Double eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure done on the eyes. Itis also is also called an Asian or Oriental blepharoplasty. The idea behind a double eyelid surgery is to create a natural fold on the upper eyelid so that, when the eye is opened, the eyelid folds in half.  Half of all patients of Asian descent are born with a congenital lack of an upper eyelid crease.  Others have a shallow crease that they want deepened.

The eyelid crease makes it look like the lid has two parts.  This is why it is called a double eyelid.  Those without the crease are considered to have a single eyelid.  Some Asian individuals have one double eyelid and one single eyelid and they want it equalized.

The Cultural Meaning behind an Eyelid Crease

Whether it is considered “right” or not, many Asian cultures consider a person to be more beautiful if they have an eyelid crease.  This is why the double eyelid surgery is so popular in Asians and among Asian Americans.  Many popular Asians have undergone this type of surgery in order to enhance their appearance.  Those that have not had the surgery use glue or taping of the eyelids to achieve the same results, albeit temporary.  This is the most common surgery requested by Asian plastic surgery clients.  Those with a single lid often have problems putting on makeup that looks good and they feel the single lid is not aesthetically pleasing.

The goal is to have a single tapered eyelid crease which gives the eye an almond shape.  The procedure is done by cutting along the desired crease line and scooping out fatty areas and tissue so the crease is sunken in.  The eyelid is then sutured together, creating a natural crease that folds over when the eyelid is open and closes nicely when the eyelids close.  The trick is to make the incision line clean and to suture the crease so that it doesn’t scar abnormally.

Who needs a Double Eyelid Surgery?

There are variations in what kinds of oriental-looking eyes that need a double eyelid surgery in order to have a double eyelid.  These include patients without an eyelid crease altogether, those who have an eyelid crease that isn’t very defined, and those who have hooding of the eyelid even though they have an eyelid crease.  The goal is to create a new eyelid crease or to increase the definition of a crease that is already there.  It can be a real morale booster for an Asian who has not liked the shape and appearance of their eyes for most of their life.  The eye is softer and makeup can be worn in a more normal way.  The eyes look more alert and, in some cases, the eyes can finally reveal what the upper eyelashes look like, especially when there is hooding of the eyelid.