Double Eyelid Surgery

Double Eyelid Surgery, also called Monolid Surgery or Asian Eyelid Surgery, is a procedure that creates a natural-looking upper eyelid crease in patients with a monolid or an indistinct eyelid fold. The goal is to create a defined double eyelid while maintaining natural eye shape and facial proportions.

Unlike conventional Upper Blepharoplasty, which primarily removes excess skin and fat, Double Eyelid Surgery creates or defines the connection between the upper eyelid skin and deeper eyelid structures to form a stable eyelid crease. The crease height and shape are customized according to the patient's eyelid anatomy, skin thickness, eyelid fat, eye shape, and facial proportions.

The objective is a natural, symmetrical, and proportionate double eyelid rather than simply creating a higher crease. Double Eyelid Surgery may be combined with Upper Blepharoplasty or other eyelid procedures when additional concerns are present.

Double Eyelid Surgery, also known as Monolid Surgery or Asian Eyelid Surgery, may be appropriate for patients who want to create or define a natural-looking upper eyelid crease. Ideal candidates may include those with:

• Monolids or an absent upper eyelid crease
• An uneven, low, or poorly defined eyelid crease
• Upper eyelids that appear heavy because of the absence of a defined crease
• A desire for a more defined but natural-looking double eyelid
• Those with multiple eyelid folds

During consultation, I assess the upper eyelid anatomy, skin and soft-tissue thickness, eyelid fat, eye shape, existing crease, brow position, and facial proportions. This helps determine the appropriate crease height, shape, and surgical technique.

Patients with significant excess upper-eyelid skin, eyelid fat, or eyelid ptosis may require Upper Blepharoplasty or another eyelid procedure in addition to Double Eyelid Surgery. The treatment is individualized to achieve a natural and balanced result.

Before surgery:
During consultation, I assess the upper eyelid anatomy, existing eyelid crease, skin and soft-tissue thickness, eyelid fat, eye shape, brow position, and facial proportions. Careful measurements and preoperative markings are made to determine the appropriate height and shape of the new double eyelid crease.

Anesthesia:
Double Eyelid Surgery can usually be performed under local anesthesia. This allows me to assess eyelid height, crease symmetry, and eye shape during surgery while providing effective pain control and minimal downtime.

Procedure:
An incision is made along the planned upper eyelid crease. The eyelid tissues are carefully adjusted and secured to create a stable connection between the skin and deeper eyelid structures, forming the desired double eyelid crease. When necessary, excess skin or eyelid fat may also be addressed.

The height and shape of the crease are individualized according to the patient's eyelid anatomy, eye shape, facial proportions, and desired appearance. The goal is to create a natural, symmetrical double eyelid while preserving normal eyelid function. Suturing is performed carefully, with non-absorbable sutures typically removed after about one week.

• Post-op Medications: I usually prescribe oral antibiotics and pain relievers after Double Eyelid Surgery. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling and bruising during the early recovery period.
• Suture Removal: Sutures are usually removed after 6–7 days, depending on the healing of the eyelid incision.
• Downtime: Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are expected after surgery. Swelling is usually most noticeable during the first several days and gradually improves with cold compresses and head elevation. Many patients can return to work within approximately 7–14 days, depending on swelling, bruising, and the nature of their work.
• Scarring: The incision is placed along the newly created eyelid crease. The scar may initially appear pink or slightly noticeable but gradually fades and becomes less visible over 6–12 months as the eyelid tissues mature.
• Results: The new double eyelid crease may initially appear higher, deeper, or slightly uneven because of swelling and tissue healing. As the swelling subsides, the crease gradually settles into a more natural appearance. Mild swelling or firmness may persist for several months, with continued refinement as the tissues and scar mature for up to one year.

Double Eyelid Surgery is generally safe when performed with appropriate patient selection and surgical planning. However, as with any surgical procedure, complications can occur. Most are temporary and improve as the eyelids heal, while some may require additional treatment or revision surgery.

Possible complications include:

• Bleeding or hematoma, which may require additional treatment.
• Infection, although uncommon with proper surgical technique and postoperative care.
• Eyelid asymmetry, including differences in crease height, shape, or position.
• Irregular or unstable eyelid crease, which may become apparent as swelling resolves.
• Overcorrection or undercorrection, resulting in a crease that is higher, lower, deeper, or less defined than intended.
• Visible or unfavorable scarring along the eyelid crease.
• Difficulty fully closing the eyes or eyelid tightness, which is usually temporary but may occasionally persist.

Careful assessment of the upper eyelid anatomy, skin thickness, eyelid fat, eye shape, existing crease, and facial proportions helps determine the appropriate surgical technique and minimize potential complications.

The cost of Double Eyelid Surgery or Monolid Surgery in the Philippines varies depending on the surgical setting, anesthesia, complexity of the procedure, and what is included in the surgical and hospital fees. For patients considering Double Eyelid Surgery in Manila, the total cost depends on the patient's eyelid anatomy and whether additional procedures are needed.

Cost of Double Eyelid Surgery for uncomplicated cases

Double Eyelid Surgery Under Local Anesthesia: ₱55,000*

*For uncomplicated Double Eyelid Surgery performed under local anesthesia. Postoperative medications and additional medical expenses are not included.

The cost may be higher when additional procedures are required, such as Upper Blepharoplasty, eyelid fat removal, or ptosis correction, depending on the patient's individual eyelid anatomy and surgical plan.

The final cost may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, surgical setting, and facilities or services required. A final quotation is provided after consultation and treatment planning.