Natural-looking double eyelids have become something of a rave for most women because of the boost it gives to their confidence. You might want to try it too, but first off, there are certain things you need to be aware before getting double eyelid surgery Singapore. In this article, I will be sharing some knowledge garnered from over a decade’s experience as a plastic surgeon. Here are some of the things you will be better informed about after reading this article:
- Non-surgical ways to attain double eyelids,
- How double eyelid surgery Singapore works,
- The cost of the carrying out the procedure and,
- Other questions related to getting natural-looking double eyelids.
Let’s get into it.
“Why do I have single eyelids?”
This question might arise when you discover that people you know or have met are blessed with double eyelids, and you are not. Here is why this occurs. People get double eyelids when an eyelid crease is perfectly formed. This is a situation where the eyelid skin and the deep eyelid opening muscles attached, leading to strong creases.
Getting double eyelids without surgery
One way that you can get double eyelids via surgery. However, some folks consider this as unnecessary while others may not be able to afford it. Here is how you can get double eyelids without surgery.
Eyelid tape
This is a thin and transparent strip that can be placed your eyelids to short-term fashion creases. You could also apply eyelid glue to create creases. When applied, both products tend to cause your eyes to look lively and fresh. However, eyelid glue looks much more natural than eyelid tape.
What is double eyelid surgery Singapore
People who are interested in having double eyelid surgery can choose from any of the two options:
Non-incisional blepharoplasty
This form of the procedure, which is also known as suture blepharoplasty, involves stitching eyelids to create creases. It is a scarless procedure, although patients have to be injected with a local anaesthetic before the procedure can be performed. It has little downtime and can be completed in 30 minutes tops.
Incisional blepharoplasty
With this option, excess fat, skin, and muscle are cut from where the eyelid crease is meant to be. Its results are permanent, and it has a downtime of 3 weeks at most. Incisional blepharoplasty has also been used to handle the following:
- Handling droopy upper eyelids
- Eliminating excess skin that impedes vision
- Changing the shape of your eyes
Some amount of scarring will be involved in this procedure, but it starts looking better after about4-5 months.
Cost of double eyelid surgery Singapore
If you are looking to get an incisional double eyelid surgery done in Singapore, you should be able to afford at least $5000.Getting a non-incisional double eyelid will cost you about $3200-$4000.
Double eyelid surgery Singapore procedure
Let’s take a look at how the procedure works
Before the procedure
Based on their medical history, patients are allowed to choose between sedation and local anaesthesia (with the surgeon’s advice, of course). After this is settled, the surgeon then takes measurement of your eyelid and marks the area where the procedure will be conducted. Surgeons often recommend local anaesthesia instead of sedation for patients who opt for the non-incisional procedure. This is because of the short time it takes to complete the procedure.
During the procedure
Incisional: The surgeon starts by making an incision on your upper eyelid. This is done inside the natural crease of your eyelid. The fat or muscle in the eyelid is then relocated or removed. After this is done, the incision is then closed with stitches or skin glue. The stitches are usually removed about a week later.
Non-incisional: The surgeon makes four small holes that are meant to allow the stitches to be placed. It is a short procedure that takes about half an hour at most for both eyes. Since it is less invasive than the other option, the downtime is lower, and the stitches are often removed after about five days.
Is double eyelid surgery painful?
Most patients are scared at the thought of having surgery done around their eyes. While these fears are legitimate, when operated on by an experienced surgeon who is skilled at sedating patients, there is little or no need to be afraid. This is because when properly sedated, patients will not hear or feel anything while the procedure is being carried out. They might wake up feeling some tightness or ache around the area though. Both side effects often disappear after the swelling is gone.
Will my double eyelids be permanent after surgery?
Yes. But only when you opt for incisional surgery. You will not get permanents results with non-incisional surgery though. However, the results for non-incisional surgery have been known to last up to a decade. There is a caveat though. Since the skin loses its elasticity while the muscles around the eyelids lose the strength required to lift the eyelid over time, it is only a matter of time before the eyelids change.
Chances of surgery failure
Without mincing words, we will have you know that there is always a chance that surgery will go bad. There is a high risk of failure with incisional surgery as the eyelids are cut to form a scar between the tissue and muscle. That is not to say that the suture method is much safer. Indeed, it even has a higher chance of failure due to these reasons:
- Poor technique: Inexperienced or poorly trained surgeons are more likely to fail because they lack the level of skill required. Mistakes become inevitable and that way, the chances of failure increase as a result.
