Q&A about double eyelid surgery

Q1: How many techniques of double eyelid surgery?

ANS: There are 2 main techniques of double eyelid surgery which are, Mini-Blepharoplasty and Upper Lid Blepharoplasty. Besides these 2 main techniques, there are optional procedures to modify the shape of the eye such as Ptosis Correction, Medial Epicanthoplasty, Lateral Canthoplasty and Sub Brow Lift.

Q2: How to know which techniques of double eyelid surgery best fit with yourselves?

ANS: Technique of surgery is depending on eyelid problem and eye structure, because each individual has different eyelid problems and eye shape. In addition, it also depends on the patient's needs. Doctors will analyze eyelid problems and assess the technique of surgery that can fix patient eyelid problems. 

Q3: Can Mini-Blepharoplasty technique remove eyelid fat?  

ANS: For Mini-Blepharoplasty, doctors will also remove eyelid fat like Upper Lid Blepharoplasty. For patients who have a lot of fat in the eyelid, doctors will remove and may reposition fat to make eyelid creases more balanced and beautiful. 

Q4: What is Mini-Blepharoplasty and who is a good candidate for?

ANS: Mini-Blepharoplasty is a technique that doctors will open just a small incision, around 0.5-1 cm, then remove or reposition eyelid fat and fix eyelid crease. This technique is suitable for patients who have monolids, hidden eyelids or have less eyelid skin. The benefits for this technique are less swelling and fast recovery.

Q5: What is Upper Lid Blepharoplasty and who is a good candidate for?

ANS: For this procedure, doctors will create a long incision on the eyelid, from inner corner to outer corner of the eye. In addition, the excess skin will be removed and then cut or reposition eyelid fat, as appropriate. This technique is suitable for patients who have excess eyelid skin, droopy eyelid or who need to have obvious eyelid creases. 

Q6: Will double eyelid surgery stay permanent?

ANS: Double eyelid creases stay permanent. However, when the time pass, the creation of eyelid skin may occur. When there is more skin, it may cover the eyelid crease which make eyelid layer get smaller. However, eyelid skin production in each patient is different. 

Q7: How long does each operation take?

ANS: Usually, it takes around 30 mins to 1 hour 30 mins depending on the difficulty, eyelid problems and surgery techniques of each case. Double eyelid surgery is a small operation but needs high precision for a safe operation. 

Q8: Does it need stitch removal after surgery? When can I do makeup after having surgery? 

ANS: As it is the suturing technique of our clinic, it needs to remove stitches 7 days after surgery. Generally, the incision will heal and dry within 5-7 days. Before stitching off, some stitches may fall down by themselves, but it is usual. It is recommended to apply makeup 3 days after stitch removal.  

Q9: Are there any side effects after double eyelid surgery?

ANS: There are some side effects after surgery, but they are temporary. The examples are swelling, bruising, incompletely closing eyes, blurred vision or dry eyes. Swelling and bruising may vary in each patient depending on patient skin. After surgery, patient may feel tight around the incision area.  Initially, some patients may have incompletely closing eyes caused by the swelling. But this symptom will get better after the swelling gone. Blurred vision and dry eyes are also possible to happen from incompletely closing eyes which may cause irritation. It is recommended to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight, wind or dust when you have to go outdoor. You may use eye drops whenever the symptom occurs. 

Q10: Can double eyelid surgery remove wrinkles?

ANS: Double eyelid surgery cannot remove wrinkles. Wrinkle is the skin condition caused by aging. If patients need to reduce wrinkles at the eye corner, it is recommended to do botox injection. 

Q11: After surgery, is it usual that one side is more swollen than the other?

ANS: The swelling after surgery is usual, but it may be different in each person. In addition, it is possible that the swelling in each side is not equal which can caused by many factors. Firstly, it may be caused by the unbalancing of the original eye structure. Secondly, it is caused by a patient's lifestyle like sleeping on one side, or the wound is not clean as well. These factors can cause unequal swelling on each side, but do not worry. Patients can apply warm compress as often on the side that is more swollen, it will help in boosting the recovery process. 

Q12: When can I wear contact lenses after surgery?

ANS: It is recommended to wear contact lenses 1 week after stitch removal. The reason is that while putting contact lenses in and out, patients may touch and pull the surgical area which can make the incision reopen. Hence, it is important to wait until your wound is completely closed before wearing contact lenses as usual. 

Q13: What is the youngest age that can have double eyelid surgery?

ANS: If it is a remedy of ptosis, patients can do as a child. If the purpose of having surgery is for beauty, recommend to wait until 18. Our bodies change and grow every year until 18. However, it is legal to have surgery after age 20.

Q14: Can I do double eyelid surgery and lower eye surgery on the same day?

ANS: Of course, you can do double eyelid surgery and lower eye surgery on the same day. Our clinic, doctors use lasers to create the incision which helps in reducing the swelling. However, doing both upper and lower eye surgery may have more swelling and bruising than normal cases. 

Q15: When can I do revision surgery?

ANS: For patients who are not satisfied with previous surgery, doctors recommend patients waiting until the swelling is completely gone, which is around 6 months. If you do revision surgery while having swelling, it may have bad results such as unbalanced eyelid crease or uneven eyelid.

Q16: How long does it take for recovery after surgery?

ANS: Generally, the recover process takes 4-6 months. However, it may vary in each individual depending on skin condition and self care after surgery. It is recommended to follow the instructions that doctors or clinic staff give to you. 

Q17: How long does it take for a scar to fade away?

ANS: Scar will gradually fade away within 6 months, but may vary in each person. It is recommended to apply scar removal gel as often to reduce a scar. 

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