

Overview of Asian Eyelid Surgery
For many patients from East Asian or South East Asian communities, the upper eyelid does not have the crease commonly found in non-Asian people that divides the lid into two parts. This is a natural trait of many Asian eyes that is referred to as a ‘Single Eyelid’ or ‘Monolid’.
Asian blepharoplasty, also known as Asian eyelid surgery or Asian double eyelid surgery, is designed to reshape the skin above the eye, elevating the upper eyelid and creating a crease. Over the years, this has become an increasingly common facial plastic surgery procedure. Its popularity is generally not because Asian patients desire Westernised eyes, but rather because they desire younger-looking and more vivacious eyes that bring them increased self-confidence and a better all-round outlook on life.
With the eyelid folds created, the eyes become wider, altering the overall aesthetic appearance of the face. The eyes appear more open and less tired, and it is easier to apply cosmetics like eyeshadow and eyeliner. The plastic surgery team at Asian Plastic Surgery have extensive experience providing these results to Asian patients in the Sydney area.
Read on to learn more about this transformative procedure, and to discover why growing numbers of patients are choosing Asian eyelid surgery and the great results that come with it.
Benefits of Asian Eyelid Surgery
Though the ‘monolid’ or ‘single eyelid’ appearance is entirely natural, it causes many to feel self-conscious about their profile. For some patients, the lack of an upper lid crease makes the eyes look tired, hooded or small, diminishing their holistic facial aesthetic and confidence as a result.
Asian eyelid surgery aims to resolve these cosmetic concerns and improve eye-region aesthetics by creating a crease on the upper eyelid. This procedure can help to produce larger, wider and more expressive eyes that are shaped harmoniously with your unique facial structure and features.
An Asian Plastic Surgery surgeon will assess these factors and your desired outcomes during a consultation before the operation. In addition to their surgical experience and expertise, our plastic surgeons boast an in-depth understanding of Asian facial anatomy and aesthetic preferences. Their goal when performing Asian blepharoplasty is to enhance the eyes while preserving each patient’s distinctive facial aesthetic and natural beauty.
What to Expect From Eyelid Surgery
The consultation is a critical part of the Asian eyelid surgery procedure. During this phase, your surgeon will get to know your personal motivations for the surgery and the goals you hope to achieve. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the surgery in a safe and friendly environment. After the consultation, your surgical team will set a surgery date that suits you. You will be informed of what to expect and any preparations you must make.
Blepharoplasty for Asian eyes can be performed with either the non-incisional “suture technique” or the incisional “open technique” depending on the patient’s circumstances and preferences. During surgery, the upper eyelid skin is lifted to create an eyelid fold known as a supratarsal crease. The degree to which the skin is elevated will depend on the natural shape of your eye and your personal desired outcomes. An anchor suture is then applied to close the incision and hold the contoured eyelid in place, ready for healing.
Asian double eyelid surgery is a simple outpatient procedure that takes one to two hours. You will be able to return home on the same day. In the hours and days that follow the operation, you may experience some mild discomfort. Keep your head in an elevated position and apply a cold compress to control the swelling and bruising. Avoid allergens, dry environments and rubbing or scratching your eyes. You should be able to go back to work in around seven days.
All postoperative swelling and bruising should subside within a few weeks, allowing you to see your results. Through Asian eyelid surgery, our surgeons can create a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing eye contour that blends naturally with your unique appearance.
Eyelid Surgery Techniques
There are two primary methods for performing Asian eyelid surgery.
Incisional Blepharoplasty
For an incisional blepharoplasty, or “open technique”, the surgeon creates a short incision where the crease will be on the upper lid. The placement of the incision is based on the patient’s facial features and detailed measurements taken to ensure the eyelid proportions are natural and flattering. The surgeon then uses the incision to create a fold and anchors it in place with tiny sutures. The scar is fine, faint and barely visible once it heals.
Non-Incisional Blepharoplasty
A non-incisional blepharoplasty, or “suture technique”, is less invasive. The surgeon makes a series of small punctures in the skin where the fold will be created, then places sutures through the punctures and tightens them until they form the desired crease. The sutures stay beneath the skin where they cannot be seen. They do not need to be removed and there is less scarring than with the incisional technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asian double eyelid surgery the same as eyelid surgery?
Asian blepharoplasty is similar to a standard blepharoplasty or eyelid lift, both in the methods used and in the outcomes achieved. The subtle variations between these two procedures come from the differing anatomical structure of some Asian eyelids. Asian blepharoplasty tends to focus on creating a crease on the upper eyelid. Other types of eyelid surgery correct irregularities of the upper and/or lower eyelids to improve vision and enhance the aesthetic of the eyes.
What happens if I’ve had eyelid surgery and am not satisfied with my results?
Asian blepharoplasty is a complex, highly individualized procedure that requires technical skill, experience and an intricate understanding of Asian facial anatomy. If the surgery is performed incorrectly or is not tailored to the patient’s unique profile, patients may end up with inferior and unsatisfying results. Asian Plastic Surgery offers Asian double eyelid revision to repair issues from a past surgery and create a more satisfying contour of the eyes.
How much does Asian eyelid surgery cost?
Asian eyelid surgery prices vary because there are multiple techniques that can be performed to different extents and achieve different goals. The procedure is extremely specific and customised due to the inherent differences in each patient’s anatomy, goals and preferences. Cost for a surgical procedure includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee and facility fees.
How long does Asian blepharoplasty last?
The longevity of Asian eyelid surgery results may depend on which technique is utilized. Incisional blepharoplasty creates a permanent crease in the upper eyelids and cannot be reversed. A non-incisional blepharoplasty can be reversed by a surgeon or may reverse naturally over time.
How painful is it to get Asian double eyelid surgery?
Asian blepharoplasty can be safely done under IV sedation with local anaesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable. Some discomfort can be expected after any surgical procedure, but it is typically mild and short-lived after Asian eyelid surgery.
Will double eyelid surgery completely change my appearance?
The final result of double eyelid surgery depends on a variety of factors, including patient preference, the existing anatomy of the patient’s eye area, and the aesthetic style and approach of the surgeon. Asian blepharoplasty can achieve subtle results if desired or a more significant difference between the pre-op eye shape and the post-op shape if that is the patient’s goal.

Procedure performed by
Dr Ellis Choy
Specialist plastic Surgeon
Dr Ellis Choy is an Australian trained, fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon. He specialises in a wide range of Asian Plastic Surgery procedures involving the face, breast and body works. As an Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, Dr Choy helps his patients achieve life-changing transformation via personal enhancement.





Request More Information About Asian Eyelid Surgery
The skilled surgical team at Asian Plastic Surgery understand Asian facial anatomy and the customised surgical techniques that deliver satisfying, harmonious results for Asian patients. Combining unparalleled artistry with years of surgical experience, our plastic surgeons will carefully assess your condition and facial structure to identify the most suitable approach to your surgery. Through this meticulous approach to Asian double eyelid surgery, we can create a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing eye contour that blends naturally with your unique features.
If you would like to learn more about Asian eyelid surgery in Sydney or find out if you are a candidate, contact Asian Plastic Surgery
on +02 5104 9703 or fill out our enquiry form today.