Double eyelid surgery has emerged as a trend in cosmetic operations for people looking to enhance, rejuvenate, or change the shape of their eyes. It can be performed for aesthetic or functional purposes, and in either case, knowing the nuances will assist you in your decisions. In this piece, we will outline the advantages of double eyelid surgery, as well as the procedure, recovery, and even discuss lower eyelid surgery as an alternative.
What is Double Eyelid Surgery?
Processus brachii or Asian blepharoplasty is the more technical term for double eyelid surgery. It is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves a pronounced crease in the upper eyelid. Considered a double eyelid, the simpler crease is characteristic to a lot of individuals, however, a notable portion, specifically East Asians, tend to lack this. The surgery enhances structural constituents of the eye and makes it more open or defined.
It is important not to confuse this with upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, which focuses on the aesthetic removal of skin and fat. While it is common to enhance and create eyelid crease in double eyelid procedure, in most situations, there is a complementary relationship with upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery.
Why Do People Choose Double Eyelid Surgery?
There are various reasons for choosing to undergo surgery, for some it could be for cosmetic reasons while for others it could be for functional reasons. Here is a summary:
Aesthetic Considerations: With many cultures, the effect of the surgery makes the eyes appear bigger, brighter, and more expressive which is regarded as aesthetically pleasing. For a great number of people aiming to look more youthful and natural, the surgery has transformative effects.
Correcting Facial Features: Natural eyelids are rarely symmetrically the same and often have a difference in size and shape. Double eyelid surgery corrects this asymmetry providing a more harmonious appearance.
Improved Eye Sight: For some people, the eyelid of monolid or a heavier look could possess skin which can hinder their sight. Along with blepharoplasty upper eyelid surgery, this monolid can improve the eye area's functionality.
Increased Self-Esteem: Greater perception of self often follows claiming a more youthful, refined and well maintained look. Seeking the surgery has a correlation for feeling at ease and comfortable with one’s self.
Procedure Overview
As one of the common procedures, double eyelid surgery is performed under local anesthesia, and is regarded as safe with a skilled physician. Every step surgical to nonsurgical can be personalized for achieving closer to effortless beauty, with balance that is natural and in proportion.Surgical Techniques
Incisional Method
This technique is appropriate for patients with thicker eyelids or excess skin. It involves an incision along the eyelid to remove skin and fat prior to crease formation. Results are permanent and can be tailored to the individual.
Non-Incisional Method
Commonly referred to as the suture method, this technique is less invasive as it involves suture creasing of the eyelid. This method has faster recovery, but may not be as long lasting as the results from the incisional technique.
Combination with Blepharoplasty
With the addition of upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, double eyelid surgery can address both the aesthetic and functional concerns of the upper eyelid, removing tissue while also placing a well-defined crease.
Consultation and Customization
Patients interested in this surgery will first have a consultation with a surgeon. Assessment of the eyelid and structural goals will be undertaken, and the surgical technique personalized will be discussed with the patient.
Recovery and Aftercare
Possibly one of the largest concerns with surgery is recovery. Fortunately, double eyelid surgery has a shorter downtime in comparison to other cosmetic surgeries.
Post-Operative Care Considerations
Swelling and Bruising: Mild swelling and bruising, particularly around the eyes, can be anticipated within the first week post-surgery. The use of cold compresses can be beneficial in alleviating discomfort.
Stitch Removal: For those with incisional methods, stitches are commonly removed within 5-7 days postoperatively.
Back to Routine: The majority of patients are able to resume their normal activities within 7-10 days. Of note, non-incisional approaches may result in quicker recovery times.
Guidelines to aid healing accelerations
Avoid Excessive Activity: Strenuous exercises, including lifting, should be avoided for at least two weeks.
Follow Aftercare Guidelines: Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, including routines to be observed for care and medication regimes.
Shield the Region: Exercise caution rubbing your eyes and keep the surgical fields scrupulously clean.
How Is It Different from Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Lower eyelid surgical operations are concerned with issues such as under eye bags, puffiness, and the wrinkles surrounding the lower eyelid area, while the focus of lower eyelid surgery is the upper eyelid. It is common to perform both surgical interventions simultaneously to achieve comprehensive eyelid rejuvenation. Moreover, lower eyelid surgical procedures remove wrinkles and aging signs while tightening and smoothing the lower eye area.
Moreover, the lower eyelid surgery can also resolve some cases of ectropion, which is the lower eyelid's outward and downward drooping, revealing the sclera. Performing with the other two procedures, double eyelid and upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, fosters a youthful look and restores balance to the face.
Are There Non-Surgical Options?
Non-surgical options for eyelid surgery do exist, however, they may not be as effective and long lasting as the surgical procedure. An example of a non-invasive procedure is the use of double eyelid stickers, which creates the deception of a fold on the upper eyelid. Such options do not last and require constant maintenance.
Finding the Right Specialist
Results from double eyelid surgery rely heavily on the practitioner's skill and the surgical technique . As such, it is crucial to look for a well-trained, board-certified surgeon who has performed cosmetic procedures and has experience ascertaining natural results. Reflection on your search includes the following points:
Certification: Check that your practitioner has completed appropriate training and has skills for cosmetic eyelid surgery.
Results: Check the practitioner’s portfolio to view his or her before and after work photographs.
Recommendation: A practitioner’s reputation through patient reviews can help assure you of his experience.
Final Thoughts
The effectiveness of double eyelid surgery is demonstrated in both improving functional aspects as well as aesthetics. Understanding the procedure and meeting with the surgeon in advance is crucial to obtaining the desired natural and beautiful results that will enhance confidence, and, as mentioned, the procedure can be performed in conjunction with upper and lower eyelid surgeries.
Transformative surgery is indicated if you are considering altering your appearance and functioning. Schedule a consultation to discuss the available options.
