Blepharoplasty, commonly known as double eyelid surgery, is a kind of cosmetic surgery wherein the skin in the upper eyelids is reshaped in order to create a crease to give your eyes the appearance of having double eyelids.
The desire to undergo the said type of cosmetic surgery dates back to as early as the 1960s when after the war, the physical features of the American troops drew the attention of South Koreans. This consequently made South Koreans want to look more like Americans. Now, the double eyelid surgery has somewhat become a norm almost all over Asia.
Getting a Double Eyelid Surgery in Singapore
The double eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic surgery that Singaporeans opt to undergo, according to Dr Samuel Ho who heads Allure Plastic Surgery. That’s due to the fact that it becomes a real struggle and hassle to have to put on eyelid tape or glue every single day just to achieve the double eyelid look.
A lot of Singaporeans prefer to have a permanent solution to the issue because it can save up more time and effort. Having permanent double eyelids mean that the eyes will be emphasized more and would require less makeup since double eyelids give the appearance of having livelier eyes.
Is Double Eyelid Surgery Right for You?
In general, there are no specific requirements to undergo the said surgery. There are no age limits or anything, but just like any other procedure, it is preferable that you’re healthy, don’t have any serious medical conditions (especially in the eyes), and don’t smoke. This is so because smoking can hinder or slow down your recovery time.
Other than those mentioned, this type of cosmetic surgery is suitable for those who have:
- Single eyelids
- Uneven eyelids (one eyelid has a crease while the other side doesn’t)
- Double eyelids but prefer to make their creases even more defined
- Problems with their vision because of the eyelids
How to Have Double Eyelids in Singapore
Getting double eyelids may be done surgically or non-surgically. The main difference is that the non-surgical method only gives you a temporary solution to your issue while the surgical method is permanent.
1. Non-surgical
There are 2 main non-surgical methods of methods of obtaining double eyelids:
- Double eyelid tape – With the use of a double eyelid tape (sometimes glue), you can adjust the size of the crease based on your preference. However, you have to put it on and change it every day. If you consistently do this for months or years, then it can create a crease that attaches to the muscle temporarily. In effect, this gives you a semi-permanent fold, but it is more often than not only a shallow and inconsistent crease. Do note that doing this method may lead to drooping eyelids in the long run.
- Plexr machine – In this method, plasma is used to tighten the upper eyelid in order to create emphasis on the creases which have been covered due to drooping or low double eyelids. This method is not meant to create creases for those with single eyelids. Do note that this method may cause pigmentation in certain areas where the plasma is applied.
2. Surgical
There are 2 types of surgical methods to have double eyelids. They’re the following:
- Non-incisional Method – Also known as stitching, this procedure is done by making 6 sutures on each of your eyelids in order to guide the tissue to create natural attachments and eventually form creases. This procedure can be done in 20 minutes. The major advantage of this method is that it does not leave any scars and there is very little downtime required.
- Incisional Method – Also known as cutting, the procedure is done by creating an incision on the eyelids where the crease is desired to be located. From this incision, permanent attachments can be made in the muscle found underneath the skin of the eyelids. With this method, your doctor has more room to make adjustments if you desire to change the size or shape of your eyes or even remove excess fat or skin. However, it will require a longer downtime.
Both of these methods should be done by an experienced doctor in order to ensure that the procedures performed are safe.
How Much Does a Double Eyelid Surgery Cost in Singapore?
For incisional surgery, the cost ranges from $3200 to $4000. Meanwhile, a non-incisional surgery will range from $5000 to $5800.
The cost stated above does not include GST but already includes the consultation fee, after-care procedures such as checkups by the doctor, special sutures, medication, doctor’s fee, and anesthesia.
Recovery Times after the Surgery
Depending on the type of method performed by the doctor, the recovery times may vary. The non-incisional method has very little downtime or recovery time required while the incisional method requires a longer recovery time since the swelling only goes away after 2 to 3 weeks while the scarring will not be as visible anymore only after 4 to 6 months from the time the procedure was done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I feel any pain?
A: During the procedure itself, you will not feel any pain since you will be sedated and an anesthetic will be administered to you. The only pain you will feel is after the surgery because of the swelling. However, the pain is tolerable as you will only feel the tightness from the suture, and this usually occurs only during mornings when you wake up.
Q: Will the results be permanent?
A: The incisional method is guaranteed to give permanent double eyelids while the non-incisional method is considered to be more or less permanent depending on what you do with your eyelids after the procedure.
Some factors which contribute to losing the crease created by the non-incisional method include:
- Rubbing the eyes constantly
- Wearing fake lashes
- Eczema in the eyelid area or any other skin condition affecting the eyelid area
Other than these, rest assured that the non-incisional method can leave you with double eyelids even 10 years after the surgery is performed.
Q: Will it leave scars?
A: It depends. With the non-incisional method, it will not leave any scars while the incisional method may leave scars but will be less visible as time passes, usually around 4 to 6 months.
Q: Can the procedure be reversed?
A: It depends on which part of the double eyelids you’re not satisfied with. However, what the doctor can do is just to make adjustments with respect to the shape and the size of the crease.
Q: Are there risks involved?
A: Just like any other surgeries, there may be risks involved such as bleeding or infection. However, it is very minimal and rarely happens. This is why it is very important to choose an experienced cosmetic surgeon.
Double eyelid surgery in Singapore is a very common surgery which many Singaporeans and Asian people in general, opt to undergo. As long as you choose the right cosmetic surgeon, there will be no issues with respect to your surgery.