Asian Blepharoplasty or Monolid Surgery

---

Double eyelid surgery, also known as Asian blepharoplasty or monolid surgery, creates a natural-looking crease on the upper eyelid for patients who have a monolid or an absent eyelid fold.

This popular cosmetic procedure enhances the appearance of the eyes — making them appear larger, brighter, and more defined — while maintaining your natural ethnic features.

• A flat or undefined upper eyelid
   
• Monolids (no natural eyelid crease)
   
• Asymmetrical eyelid creases
   
• Eyelids with multiple folds
   
• Desire for a more open or deep set, alert look

Before surgery:  Make sure blood pressure is controlled.  Medications that cause bleeding or easy bruisability like anticoagulants should be stopped 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.

Anesthesia: preferably done under Local Anesthesia, so the patient is awake but numb to be able to assess eyelid opening and eyelid crease definition

Incision:  the incision is placed on the area of the desired eyelid crease.  This may be extended on the outer eye to adequately remove excess skin if present.  Excess skin, muscle and fat are removed.  The levator aponeurosis is identified and attached to the desired level of double fold on the eyelid skin.  This technique ensures that the fold is permanent unlike the non-incision technique which loosens after some time.   Sutures are placed along the crease.

Procedure Time: 2 hours

• Post-op Course: Oral antibiotics and pain reliever are taken for a week.  Expect swelling for 1-2 weeks over the eyes and cheeks.  Frequent ice compress is advised to help with the swelling.  
   
• Suture Removal: sutures are removed after 6-7 days

• Downtime: expect swelling and bruising for 1-2 weeks.  

• Scarring: Minimal and hidden in the new crease.  The scar is usually visible and dark or reddish for 2-3 months, and will gradually fade over 6-12 months.  Use of silicone scar gel and sunblock is advised to help with better scar outcome.
   
• Results: Expect the eyelids to be puffy with the double fold wider than desired for 1-6 months.  This will look more natural after 6-12 months.

Q: What’s the difference between incisional and non-incisional techniques?
A: The non-incisional double eyelid technique  uses sutures (no cutting) and is ideal for younger patients with thinner skin, but this may not last forever unlike the incisional technique.  The incisional double eyelid technique involves removing skin/fat and offers permanent results for heavier lids or those with multiple folds.   Incisional Double Eyelid is still more superior and long lasting than Non-incisional technique.

Q: Will it look natural?
A: Yes, but it may take 6 to 12 months for the puffiness to go away completely and look natural

Q: How long does it last?
A: Incisional results are permanent. Non-incisional sutures may loosen over time.

Cost of Double Eyelid Surgery by Dr. Aicee Bernal is P55,000 if done in the clinic under local anesthesia, and this does not yet post-operative medications. 

If you prefer to be sedated, the procedure will be done in a hospital setting under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist. Hospital cost will vary from P120,000–160,000 for uncomplicated cases, also excluding preoperative laboratories , clearance and post-op medications.

With a deep understanding of Asian eyelid anatomy and a strong aesthetic eye, Dr. Aicee Bernal is known for creating balanced, natural-looking creases that complement each patient’s face — without an exaggerated or artificial appearance.

She offers both the incisional and non-incisional (suture) techniques, tailored to your goals, skin type, and eyelid structure.

Each patient is unique and needs to be evaluated individually.

Schedule your double eyelid consultation with Dr. Aicee Bernal, a trusted eyelid surgeon in the Philippines.