Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Singapore

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Image of Dr Leo Kah Woon - Dr Leo Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr Leo Kah Woon

Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery) (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Plastic Surgery)

If your eyes look tired, heavy or older than you feel, eyelid surgery may help restore a brighter, more refreshed appearance. Eyelid surgery—also known as blepharoplasty—refreshes the eye area by removing excess skin, tightening lax tissue and restoring clearer, more youthful contours.

At our clinic in Singapore, Dr Leo Kah Woon provides personalised eyelid surgery tailored to your unique facial features, with a strong focus on natural, harmonious results that still look like you.

Close-up of a woman's eyes with double eyelids in Singapore

What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a procedure that removes or repositions excess eyelid skin, muscle or fat. It may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. In some cases, it may also help when sagging upper eyelid skin affects vision. One popular form of eyelid surgery in Singapore is the double eyelid surgery. It is a form of upper eyelid surgery that creates or defines an eyelid crease using either a non-incisional (suture) or incisional method.

William Shakespeare wrote that the eyes are the window to the soul. He was right – alluring eyes can have a positive effect on an individual as well as on those who look upon him or her, so it is no surprise that eyelid surgery is one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgery procedures in Singapore.

We provide a wide range of blepharoplasty procedures to enhance the eyes with beautiful and natural-looking outcomes.

For a personalised consultation, please reach out to our eyelid specialist today.

Why Do People Undergo Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Have you ever struggled to apply eyeliner because your eyelids feel puffy or heavy? Or found yourself relying on double eyelid tape, thick eyeliner or other temporary fixes to create a crease? While these methods may work briefly, they are often time-consuming and inconsistent.

Have you ever struggled to apply eyeliner because your eyelids feel puffy or heavy? Or found yourself relying on double eyelid tape, thick eyeliner or other temporary fixes to create a crease? While these methods may work briefly, they are often time-consuming and inconsistent.

  • Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

    Cosmetic eyelid surgery is commonly performed to create a more defined eyelid crease, reduce the appearance of puffy eyelids or eye bags and achieve a brighter, more refreshed appearance. Some patients seek surgery to enhance naturally hooded eyelids, while others wish to address changes that occur with ageing, such as loose skin and a tired-looking appearance.
  • Functional Eyelid Surgery

    In some cases, eyelid surgery is medically necessary. Functional eyelid surgery may be considered when excess eyelid skin begins to interfere with daily activities or causes physical discomfort. Heavy upper eyelids can obstruct part of the visual field, while excess skin may contribute to irritation or a persistent sensation of heaviness around the eyes. In these situations, surgery is performed to improve eyelid function and quality of life rather than primarily for aesthetic enhancement.

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

The eyes are often the first area to show signs of ageing, tiredness or inherited traits like puffiness and droopy lids. Advanced eyelid surgery can effectively address these concerns, helping to restore a fresher, more awake and youthful appearance. This procedure can offer benefits such as:

  • Reducing excess skin and puffiness around the eyes
  • Improving vision when drooping lids obstruct the visual field
  • Smoother, firmer skin that creates a refreshed, youthful look
  • Enhancing eye symmetry and overall definition
  • A subtle, natural lift that brightens and revitalises the entire face

While eyelid surgery does not treat sagging eyebrows, dark circles, crow’s feet or deep wrinkles, it can be combined with other procedures such as skin resurfacing, brow lifts or face lifts for more comprehensive results.

What Are the Types of Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Surgical techniques can be tailored to many different eyelid concerns, from a gentle lift to full rejuvenation. Our clinic offers both incisional and non-incisional eyelid surgery in Singapore, with each approach customised to suit your goals, facial features and lifestyle.

01

Upper Blepharoplasty

Incision upper blepharoplasty is recommended if you have a moderate amount of excess upper eyelid skin or fat. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat before creating a stable eyelid crease by anchoring the skin to deeper tissues. This helps minimise the risk of losing the fold over time.

