Among people of Chinese descent, the creation of a supratarsal crease (“double” eyelid blepharoplasty) is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure Aesthetic Surgery Journal, March 2014
With so many different options to choose from . Lets review few of our options to achieve double eyelids be it permanent or temporary
1. Double eyelid glue and tapes
From the picture and those who have used it . It does work however when you use the glue or tape for a long time, they irritate the thin skin of the eyelid, making the skin sag. In serious cases, the sagging skin will cover the part where there should be the crease of double eyelid . Eyelid thickening occurs when one wears eyelid tape or glue for a prolonged period of time , which results in the edges of the skin to become irritated from friction. Irritation creates micro inflammation within the skin and with inflammation, excess collagen becomes stimulated causing the eye lids to be thickened and deformed . Those with sagging and thickened skin will have to go through a more complicated process in double eyelid surgery, having to get rid of muscle or excessive fat after incision. Therefore not recommended
Cost : RM 4 for a pack of hundreds .
Verdict : Not recommended due to safety issue
2. Conventional Double eye lid creation surgery ( Blepharoplasty)
Incisional technique is the most common approach to create double eyelids. During the operation, a thin strip of skin, as well as some muscle and fat if necessary, is removed from the upper eyelid. Stitches are used to fix the skin edges to the underlying muscle to create the crease. This technique works for most people and the double eyelid created is long-lasting, but the scar can take up to a year to fully heal. It is the gold standard if downtime and prolonged recovery is not an issue for you .
Cost Estimated RM6k – 8k
Verdict : Recommended if prolonged recovery and downtime is not an issue
3.Double eyelid suturing technique ( DST )
A thin stitch is used to compress the eyelid skin to the underlying tissues of the eyelid to form a crease. The method is simple and requires shorter recovery time, results is not inferior to open/conventional double eye lid surgery however in some instances the fold can become less obvious over time due to the loosening of the sutures. If this is not an issue for you , it is a less invasive procedure therefore with less downtime .
Cost Estimated RM2k-4k
Verdict : Recommended if semi permanent is not issue for you
4. Double eyelid Retouch App
For those who aren’t ready for the procedure yet and doesn’t want to risk your eye lid getting thickened and saggy with the glue and tapes . Here’s and alternative to see how u will look with double eyelid , there are some photo-editing apps so they can at least apply virtual double eyelids to your selfies.
One of the retouch tools, Make-up Plus, developed by Chinese app maker Meitu, offer six styles of double eyelids including “lucid”, “deep” and “arch”. Users simply add the eyelid crease and adjust its intensity in the photo.
Cost Free
Verdict : Recommended if you only require double eye lids on selfies
What is double eyelid?
Some people have visible eyelid creases, known as double eyelids. Some were born without eyelid creases. That’s called a single lid or a monolid. There’s nothing medically wrong with either.
What is mono/single eyelid?
If you have single eyelids, it’s really because the attachments between the levator aponeurosis and the eyelid skin are few, or absent. This results in an absent upper eyelid crease.
Why Asian like double eyelids?
Having double eyelids makes oriental eyes look more attractive and bright. It’s like putting a nice frame around a beautiful picture, making it look bigger.
What is double eyelid suturing?
It is also known as the non-incisional double eyelid creation. A double eyelid can be created without an incision which is called the buried suture technique. It’s performed under local anesthetic.
Double eyelid crease is created by making a connection between the overlying skin to the underlying eyelid elevating muscle called levator aponeurosis. This procedure is relatively simple using a 1- to 2-mm suture. Even though you close your eyes, no trace of surgery is found on the upper eyelid.
The “scarless”, or stitching, technique is simple yet potentially reversible should you change your mind. Several stitches are sewn into the upper eyelid to create the fold so that it looks virtually natural.As there is no cutting involved, there is no scar and the healing period is much shorter. There are also no stitches to be removed as the stitches used to create the fold are buried beneath the skin and left side.
In Japan, this method is called the “clipping” technique and is currently popular as patients can often go back to work within a few days.
Who are the candidates?
- Patients with thinner eyelid, less puffy and less saggy eyes.
- Patients with congenital double eyelid such as hidden double eyelid who desire for distinct eyelid fold.
- Patients who prefer natural double eyelid outcome.
- Patients with unilateral congenital asymmetry double eyelid who only want to correct one sided eye
How long is the procedure?
Procedure lasts around 30 minutes.
How long is the recovery period?
You may experience mild swelling and minimal bruising for the first 2-3 days . Natural looking eyelids result 4 – 6 weeks after the surgery.
What is the advantage of non incisional double eyelid suturing?
- There’s no scar left
- The swelling rapidly subsides after 1 week post procedure.
- The result is as natural as natural double eyelid.
- It’s reversible if necessary.
How is it done ?
The stitching method is a non-incisional procedure that involves the placement of 6 stitches in each eyelid. This creates a bond between the eyelid skin and the underlying deep tissue, forming a defined double eyelid crease that will last over 10 years.
The eyelid will be carefully measured and marked. Then, a series of tiny punctures are made in the skin along the line. Sutures are placed through the punctures and tightened until they form the desired crease. The sutures will remain beneath the skin, out of sight.
Can I wear make-up post double eyelid suturing?
It’s advisable to not put on make up on the eyelid for at least a week after the procedure to prevent any risk of infection.
Is it permanent?
The fold is said to be semi-permanent which is good for 5-10 years however it has a chance to be loosen after a few years and the procedure may need to be repeated. Most patients do not mind this as the recovery is quick and the final result is very natural.
Double eyelid suturing gives long-lasting results, but it is not permanent, as it does not involve any cutting of the skin. Besides, the crease height may also reduce gradually as our skin loses its elasticity slowly with age.
Do I need to remove my suture?
No, the suture is buried under the eyelid permanently. You won’t have to return to have them removed.
What’s the precaution post procedure?
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for two weeks.
- Avoid putting on eye makeup for at least a week.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes or pressing on your eye area especially on the treatment area.
- Heavy exercises such as weightlifting is not recommended for several weeks after the procedure, as elevating your blood pressure can disturb the healing process.
- Avoid drinking, smoking and seafood for one month post procedure.
- Apply cold compression for swelling to subside for the first 72hours after procedure and apply warm compression after 72hours for the bruises to subside.
Can I do double eyelid suturing if my eyes are puffy?
The combination techniques of continuous buried suture and mini-incision will help to remove the excess eyelid fats and create a natural looking double eyelid.
Read more about our double eyelid suturing here
