half of people of Asian descent. Methods range from non-incisional (suture) and small-incision techniques to full-incision surgery, which can also remove excess skin or fat.

Who it’s for

Adults who want a permanent crease and have realistic expectations. The surgery is not medically necessary, and tape or eyelid glue can create a temporary crease.

How it’s done

The crease is designed and marked. Under local or general anesthesia, incisions or small punctures are made along the planned line, tissue is adjusted, and the crease is fixed before closing.

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What to get in writing

Recovery

Stitches typically stay about a week. Most people take about 2 weeks off work. Bruising and redness can take several weeks to fade, and full recovery takes a few months.

Risks and side effects

  • Asymmetry or uneven creases
  • Crease fading or loss (about 2% in a review of small-incision methods)
  • Noticeable scarring
  • Dry, irritated eyes or temporary difficulty closing the eyes
  • Rare: bleeding behind the eye, injury to eye muscles or vision changes

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Aftercare

  • Prop your head up with pillows for a couple of days
  • Use cold packs and the eye ointment or drops you are given
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes, contact lenses, swimming and strenuous activity for a few days or as advised
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect the eyes

Questions people ask

Is a double eyelid permanent?

It is intended to be, but creases can fade or be lost. A 2023 review found a pooled crease-loss rate of 2% with small-incision techniques.

How long until it looks natural?

Bruising and redness can take several weeks to fade, and full recovery takes a few months.

What is the difference between non-incisional and incisional methods?

Non-incisional and small-incision methods generally mean a shorter recovery. A full incision allows removal of excess skin or fat. The surgeon chooses based on your eyelids and goals.

Sources

Facts on this page come from medical societies, public agencies and medical journals.

  1. nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/eyelid-surgery(opens in a new tab)
  2. plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/safety(opens in a new tab)
  3. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8409-eyelid-surgery-blepharoplasty(opens in a new tab)
  4. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22413-monolid-eyes(opens in a new tab)
  5. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36348097(opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not medical advice, and we don’t refer you to any clinic. We don’t list clinic names, reviews or rankings. Unnie Note is an independent publication with no ties to any clinic or booking service.

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