Because skin excision is involved, recovery typically takes about 1–2 weeks. Upper blepharoplasty is also commonly performed to correct ageing upper eyelids, where excess skin, muscle and fat contribute to a heavy or droopy appearance.

02

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty involves making tiny incisions beneath the lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) to add or remove excess fat and treat loose skin. At the same time, the eye muscles will be tightened to enhance the eyelid’s contour.

The eyelid surgeon often does this simultaneously with laser resurfacing to reduce creases around the eyes and improve skin texture. The lower blepharoplasty procedure usually takes 1–2 hours with a downtime of about 10–14 days.

Not Sure Which Eyelid Procedure Is Right for You?

The most suitable eyelid surgery depends on your eyelid anatomy, concerns and desired outcome. During a consultation, Dr Leo will assess your eyelids and recommend a personalised treatment approach based on your individual needs.

How to Prepare for Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Before anything else, your surgeon will review your health, discuss your goals and outline a personalised surgical plan. Key preparation steps include:

  • Undergo a Medical Evaluation

    – Basic medical tests may be required to confirm you are fit for eyelid surgery. These checks help ensure safe treatment and healing.
  • Review and Adjust Medications

    – Your eyelid doctor will assess your current medications or supplements and advise if any should be paused to reduce bleeding or bruising risks.
  • Cease Smoking in Advance

    – If you smoke, stopping several weeks before and after blepharoplasty supports better healing and more predictable results.
  • Arrange Post-Surgery Assistance

    – Plan for someone to accompany you home. Vision may be blurry at first, so having support makes early recovery easier.
  • Follow Your Pre-Surgery Guidelines

    – Your eyelid surgeon will provide specific instructions to help you prepare. Following them closely helps ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.

How Eyelid Surgery Is Performed?

Once a treatment plan has been determined, the surgical approach will be tailored to your eyelid anatomy, concerns and desired outcome. While the exact technique varies depending on the procedure being performed, most eyelid surgeries generally involve the following stages:

01

Anaesthesia

Eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual patient needs.

02

Incision Placement

Incisions are carefully placed along the natural eyelid creases or inside the lower eyelid, according to the type of eyelid surgery.

03

Tissue Adjustment

Excess skin, muscle or fat may be removed, repositioned or tightened to improve eyelid contour and address concerns such as drooping upper eyelids or under-eye bags.

04

Closure

Once the desired correction has been achieved, the incisions are closed with fine sutures where required. Patients are then provided with post-operative instructions to support a smooth recovery.

What Can You Expect After Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

After surgery, it is normal to experience mild swelling, bruising or temporary blurred vision. These effects usually improve within 1–2 weeks as the eyelids heal. You may also notice:

  • Mild discomfort or tightness around the eyelids
  • Temporary numbness as the tissues recover
  • Light sensitivity or watery eyes
  • Slight difficulty closing your eyes fully for a few days

Have you ever struggled to apply eyeliner because your eyelids feel puffy or heavy? Or found yourself relying on double eyelid tape, thick eyeliner or other temporary fixes to create a crease? While these methods may work briefly, they are often time-consuming and inconsistent.

Double Eyelid Surgery in Singapore

Double eyelid surgery can be performed using either the suture (scarless) technique or the incisional upper blepharoplasty method. The suture technique is typically suitable for younger patients with minimal excess skin or fat. It involves placing several precisely positioned sutures to create a natural-looking crease, with downtime of about three to five days.

For those seeking longer or more open-looking eyes, medial or lateral epicanthoplasty may be performed. Importantly, successful eyelid surgery should always be customised to suit your facial structure and ethnicity.

While Western-style double eyelids are often higher and deeply set, the ideal Asian double eyelid is usually more subtle, with gentle lateral flaring. Overly aggressive “westernisation” in the past often resulted in unnaturally high folds and a hollowed, aged appearance. This highlights the importance of choosing a qualified surgeon with in-depth knowledge of eyelid anatomy and aesthetics.

