Double Eyelid Surgery in Singapore
Dr Leo Kah Woon
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery) (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Many people have concerns about the appearance of their upper eyelids. Some are born without a distinct eyelid crease, while others have creases that are uneven, faint or become less defined over time. In order to address these concerns, plastic surgeons may perform double eyelid surgery, a procedure that creates or enhances the upper eyelid crease.
Understanding what double eyelid surgery involves, what it can achieve and what to expect throughout treatment can help you make a more informed decision about your care.
What Does Double Eyelid Surgery Involve?
Double eyelid surgery is a type of eyelid surgery that modifies the tissues of the upper eyelid to create a permanent eyelid fold. This may be performed using either an incisional or non-incisional technique, depending on the surgical approach required.
Rather than simply creating a visible crease, the procedure focuses on establishing a stable connection between the eyelid skin and the underlying tissues so that the fold forms naturally when the eyes are open. The surgical technique is selected according to the patient's eyelid characteristics and the changes required to achieve the planned result.
What Can Double Eyelid Surgery Achieve?
Double eyelid surgery is intended to produce natural-looking improvements that complement the eyes and surrounding facial features. The procedure may help achieve:
A More Defined Eyelid Crease
: Creating or improving the visibility of the upper eyelid fold.Improved Eyelid Symmetry
: Balancing crease height and appearance.Natural-Looking Eye Definition
: Creating a crease that complements the eyes and facial features rather than appearing exaggerated.
Not Sure if Double Eyelid Surgery Is Suitable for You?
If you would like to learn more about your options or find out whether double eyelid surgery is appropriate for you, arrange a consultation with Dr Leo Kah Woon for an individualised assessment and treatment plan.
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Types of Double Eyelid Surgery
There are two main techniques used to perform double eyelid surgery. While both aim to create or enhance the upper eyelid crease, they differ in how the crease is formed and the situations in which they are typically recommended.
Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery
Incisional double eyelid surgery involves making a carefully planned incision along the desired eyelid crease. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle or fat may be removed or repositioned where appropriate before the new crease is created and secured with sutures. This technique is often recommended for patients with thicker eyelids, excess upper eyelid skin or those requiring more extensive tissue adjustment.
Non-incisional (Suture) Double Eyelid Surgery
Also known as suture double eyelid surgery, this technique creates the eyelid crease using carefully placed sutures without making a full incision. It is generally considered for patients with thinner eyelids and minimal excess skin or fat. As no tissue is removed, recovery is typically quicker, although the crease may soften or become less defined over time in some patients.
How Do Eyelid Surgeons Determine the
Right Procedure for a Patient?
Choosing between an incisional or non-incisional technique depends on how well each approach can achieve the desired result while working with the patient's existing eyelid anatomy. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will assess your existing eyelid crease, skin thickness, fat distribution, eyelid symmetry and overall eye shape before recommending the most appropriate procedure. These details may make certain techniques preferable. For example, patients with thicker eyelids, excess skin or tissue that requires repositioning are generally better suited to an incisional approach, while those with thinner eyelids and minimal excess tissue may be candidates for a non-incisional technique. Your surgeon will also discuss the planned crease height and shape to ensure the intended result complements your facial features while maintaining a natural appearance.
How Is Double Eyelid Surgery Performed?
Once the surgical plan has been finalised, the procedure follows a series of carefully planned steps:
Consultation and Surgical Planning
Before surgery, your plastic surgeon will confirm the planned crease design, review your treatment goals and answer any remaining questions. The crease markings are then finalised on the upper eyelids to guide the procedure.
Preparing for Surgery
On the day of surgery, you will be admitted and prepared for the procedure. Double eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia, allowing you to remain comfortable throughout the operation while the eyelids are fully numbed before treatment begins.
Creating the Eyelid Crease
Using the planned incisional or non-incisional technique, your plastic surgeon carefully creates the new eyelid crease according to the agreed surgical plan. Where appropriate, excess skin, muscle or fat may be removed or repositioned before the crease is secured to produce a stable and natural-looking eyelid fold.
Completing the Procedure
Once the new eyelid crease has been created, the incisions or sutures are secured and the eyelids are cleaned before protective dressings are applied where required. You will then be monitored briefly before being discharged with instructions on caring for your eyelids during the initial stages of recovery.
Recovery After Double Eyelid Surgery
After double eyelid surgery, some swelling, bruising, tightness and mild discomfort around the upper eyelids are expected. These effects are usually most noticeable in the first few days before gradually improving as the eyelids begin to heal.
Your surgeon will provide instructions on caring for the eyelids, keeping the area clean and avoiding activities that may strain the eyes during early recovery. If sutures need to be removed, this is typically done during a follow-up appointment. Most patients can return to light daily activities within several days, although visible swelling may take longer to settle.
Results You Can Expect After Double Eyelid Surgery
The results of double eyelid surgery become clearer as swelling subsides and the eyelid crease settles into its final position. In the early stages, the crease may appear higher or more defined than expected, but it usually softens and becomes more natural-looking over time.
Once healed, the procedure can create a more defined upper eyelid crease, improve symmetry between the eyes and enhance overall eye definition. The final result depends on your eyelid anatomy, chosen technique and healing process, with the aim of achieving a crease that complements your natural facial features.
Risks and Possible Side Effects of Double Eyelid Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, double eyelid surgery carries potential risks. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will explain these risks, discuss how they are minimised and determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you. Potential risks include:
Bleeding and Infection
: Although uncommon, these may occur after surgery and require additional treatment.Scarring
: Incisional techniques leave fine scars that are usually concealed within the eyelid crease and become less noticeable as they heal.Swelling and Bruising
: Temporary swelling and bruising are expected during the early stages of recovery and gradually improve over time.Asymmetry or Uneven Crease Formation
: Minor differences in crease height or appearance may occur as the eyelids heal.Changes in Sensation
: Temporary numbness around the eyelids is possible, although permanent changes are uncommon.
In some cases, a secondary procedure may be recommended to refine the crease, improve symmetry or address changes that become apparent after healing.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Double Eyelid Surgery
Double eyelid surgery requires careful planning to create an eyelid crease that complements your facial features while respecting your natural eyelid anatomy. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon helps ensure the most appropriate surgical technique is selected and that your treatment is planned around your individual goals.
At Dr Leo Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, care is led by Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Leo Kah Woon, who takes an individualised approach to eyelid surgery. Every procedure is carefully planned to achieve natural-looking eyelid definition while maintaining facial harmony.
If you are considering double eyelid surgery and would like to explore the treatment options available to you, contact us today to arrange a personalised consultation.
FAQs About Double Eyelid Surgery
Our Double Eyelid Surgery Specialist in Singapore
Dr Leo Kah Woon
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeonMBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery) (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Leo Kah Woon is a consultant plastic & reconstructive surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic plastic surgery and facial procedures. He takes an individualised approach to double eyelid surgery, carefully assessing each patient's eyelid anatomy and facial proportions to create natural-looking eyelid definition that complements the overall appearance of the face.
In addition to double eyelid surgery, Dr Leo performs a range of upper and lower eyelid procedures as part of his facial aesthetic practice. Every treatment plan is carefully developed to achieve balanced, natural-looking results while maintaining a strong focus on precision, safety and long-term outcomes.