What is hidden double eyelids, and how can they be corrected to achieve beautiful, defined double eyelids?

Hollow eyelids, or double eyelids that are hidden inside, are a common problem among Asians, especially Thais. Many may lack self-confidence, making their face appear less friendly. For women, it can make makeup application difficult and often requires the use of double eyelid stickers. Therefore, many seek solutions to improve their eye appearance. Currently, there are various methods to correct this problem, both surgical and non-surgical. Let's take a look at some of them.

What are Hidden Double Eyelids?

Hidden double eyelids are a condition where there is already an eyelid crease, but it is not clearly defined or difficult to see because it is obscured by sagging tissue or skin. This makes the eyes appear smaller, less bright, and sometimes even uneven. This condition can occur in both people who have naturally double eyelids and those who have had double eyelid surgery. It affects both aesthetics and, in some cases, may interfere with vision.

How do Hidden Double Eyelids Occur?

Hidden double eyelids can be caused by several factors, including genetics, aging, or even surgery. Each cause has different characteristics and solutions. Let's look at some of the main causes.

Excess Fat in the Eyelids

Excessive fat in the eyelids is a major cause of hidden double eyelids, especially in people who have naturally double eyelids. The excess fat presses on and obscures the existing eyelid crease, causing the once clear crease to gradually fade when the eyes are open. The eyelid crease is hidden beneath the fatty tissue, making the eyes look tired and dull, and may make eye makeup application more difficult.

Drooping Eyelids Covering the Eyelid Crescent

Drooping eyelids are another common cause, often resulting from a combination of factors including aging, genetics, and daily habits such as frequently rubbing the eyes, staying up late, or excessive eye strain. In addition, it may be caused by certain eye diseases such as ptosis (weakness of the eye muscles) or neurological disorders that cause the eyelids to droop and cover the existing eyelid crease.

Previous Double Eyelid Surgery

Improper double eyelid surgery can lead to hidden double eyelids, especially if too much excess eyelid skin is removed or the suturing is inaccurate, resulting in incomplete healing, scarring, or fibrosis that pulls on the eyelid. In addition, poor post-operative wound care can also contribute to hidden double eyelids.

Hidden Double EyelidsAre they dangerous? What are the effects?

Hidden double eyelids affect both aesthetics and daily life. They can make the eyes appear smaller, obscuring the eyelid crease, and making the face look tired and dull. They can also cause uneven eyelids, impacting self-confidence. In severe cases, they can affect vision, as the sagging eyelids may partially obstruct the field of vision.

What are the effects of hidden double eyelids?

Hidden double eyelids not only affect the aesthetics of the eyes but also impact personality and daily life in several ways, as follows:

• Loss of confidence: Eyes that appear smaller, indistinct double eyelids, or uneven double eyelids can make the face look tired and dull, resulting in a lack of confidence in social situations.
• Difficulty applying makeup: People with hooded double eyelids often have difficulty applying eye makeup. They have to constantly use double eyelid stickers to make the double eyelids more visible, which is time-consuming and may irritate the eyelids.
• Vision interference: In cases of severe eyelid ptosis (drooping eyelids) that covers the double eyelids, it may partially obstruct the field of vision. This can make the image less clear than it should be.

Solution forHidden Double Eyelids

There are several ways to correct hidden double eyelids, depending on the cause and severity of the problem, ranging from non-surgical to surgical methods. Let's look at each method in detail.

HIFU

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a technology that uses high-intensity sound waves to tighten the skin. Energy is released through a treatment head to each layer of the skin, causing tissue contraction and stimulating the production of new collagen. This results in tighter skin around the eyes, reduced sagging, and more defined double eyelids. This method is suitable for those with mild hooded eyelids.

Ulthera

Ulthera is an advanced technology developed from HIFU, offering higher precision and efficiency. It delivers energy deeper and more precisely to the skin layers, resulting in better results, especially for lifting and tightening the skin around the eyes. It effectively corrects hooded eyelids caused by sagging, but multiple treatments may be required for optimal results.

Minimally Invasive Eyelid Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is suitable for those with mild hooded eyelids and no excess eyelid skin. This method involves making a small incision from the inner corner to the middle of the eye, removing excess fat, and creating a new eyelid crease. The advantages include a small scar and faster recovery, but it may not be suitable for those with severe hooded eyelids.

