Double eyelids are those with a visible outfold crease.
This is in contrast to single eyelids, ormonolids, which have no crease.
Genetics determine whether you have double eyelids or not.
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Surgery to form double eyelids is available.
This article covers what double eyelids are and how they can be achieved with surgery.
It also covers the types of surgical procedures available along with several non-surgical options.
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What Is a Double Eyelid?
A double eyelid is simply an eyelid with a crease on the upper lid.
Some people, particularly in Asian cultures, associate double eyelids with beauty.
Approximately 50% the Asian population has a minimal double eyelid or a monolid.
When Double Eyelid Surgery Is Considered
Double eyelid surgery may be done for cosmetic or functional reasons.
In some cases, the eyelid may droop so low that it interferes with vision.
Eyelid surgery may therefore be used to correct the drooping eyelid(s) and prevent issues with vision.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your eye shape, facial structure, and goals for your surgery.
Most insurance providers will not cover the costs of eyelid surgery when it is done for purely cosmetic reasons.
There typically needs to be a medical need for an elective surgery in order for it to be covered.
During the procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision in the natural crease of the eyelid.
They then remove excess skin and/or fat as needed.
In fact, cosmetic surgery that is performed to create double eyelids is sometimes referred to asAsian blepharoplasty.
Epicanthoplastyis another procedure that is sometimes performed along with blepharoplasty.
A heavy epicanthal fold hinders the natural formation of an outfold crease.
Incision Bethod
An incision is made in the upper eyelid and tissue may be removed.
This method is virtually pain-free and allows for more customization of the final result.
It can also resolve wrinkles around the eyes.
The incision method is widely considered to be the most reliable and durable of the options.
Results can last at least seven to 10 years, depending on how quickly your skin naturally ages.
Buried Suture Method
Your surgeon will make small holes and create an eyelid crease with three buried sutures.
This method is good for people who want a shorter recovery and no scar.
One small study found that double eyelids lasted an average of five years when this method was used.
The sutures are removed several days later after the double eyelid has been created by scarring.
While this doesn’t involve cutting, it does have the longest recovery time due to postoperative swelling.
The bead stitch method is more durable than the buried suture method.
Still, it is less likely to produce as long-lasting results as the incision method.
With partial incision and non-incisional techniques, you might expect to heal from surgery in about two weeks.
With incisional techniques, your sutures may need to be removed after several days.
The initial healing time is about two weeks, but full healing can take months.
These may include:
If an incision is done, there may be a scar.
People who have a blepharoplasty done with non-incisional methods may experience more and longer-lasting swelling after the procedure.
Your provider will likely prescribe you pain medication after your procedure.
If you still feel pain after taking your medication, contact your provider to let them know.
This can only be avoided with careful incision placement by your healthcare provider.
Blepharoplasty is also known to worsen or triggerdry eye syndromein some people.
Dry eye syndrome shows up when your eyes don’t make enough tears to lubricate the eyes.
One study found that approximately 13% of people who have upper eyelid blepharoplasty develop dry eye syndrome.
Redness and swelling are an expected side effect of surgery that should resolve after a few weeks.
Eyelid Tape
This is special tape that typically comes in crescent-shaped strips.
you might put on makeup as usual afterward.
The tape can be cleaned off with a makeup remover.
You will also want to keep pushing it for about 60 seconds.
It can be cleaned off with a makeup-removing solution.
Summary
Surgery to create double eyelids is called blepharoplasty.
Excess fat and skin is trimmed from the eyelid and a crease is formed.
Blepharoplasty can yield long-term results, depending on the method your surgeon uses.
The results of blepharoplasty are not permanent, however.
There is a chance that you will need a touch-up surgery several years down the line.
Eyelid tape and eyelid glue are good, non-permanent options to consider if you want to avoid surgery.
Start your research by seeking out oculoplastic surgeonsplastic surgeons who specialize in eyelids.
Prospective surgeons should be board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
You canverify a practitioner’s certificationon the organization’s website.
Many people will never need retouching.
Others may choose to get their eyelids retouched anywhere from five to 20 years down the line.
you’ve got the option to expect to have some moderate swelling and bruising after your blepharoplasty.
This is normal, and should decrease within one to two weeks following the procedure.
Since the upper eyelid skin is very thin and fine, there is a chance of scarring.
It tends to be barely noticeable, if present at all.
Blepharoplasty is typically done as an elective cosmetic surgerysomething that most insurance providers do not cover.
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