Double eyelid blepharoplasty or commonly known as double eyelid surgery, is a type of cosmetic procedure where the skin around the upper eyelid is reshaped. The goal of this surgery is to create an upper eyelid with a crease. This surgery is usually popular among people who are born with a single eyelid. In general, there are two types of methods used for double eyelid surgery:
1. Incisional Method
It is the most popular type of double eyelid surgery. It removes excess skin and fat by cutting the eyelid to form a deep eyelid crease.
2. Non-incisional Method
It is known as the buried suture technique. It creates a double eyelid by holding the upper eyelid tissues together using a surgical suture.
Which is better between the Incisional or Non-incisional procedure?
The LookBook emphasizes that both methods create a double eyelid. But if you are afraid of cutting your skin, the non-incisional method might be perfect for you. For you to be able to decide if which method is best for you, here is a comparison of the two methods:
Incisional Procedure
- It involves cutting of skin and tissues
- With permanent results and durable
- Suitable for clients with excess skin and fat on the eyelid
- Slow recovery
- Risk of scarring is minimal
- The procedure cannot be reversed
Non-incisional Procedure
- It does not involve cutting of skin
- Results are long-lasting but due to aging crease height may lessen.
- Suitable for clients with less or no excess skin and fat on the eyelid
- Recovery time is faster since no incision is made
- No risk of scarring
- The procedure can be reverse
Before deciding if what method to choose, set an appointment with the doctor first to know more about how the double eyelid surgery is done and to see if you are a good candidate to avoid any complications.
How is it done?
After the doctor confirmed that you are a suitable candidate for double eyelid surgery, you have to prepare for it. Your eyes will be sensitive after the procedure. So, you need to arrange transportation in advance because you will not be able to drive yourself home.
Incisional Procedure
First, the preferred double eyelid will be measured and marked. General anaesthesia will be injected, to be followed by local anaesthesia. Along the double eyelid mark, several tiny incisions will be made. Then, the skin that has been marked will be removed as well as the fat tissue between the incisions. Lastly, the incision will be closed by stitching. It usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to finish the procedure. There might be also potential risks after this procedure like infection, changes to vision, scarring and allergic reaction to anaesthesia. And remember, this procedure is not reversible.
Non-incisional Procedure
This procedure is also executed under general anaesthesia or with local anaesthesia. The same with the incisional procedure, the eyelid will be measured and marked. Along the marked line, several tiny punctures will be made. To form the desired crease, sutures will be placed on the punctures. The sutures will be absorbed by the skin so there’s no need to go back to the doctor to have it removed. Unlike incisional procedures, this can be reversed. There is some risk linked to this procedure like infections, visible puncture marks when eyes are closed, the double fold can loosen, and sutures can get irritated.
Double eyelid surgery cost
The estimated cost for an incisional double eyelid surgery starts at $5000 and can go up depending on the desired results. For non-incisional procedures it costs around $3500-$4000. This is just an estimated cost. You need to consider other expenses like the cost of anesthesia and the doctor’s prescription after the surgery. Take note that this is not covered by your insurance since it is a cosmetic procedure. However, if you are to undergo double eyelid surgery because it affects your vision, then your insurance can cover it.
Side Effects
- Bruises
- Numbness and pain
- Dry eyes
- Sensitive to light
- Bleeding from incision
Downtime
Though these procedures are an outpatient basis, it is necessary to let your eyes rest after the double eyelid surgery. The recovery period for incisional procedure lasts from 2-4 weeks or more depending on how fast the wound heals. Unlike the non-incisional procedure which only takes 5-10 days to heal due to less wound is involved.
Self-care tips and food that you need to be avoided after a double eyelid surgery
Any food is allowed to be eaten except for high sodium or salty foods. After double eyelid surgery, you have to avoid salty foods because it slows down the healing process.
To relieve pain and irritated eyes, here are a few self-care tips recommended The LookBook:
- Wear sunglasses outside for your eye’s protection until healed
- Use cold compress
- Follow the application of ointment prescribed by your doctor
- Use eye drops prescribed by your doctor for dry eyes
- If you are smoking, you have to stop smoking
- Get plenty of rest
- Do not do strenuous activities
If pain and bleeding are too much, consult your doctor right away.
Takeaway
Whether your eyelid is double or single, both are still normal. It is your personal preference to undergo surgery if you feel that your single eyelid affects your self-esteem or confidence. choose a qualified surgeon and have your eyes checked first to see if you are a good candidate and also to avoid any complications. Do research, ask for recommendations and follow doctor’s advice before and after the surgery.
