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A double eyelid has a visible eyelid crease. It is the opposite of a single or monolid that has no crease. Both double and single eyelids are normal and require no medical intervention.
Despite being normal, some people have cosmetic reasons for undergoing double eyelid surgery.
They opt for surgery when their:
No. This is the most common type of eyelid for people not of Asian descent and about half of people who are of Asian descent have a double upper eyelid.
For most people, their genetics are the reason they have double eyelids. Double eyelids might also be caused by:
Double eyelids feature a crease on the upper lid. For some, it’s a well-defined crease and very noticeable. For others, it’s slight and invisible without a close examination.
As someone’s face ages over time, the delicate skin surrounding their eyes loses its elasticity and relaxes. This causes their large eyes with well-defined creases to develop hooded lids or partial creases.
Usually, double eyelids cause no health issues for people. However, if their upper lids droop or sag, it can affect their peripheral vision.
Drooping double eyelids cause:
The shape of your eyelids changes over time as you age. Problems also occur due to certain cosmetic procedures and diseases.
Common health and vision problems related to changing eyelids include:
Inflammation of the eyelids, or blepharitis, caused by a problem with the oil glands near the base of the eyelids, a bacterial infection, or skin conditions. It usually doesn't affect vision. However, it can make eyelids red, itchy, and swollen and leave eyes red and watery.
Ptosis occurs when, over time, the upper eyelids may start to sag. It’s caused by the muscles that support them losing their strength. It can also be caused by eye injuries, neurological problems, and eye diseases.
Blepharochalasis occurs due to the loosening of eyelid skin caused by loss of elasticity. This creates new folds that droop over the lashes and block the upper field of sight by covering the pupil.
Ectropion occurs when the muscles of the lower lid weaken, making the lid sag and turn outward, away from the eyeball.
This causes the upper and lower lids to no longer meet when the eye is closed. Eyes might tear excessively and become red and irritated. Cases range from mild to severe.
Entropion occurs when the lower lid rolls inward toward the eye causing the lashes to constantly rub against the cornea. People with entropion feel as if there is something in their eye, and experience tearing and blurred vision.
In some cases, doctors recommend double eyelid surgery (a type of blepharoplasty) to deal with these problems.
Knowing what to expect before undergoing cosmetic eyelid surgery helps you decide if the procedure is right for you.
Before committing to eye surgery, ask your doctor:
The steps of incisional double eyelid surgery include:
Incisional double eyelid surgery is recommended for anyone who has:
Risks of incision double eyelid surgery include:
The steps of non-incisional upper eyelid surgery include:
The sutures dissolve, so there’s no need to return to the doctor to have them removed. Non-incisional surgery causes less scarring than incisional procedures. It is also reversible. It’s ideal for people who do not need fat or extra skin removed.
Risks of non-incisional double eyelid surgery include:
Anyone with a monolid can consider undergoing double eyelid surgery for cosmetic purposes. There are also health reasons for opting to have the procedure.
Reasons for undergoing double eyelid surgery include:
People who are in good health who do not smoke and have realistic expectations for the results of their procedure are good candidates for eyelid surgery.
Eyelid surgery is not a good option for people who:
Basic healing occurs within approximately two weeks after incisional surgery. It can take several months to heal completely.
Many people experience the following during the recovery period:
People who undergo non-incisional surgery heal faster and are usually fully recovered within two weeks.
Eyelid tapes and glues are alternatives to double eyelid surgery. These products are available without prescription and create a crease in the eyelid.
Eyelid tape and glue:
People with single eyelids can make their eyes look larger and create the illusion of double eyelids with makeup. This is an easy way to see how you’d look with double eyelids without making a permanent commitment.
Makeup tips include:
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