What Is a Monolid?
A monolid, also called a single eyelid, is an upper eyelid without a visible fold or crease dividing the lid into two sections. The skin runs smoothly down from the brow bone to the lash line. This is a natural genetic trait, most common among people of East Asian and Southeast Asian descent, and it isn’t linked to any medical concern. Monolids vary in appearance, with some closer to the lashes and others slightly higher.
What Is Double Eyelid Surgery?
Double eyelid surgery, or Asian blepharoplasty, is a procedure that creates a crease on the upper eyelid. The surgery divides the eyelid into two visible sections by reshaping the skin and underlying tissue above the eye. This can make the eyes appear more open and change how makeup is applied to the upper lid. The procedure is performed using either an incision or non-incisional technique, depending on the patient's eyelid anatomy, skin thickness and desired outcome.
Is There a Difference Between Monolid Surgery vs Double Eyelid Surgery?
There is no difference between monolid and double eyelid surgery. These terms refer to the same procedure. A monolid is the starting point, and double eyelid surgery is the procedure used to address it.
How Common Are Monolids Across Asian Ethnicities?
The monolid isn’t equally common across Asian populations. They are more common among people from Northern Asian countries, including China, Korea, and Japan. A natural double eyelid crease is more common among people from Southern Asian countries such as Vietnam. Many people from these populations are born with a visible fold, though the crease can still vary in height, shape and consistency between the two eyes.
Can People With a Natural Double Eyelid Still Get Double Eyelid Surgery?
Yes, some who already have a natural crease still choose to undergo double eyelid surgery. This procedure can make an uneven crease more symmetrical or adjust the height or shape of an existing fold. Some patients also want a slightly more defined fold than the one they were born with.
Double Eyelid Surgery Techniques
There are two primary techniques used to perform double eyelid surgery. The option Dr Choy chooses depends on the patient's eyelid anatomy and skin thickness. Methods include:
Incisional Technique
Also known as the open technique, this method involves a small incision placed along the intended crease line. The surgeon creates a fold and secures it with fine sutures, and the resulting scar typically fades into the natural line of the eyelid as it heals. This approach tends to suit patients with thicker eyelid skin or excess skin.
Non-Incisional Technique
This method uses a series of small punctures rather than a full incision. Sutures are placed through these points and tightened to form the crease, then left beneath the skin. It's a less invasive option with less visible scarring, though results may not be as long-lasting as an incisional approach.
Preserving Asian Identity in Double Eyelid Surgery
One of the most common misconceptions about double eyelid surgery is that it's designed to make Asian eyes look more Western. This isn't the goal of the procedure at Asian Plastic Surgery. Dr Choy primarily works with an infold design, a nasally-tapered crease that narrows toward the inner corner of the eye in line with the natural epicanthal fold common in Asian eyelid anatomy.
This is different from the outfold design, a parallel crease more typical of Caucasian eyelids, which has been used to create a more Westernised look in Asian patients. The infold approach creates a fold that looks more like a natural extension of the patient’s features.
Double Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Double eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, usually taking one to two hours, and most patients return home the same day. Initial downtime is seven to ten days, with swelling, bruising and discomfort during this period. Patients can usually return to work and light activities within about a week, but other types of exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for two to three weeks. While early swelling settles fairly quickly, it can take several months for the swelling to go completely down and for the final results to show. Every patient heals differently, so Dr Choy will discuss what to expect from your timeline.
Choosing a Surgeon for Asian Eyelid Surgery
Double eyelid surgery is an individualised procedure that depends on the surgeon’s experience with Asian facial anatomy and their philosophy as a plastic surgeon serving the Asian community in Sydney. Dr Ellis Choy brings years of experience and training in Asian blepharoplasty, and he uses techniques specifically designed for Asian eyelid anatomy.
When looking for a surgeon, be sure to ask how they approach double eyelid surgery and make sure they can clearly explain how they can customise your surgery to account for your individual features and the results you are looking for.
Double Eyelid Surgery at Asian Plastic Surgery Sydney
If you're considering double eyelid surgery and want a result that enhances your eyes while taking your features and desires into account, Asian Plastic Surgery can help. Dr Ellis Choy offers techniques specific to Asian patients and knows how to adjust his strategy based on the patient in front of him. He works both with patients who have a monolid and those with an existing crease they would like refined. A consultation is the best way to understand your options. Contact Asian Plastic Surgery through our website or call us on (02) 8985 9850 to book a consultation and learn more about Asian eyelid surgery in Sydney.
