The term double eyelid might sound concerning, but a double eyelid is nothing more than an eyelid with a crease in it. The opposite of a double eyelid is a monolid, which has no crease whatsoever or a small crease that makes it appear as a single eyelid. Monolids are often a characteristic of East Asian eyes.
Double eyelids have what are called supratarsal eyelid creases. By Western standards, double eyelids have become synonymous with beauty. Many people undergo eyelid plastic surgery to achieve a double eyelid.
Double Eyelid Surgery
Double eyelid surgery creates a crease in the eyelid. The procedure can be used to correct drooping and sagging eyelids that may interfere with sight or as a cosmetic procedure to change the eye’s appearance.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
If you are receiving eyelid surgery to help with vision problems, it may be covered under insurance. Cosmetic eyelid surgery typically costs around $3,000. Keep in mind that this price excludes additional costs for anesthesia and operating room expenses.
What to Expect from the Procedure
The skin around the eyes is extremely delicate. Make sure you choose an experienced professional to perform your eyelid surgery.
Before the surgery, you should have a discussion with your surgeon about the results you are expecting. Let them know about any pre-existing conditions that might affect the surgery’s outcome and any prescription medications you are taking. If you have allergies, make sure the surgeon is aware.
During a consultation, your surgeon will discuss whether incisional or non-incisional surgery is best for you.
Incisional Eyelid Surgery
During incisional surgery, the surgeon will mark a line where the eyelid crease will go with a pen. You will then receive sedation or general anesthesia and local anesthetic. The surgeon will make several small incisions along the marked-out line and then proceed to remove skin and fat tissue in that area. The surgeon will then close the incision with glue or stitches that will need to be removed after a few days.
Incisional surgery is recommended for patients with thick skin or those who want permanent results. The procedure is non-reversible.
Potential side effects of incisional double eyelid surgery include:
- Allergic reaction to the anesthetic
- Infection
- Temporary or permanent vision changes
- Visible scarring
Non-incisional Eyelid Surgery
A double eyelid can be created using a non-surgical method called the buried suture technique. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and local anesthetic.
The procedure follows similar steps to the incisional method, including mapping out an eyelid with a pen and piercing the skin along the line. Sutures are then woven through the holes in the skin and tightened to form an eyelid crease. The sutures do not need to be removed as they are holding the eyelid in place.
Non-incisional surgery is reversible and causes less scarring; however, the eyelid fold may loosen with time. Other potential side effects include:
- Irritation and infection
- Cysts from buried stitches
- Visible marks when eyes are closed
Recovery After Double Eyelid Surgery
Both types of eyelid surgery are outpatient procedures, so recovery time is minimal. However, you will have received anesthesia, so you won’t be able to drive yourself home.
Incisional surgery takes about one month to heal fully, while non-incisional surgery heals within two weeks.
During healing, patients may experience:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Pain
- Dry or sensitive eyes
Patients can ice the area or apply lubricating ointments to relieve symptoms. Wearing sunglasses outside can also help. Your surgeon may prescribe a round of antibiotics to help prevent infection.
Double Eyelid Tape
People who prefer non-surgical methods can achieve a double eyelid using double eyelid tape. Double eyelid tape is a double-sided tape designed to create an eyelid crease by sticking eyelid skin together. If applied correctly, the tape will be hidden in what appears to be a crease.
Using eyelid tape can help give your eyes a more lifted, wakeful appearance. People with hooded eyes or monolids can use eyelid tape to create a double eyelid or deeper eyelid crease. Of course, results are temporary, and you will have to reapply the tape.