Long Incision Eyelid SurgeryCombined with Eyelid Skin Removal

Long incision surgery is a suitable method for those with severe hooded eyelids or those with excess eyelid skin. The doctor makes an incision along the eyelid crease from the inner to the outer corner of the eye to remove excess eyelid skin and fat. Then, a new double eyelid is sutured to create a beautiful, sharp, and natural-looking eyelid crease. In addition, in some cases with drooping outer corners of the eyes, the doctor may recommend combining this with a subbrow lift to help open up the outer corners of the eyes and perfectly correct any sagging.

What to avoid after double eyelid surgery

For those interested in undergoing double eyelid surgery, it is important to take good care of yourself. During the first 1-2 weeks, avoid rubbing your eyes or touching the surgical site directly. Refrain from applying makeup around the eyes, do not wear contact lenses, and avoid activities that cause excessive sweating, such as strenuous exercise or swimming. In addition, you should refrain from smoking and alcohol, as these may affect wound healing. Most importantly, get enough rest and avoid excessive eye strain, such as prolonged use of phones or computers, to allow your eyes to fully recover.

What are the advantages of Sky Clinic's method for correcting hidden double eyelids?

At Sky Clinic, we prioritize safety and natural-looking results that complement each individual's facial features when correcting hidden double eyelids. The key features that have earned the trust of many are as follows:

• Cared for by an ophthalmologist: Every step of the evaluation and surgery is overseen by “Dr. Sky,” a specialized ophthalmologist with a deep understanding of the anatomical structure of the eye.
• Case-by-case analysis: The doctor will assess the true cause of hidden double eyelids to select the most appropriate treatment technique, whether it's eyelid skin removal, fat removal, or eyelid muscle adjustment.
• Minimally invasive technique, quick recovery: Emphasis is placed on meticulous surgery with minimal trauma, resulting in scars that blend seamlessly with the eyelid crease, allowing for a quick return to daily life.
• Close follow-up: A post-operative care team provides continuous advice and monitoring to ensure the best possible results.

Preparation before double eyelid correction surgery

To ensure a smooth double eyelid correction surgery and minimize potential risks, the body should be prepared as follows:

• Inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions and drug allergies. Inform your doctor in detail about any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
• Avoid certain medications and supplements: Stop taking blood thinners, vitamin E, and fish oil at least 1-2 weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of abnormal bleeding.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Avoid these for at least 1-2 weeks before the procedure to allow for better wound healing.
• Get enough rest: Get plenty of sleep and wash your hair before the day of surgery, as washing your hair may be difficult after the procedure.

Post-Surgery Self-Care for Hidden Double Eyelid Surgery

Self-care after hidden double eyelid surgery is crucial for faster wound healing and a quicker recovery of beautiful, settled double eyelids. The following are important guidelines:

• First 1-3 days: Apply cold compresses around the eyes regularly to minimize swelling and bruising.
• First 1-2 weeks: Avoid rubbing your eyes or touching the wound directly. Refrain from applying makeup around the eyes and do not wear contact lenses.
• Wound cleaning: Gently clean the wound with saline-soaked cotton swabs as instructed by the clinic. Avoid getting the wound wet until the stitches are removed.
• Daily routine: Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating, such as strenuous exercise or bathing. Refrain from smoking and alcohol, and avoid prolonged screen time to allow your eyes to fully recover.

Summary

There are various ways to correct hidden double eyelids, ranging from eyelid lifting technologies to surgery. The choice of the appropriate method depends on the cause and severity of the problem, as well as the patient's readiness. If you are experiencing this problem, you can consult the expert ophthalmologists at Sky Clinic, who specialize in double eyelid surgery, epicanthoplasty, correction of ptosis (weak eyelid muscles), eyelid fat rearrangement, concealed scars under the eyebrow, removal of under-eye bags, and endoscopic eyebrow lift, to receive the most appropriate treatment for your individual problem.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hidden Double Eyelid Surgery (FAQ)

Is hidden double eyelid surgery painful?

Before the surgery, a local anesthetic will be injected into the eyelids, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel some tightness or heaviness, and after the anesthetic wears off, you may experience slight soreness, which can be relieved with pain medication.

What should I avoid after double eyelid surgery?

The most important things to avoid are: do not rub your eyes, keep the wound dry until the stitches are removed, and do not apply makeup around the eyes or wear contact lenses in the initial period.

How many days does it take for swelling to subside and the eyelids to settle after a double eyelid surgery?

Swelling and bruising usually occur during the first 3-5 days. After that, they will gradually subside. The eyelids will begin to settle and look more natural after about 1-3 months, depending on the skin condition and the technique used.

Can I have double eyelid surgery on only one side if I have a hooded eye?

It is possible, but doctors usually recommend considering doing both sides at the same time to adjust the eyelids to be symmetrical, even, and look as natural as possible.