Dr Leo Kah Woon is an experienced eyelid surgeon in Singapore who offers a comprehensive list of facial plastic and reconstructive eyelid surgery services including upper, lower and double eyelid procedures.

Are There Any Risks of Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Woman with irritated eyes from blepharoplasty complications

Although a blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a well-established and safe procedure; like every other surgery, it still carries certain risks, including:

  • Infection or bleeding at the incision site
  • Dry, irritated or watery eyes
  • Slight asymmetry
  • Swelling or bruising around the eyelids
  • Skin discoloration
  • Noticeable scars

However, rest assured that the risk of complications is very rare in the hands of an experienced eyelid surgeon and can usually be safely managed by a professional medical team.

Why Choose Our Clinic For Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Eyelid surgery is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Whether you are considering upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty or double eyelid surgery, careful assessment and personalised treatment planning are essential to achieving natural-looking results. Our clinic is able to tailor treatment recommendations based on your eyelid anatomy, facial proportions, aesthetic goals and functional concerns, helping to achieve outcomes that complement your natural features.

At Dr Leo Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Dr Leo Kah Woon, our Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, provides customised eyelid surgery tailored to each patient's needs and concerns. With extensive experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, he focuses on creating refreshed and harmonious results while preserving the natural character of the eyes.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your eyelid surgery options.

FAQs About Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Woman with marking on eyelid before eyelid surgery in Singapore

How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?

The results of eyelid surgery are long-lasting. In many cases, upper eyelid surgery can last 10 years or more, while lower eyelid surgery often provides permanent improvement. Although the natural ageing process continues, most patients enjoy a refreshed and youthful appearance for many years.

How much does a blepharoplasty cost in Singapore?

The cost of blepharoplasty in Singapore varies depending on the type of procedure, surgical technique, and whether one or both eyelids are treated. Factors such as incisional versus non-incisional methods and the complexity of your case also affect pricing. A detailed quotation will be provided after a personalised consultation.

Is a blepharoplasty covered by insurance or Medisave?

Blepharoplasty may be partially claimable under insurance or Medisave if it is performed for medical reasons, such as drooping eyelids that impair vision. Purely cosmetic procedures are generally not covered. Your surgeon can advise on eligibility and assist with documentation if medical necessity is established.

Can eyelid surgery correct vision problems?

Eyelid surgery can improve vision if drooping upper eyelids obstruct your visual field. By removing excess skin and lifting the eyelids, blepharoplasty may restore clearer sight. However, it does not treat underlying eye conditions such as refractive errors or retinal problems.

Can I wear contact lenses after upper eyelid surgery?

You should avoid wearing contact lenses for at least one to two weeks after upper eyelid surgery, or until your surgeon confirms it is safe. This allows the eyelids to heal properly and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.

Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Depending on your concerns and treatment goals, eyelid surgery may be combined with procedures such as brow lifts, skin resurfacing or other facial rejuvenation treatments. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss whether combining procedures is appropriate for you.

Our Eyelid Surgeon in Singapore

Dr Leo Kah Woon

Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeonMBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery) (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Plastic Surgery)

With extensive experience in cosmetic surgery, Dr Leo Kah Woon provides careful, precise management of blepharoplasty and related eyelid procedures. His approach focuses on safety, natural-looking outcomes and techniques tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy.

Whether you are considering eyelid tightening, reduction or a non-incisional (scarless) method, Dr Leo combines technical skill with an understanding of facial balance to help you achieve a refreshed and harmonious appearance.

Contact Us

With a keen eye for beauty, precise surgical techniques, and an unwavering commitment to full and smooth recoveries, patients can rest assured that they are in good hands with Dr Leo.

locationAddress

3 Mount Elizabeth, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre #10-13 Singapore 228510

phonePhone

For Appointments: 6733 3895Fax: 6836 9296

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Mon-Fri : 8:30am - 5:00pmSat : 8:30am - 1:00pm

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(Not For Life-Threatening Situations) 9030 0398