Double Eyelid Surgery: The Most Requested Procedure in Asia
Double eyelid surgery — known medically as upper blepharoplasty — is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in East Asia. It creates a defined crease in the upper eyelid, giving the eye a more open, defined appearance. At Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, this procedure is performed thousands of times each year by surgeons with unmatched experience in Asian eyelid anatomy.
Understanding why patients choose Ninth Hospital for this procedure requires understanding what can go wrong elsewhere. Poorly executed double eyelid surgery can result in asymmetry, an unnatural crease height, scarring, or a result that looks obviously surgical. The surgeons at Ninth Hospital are trained to create results that look natural and harmonious with the patient's existing features.
The Two Main Techniques
Incisional Method
The incisional technique involves making a precise cut along the planned crease line, removing a small amount of skin, fat, and sometimes muscle, then suturing the skin to the deeper tissue to create a permanent crease. This method is recommended for patients with:
- Thicker or heavier eyelid skin
- Significant excess skin or fat
- Ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) that needs correction simultaneously
- Patients who want a permanent, stable result
Recovery from the incisional method takes longer — typically 2 to 4 weeks before swelling subsides enough to look presentable, and up to 6 months for the final result to fully settle.
Non-Incisional (Suture) Method
The suture method uses tiny punctures rather than a full incision. Fine sutures are passed through the eyelid to anchor the skin to the deeper tissue, creating the crease without cutting. Benefits include:
- Faster recovery (most swelling resolves within 1–2 weeks)
- No visible scarring
- Reversible in theory, though revision is not always straightforward
The suture method is best suited to younger patients with thinner eyelid skin and minimal excess fat. It is not appropriate for everyone, and the surgeons at Ninth Hospital will advise which technique suits your anatomy during consultation.
What Happens During the Consultation
Your consultation at Shanghai Ninth will involve a detailed assessment of your eyelid anatomy, skin thickness, fat distribution, and the position of your brow. The surgeon will discuss your aesthetic goals and show you simulated outcomes where possible. They will also check for ptosis, as this affects both technique selection and surgical planning.
Be honest about your expectations. The goal of double eyelid surgery is enhancement, not transformation. Surgeons at Ninth Hospital are experienced at managing expectations and will tell you clearly what is and is not achievable.
Costs at Shanghai Ninth Hospital
Pricing varies based on technique, surgeon seniority, and whether additional procedures (such as epicanthoplasty or ptosis correction) are performed at the same time.
- Suture method: ¥8,000 – ¥15,000 (approx. USD 1,100 – 2,100)
- Incisional method: ¥15,000 – ¥25,000 (approx. USD 2,100 – 3,500)
- Combined with epicanthoplasty: add ¥5,000 – ¥12,000
These figures are indicative. Your personalised quote will be provided after consultation.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies by technique, but here is a general guide:
- Days 1–3: Significant swelling and bruising. Cold compresses help. Rest is essential.
- Days 4–7: Sutures removed (incisional method). Swelling begins to reduce.
- Weeks 2–4: Most patients feel comfortable returning to work. Makeup can usually be worn after 2 weeks.
- Months 3–6: Final result becomes visible as residual swelling fully resolves and the crease softens naturally.
Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and direct sun exposure during the first two weeks. Follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully.
Combining Procedures
Many patients combine double eyelid surgery with related procedures for a more comprehensive result:
- Epicanthoplasty — modifies the inner corner of the eye for a wider appearance
- Lateral canthoplasty — extends the outer corner of the eye
- Ptosis correction — lifts a drooping upper eyelid by tightening the levator muscle
- Lower blepharoplasty — addresses under-eye bags or hollows
Combining procedures in a single surgical session can reduce overall recovery time and cost. Your surgeon will advise on what combinations make sense for your goals.
Why Choose Ninth Hospital Over a Private Clinic
Private cosmetic clinics in Shanghai can offer competitive prices and a more boutique experience. However, for eyelid surgery — particularly if you have had previous procedures, have ptosis, or have complex anatomy — the depth of expertise at Ninth Hospital is difficult to match. The hospital's surgeons have seen and corrected virtually every complication that can arise from eyelid surgery, which is invaluable if anything unexpected occurs.
For patients seeking natural, lasting results from double eyelid surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital offers a level of expertise and safety that is unmatched in China.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Costs and availability are subject to change. Consult a qualified surgeon before making any decisions about surgery.
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