Double Eyelid Surgery

In some areas around the world, it is a common cultural trait to have “single” eyelids, or eyelids without a supratarsal fold. A regularly performed cosmetic procedure called a double eyelid surgery, or an Asian blepharoplasty, can produce the appearance of a double eyelid.

If you are considering having a double eyelid surgery, there are a few factors to seriously consider. The first is the reaction of your family and friends, especially if they are proud of their heritage and would see the surgery as a “disowning” of your genetics. Despite the common belief, putting a minor fold in between your eyelids is neither “destroying” your ethnic heritage, “conforming” to a standard of beauty, or “disowning” your family. It is defining what you consider beautiful.

The next factor, as is true with any cosmetic surgery, is the effect that creating a double eyelid will have on your life. If you are very self conscious and consistently concerned with the appearance of your eyes, then Dr. Shapiro's double eyelid surgery can help you successfully determine your own standard of beauty.

There are two techniques that Dr. Shapiro may use for your blepharoplasty, depending on your desired results and comfort level with surgery. The first is called a suture technique, where sutures are left permanently in the eyelid to form the double eyelid fold. This technique is not always permanent due to the high mobility of the eyelids and the strength of the sutures. However, because it it is non-invasive, it requires a short recovery time. The suture technique works well for patients with thin skin.

A more permanent technique uses two hairline incisions along each eyelid. As the thin wound heals, the sutures create a thin fold that permanently creates a double eyelid. The incision technique produces much more reliable, long-term results, but requires a slightly longer recovery time.

Both procedures are performed under local anesthetic in Dr. Shapiro's office. There is no hospitalization required.

Double Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Despite which technique you and Dr. Shapiro decide to pursue, your recovery should be very quick. A suture technique requires only a week of recovery time, while the partial incision requires less than two weeks. Some swelling or bruising may appear, but these will heal themselves during recovery.

Double Eyelid Surgery Cost

The cost of your surgery depends on which technique you decide to use.