Quick Summary
- The absence of a double eyelid crease (“single eyelid”) is common in some East Asian populations
- The cause of absent eyelid creases is the lack of attachments from the eyelid elevator muscle to the skin, most commonly congenital, followed by aging changes
- Absent double eyelid creases can create the appearance of smaller eyes and may contribute to a tired and sleepy look. Individuals with double eyelid creases are often perceived as alert, bright and attractive
- There are different shapes of upper eyelid folds: the hidden fold, the tapered fold and the parallel fold
- There are two main types of crease creation double eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): minimal-incisional (suture) and incisional double eyelid surgery, and two main methods of skin excision for accentuation of double creases
- The recovery process and extent of swelling varies depending on the type of surgery performed and medical conditions (if any) of each individual
Understanding Blepharoplasty: What To Expect Before The Procedure
The upper eyelid is a delicate and intricate anatomical structure that requires meticulous surgical technique and a high degree of precision. Double eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is designed to create a well-defined upper eyelid crease, enhancing eye definition and creating a brighter, more refreshed appearance.
I am a MOH and European Board certified plastic surgeon and have extensive experience with double eyelid surgery. Successful outcomes require a deep understanding of Asian facial anatomy and cultural aesthetic preferences. I have also spent a part of my early career training in parts of Europe and the United States of America and am familiar with eyelid surgery in the Western world. This breadth of training allows me to tailor surgical approaches to individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds. I am regularly invited to speak on eyelid surgery and have presented at numerous international and regional plastic surgery congresses, and have written educational book chapters on the subject. I am also a Visiting Professor with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and host many foreign plastic surgeon visitors in my clinic. During your consultation, I will assess your eyelid anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and explain the most suitable surgical options for you, along with realistic expectations and important pre-operative considerations.
Double eyelid surgery typically takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to perform, although the exact duration may vary depending on the individual complexity of the case. Beyond a successful surgery, diligent post-operative care is important in ensuring the most effective results.
How Should I Prepare For My Surgery?
- Medications. Notify your surgeon about the long-term medications that you are consuming. Most medications should continue up to, and including the day of the procedure, except traditional medication and supplements and blood thinning medication, which should be stopped a week prior to surgery. This helps to reduce postoperative bruising and speeds up your recovery.
- Smoking / vaping. Smoking cessation is recommended for at least 2 weeks prior to elective surgery to minimize postoperative wound complications.
- Alcohol consumption. Heavy alcohol consumption is to be avoided 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks after elective surgery to prevent accelerated clearance of medications from the body.
Things To Take Note On Day Of My Double Eyelid Procedure
- Consider taking a taxi or private hire car instead of driving. Sedation is sometimes administered for your comfort and it is not advisable to drive after sedation
- Fasting
- Local anesthesia cases. No fasting is required.
- Sedation cases. Fasting from solid food and liquids for 6 hours prior to the procedure is required. Your regular long-term medications may be consumed with small sips of water.
- Preoperative preparation. Preoperative preparation involves removal of contact lenses, makeup, jewellery emptying your bladder, consumption of analgesia and presurgical markings. Please arrive 30 – 45 minutes prior to the appointed surgical time.
- Avoid the following
- Jewellery and piercings; these will have to be removed prior to the procedure
- Wearing makeup and contact lenses on the day of the procedure
Is The Recovery Process Painful?
Recovery after blepharoplasty is generally associated with mild discomfort rather than significant pain. Individuals who have undergone blepharoplasty commonly experience mild tightness, swelling and occasional itching around the incision sites. The discomfort is typically well controlled with pain medication and tapers off within 3 to 5 days.
Day 1 -2 (First 48 Hours) Post Operation: Immediate Post-Operation Effects
- Immediate post-surgical swelling is observed and the eyelids may appear thickened and heavy, with exaggerated deep creases
- Consume the medications provided
- Analgesics reduce pain and discomfort and antiinflammatory medications reduce swelling
- Tranexamic acid increases blood clotting, reduces bruising and accelerates recovery
- Swelling reduction is achieved by a combination of cold compresses, staying upright and sleeping with slight head elevation, and regular consumption of anti-inflammatory medication
- Avoid straining (heavy lifting, coughing) as these may cause postoperative bruising and bleeding
- You may experience mild visual blurring, watery and/or dry eyes
Day 3 – 7: How Long Will The Swelling Last?
- Upper eyelid swelling slowly migrates down to the lower eyelid and cheeks due to gravity
- Warm compresses help to improve the blood supply to aid wound healing and clearance of bruising. Bruises slowly fade from a purple to a light yellow color.
- Head elevation during sleep is advised until the swelling is mostly cleared
- Stitches are usually removed on postoperative day 5 – 7
- Scar management: A scar gel will be prescribed following stitch removal to flatten the scar
Week 1 -2 Post-surgery
- Avoid wearing contact lenses
- Return to work is often possible at 1 week post surgery, and resumption of exercise is possible at the end of week 2. However, avoid exercises that have a potential for eye/face trauma, such as ball sports
- Most of the swelling is resolved by 1 – 2 weeks
- Avoid rubbing your eyes as this may cause breakage of the inner double eyelid creation stitches
Week 3 – 6 Post-surgery
- The eyelid creases will appear more natural and settled
- A postoperative evaluation is usually performed at this time to assess the result of the surgery
When To Contact My Surgeon?
Blepharoplasty is a safe and low-risk procedure. Should you experience any of the following, please contact our clinic:
- Excessive bleeding from the incisions
- Excessive pain, redness, warmth and tenderness around the eye region
The Picasso Plastic Surgery Advantage
The upper eyelid is anatomically complex and delicate. Successful outcomes demand accurate preoperative assessment, appropriate planning, precise millimeter-range execution, and meticulous postoperative care. Our Singapore and European board-certified surgeons are experienced in aesthetic and functional eyelid surgery and have a deep understanding of cultural aesthetic norms. Our surgeons are regarded for their work on eyelid surgery and are regular invited lecturers at international plastic surgery conferences and have written book chapters. Picasso Plastic Surgery has a strong reputation amongst fellow professionals. We carefully customize every procedure with precision and artistry to ensure natural, elegant outcomes that enhance each individual’s authentic beauty. Our clinic has an en-suite operating room that promises maximal comfort and privacy, and permits scheduling flexibility. We receive patients from all over the world. Our highly trained support staff are attentive and skilled, and will partner you through your entire journey to attain a beautiful and bespoke outcome.
Start Your Journey
Call us at +65 62624140 or leave us an email at enquiries@picassops.com to schedule an appointment.