- Type of eyelid: One other reason why failure might occur is if the patient has thick and heavy upper eyelids.
- Lack of scar tissue forming: With this option, there is no area of the eyelid that can be used to stick down the eyelid to the muscle
Is the post-surgery scar noticeable?
The suture method does not leave any scars because the mark from the suture fades completely, as long as you apply the scar gel religiously. It is a bit different from the incision method, though. This because the scar often heals and looks like the skin after a while (say within six months maximum). Although most patients are scared that they will have permanent scars if they choose the incision technique, the truth is that the scar will heal after a while.
What is the most common double eyelid surgery procedure in Singapore?
Suture blepharoplasty is currently the most common eyelid surgery in Singapore. The reason is because of the lower costs and minimal downtime.
How to make sure I receive the best results after double eyelid surgery?
Here is how you can get the best results after the double eyelid surgery:
You choose the best surgery options
One of the things you must endeavour to discuss during your consultation with your surgeon is what you hope to achieve after the surgery. The reason why it is important is that it allows your doctor to help you arrive at the best treatment for you. People have different medical histories. So what works for A might not work for B.
You take proper measurement
It is vital that you properly measure your eyelids before undertaking the procedure. The chances of the procedure failing are increased when the eyelids are not accurately measured before the procedure.
Your surgeon is experienced
An experienced surgeon is better prepared and better suited to handle worst cases scenarios that might arise in the course of the surgery. You are more likely to get the most from them for this reason.
You get proper aftercare
This is a very important but often overlooked part of the procedure. Aftercare involves the post-surgery protocol that you need to follow post-surgery. Aftercare also covers what to eat and how to manage the side effects of the surgery. When you stick to the right aftercare practices, complications are reduced, and you are able to get the most from the procedure.
What factors determine the end result of my double eyelid surgery?
Here are the factors that will determine the end result of your surgery:
- The initial size and shape of your eyes
- The volume of makeup that you use
- The size of contact lenses used
- The original shape and position of your eyebrow
How long is the recovery time?
It does not take long to recover from the non-incisional method (about 2-10 days). There is nearly no scar visible, and the swelling is insignificant. It will take about a month and a half to observe the full results of incisional double eyelid surgery. With this option, it will take about a week for the scarring and swelling to subside. You want to avoid strenuous exercise as there might be some mild swelling or bruising after a few weeks.
What if the result is unsatisfactory?
There is the likelihood that the procedure will not go the way you planned. In the event that this happens, some adjustments can still be made. However, this is dependent on your skin condition. Major complications from the procedure can also be corrected, although the risks are much higher. Based on my experience, patients will be better off waiting for the swelling to subside before they attempt to correct any unsatisfactory outcome of the initial surgery. It is especially necessary if you used the incisional method as the area that eyelid area and the eyes, in particular, will have time to heal. Here are some of the double eyelid outcomes that will need surgical correction:
Excessively wide or narrow double eyelid fold
In Asia, most people who go for double eyelid surgery aim for the caucasian-looking double eyelid. There are cases where the skin is stitched to the wrong muscle; fat around the eyelid or the muscle is badly cut or too much skin is folded. The results of these errors are excessively wide or narrow double eyelid fold.
Sunken upper eyelid
This complication is a result of the disproportionate removal of the muscle which closes the eyelid. A new incision is made to fill this depression with the right amount of fat after the muscle that closes the eyelid is opened.
Uneven removal of eyelid muscle
An incision is made on the skin of the upper eyelid skin to trim the extra fat above the connective tissue and free the adhesions.
Disappearance of double eyelid
This happens when the skin of the eyelid is not firmly attached to the connective tissue. It might also occur when the patient has weak eyelid muscles or mild ptosis.
Asymmetrical-looking double eyelid
Complications like this happen when the eyelid and height are inaccurately measured by the surgeon. In this case, the patient will have to wait for at least three months before they can undergo corrective surgery.
Loss of double eyelid muscle strength
This occurs as a result of injury to the muscle. To correct this complication, an incision is made to release the scar adhesion above the tendon sheath of the levator muscle. The muscle that closes the eyelid is partly cut and moved to cover the released tissue of the muscle. The skin is then stitched afterwards.
Deformation of the double eyelid
Infection is the major cause of this complication. Afresh incision that is in line with the initial incision is made. This releases the scar adhesion and corrects the position of the eyelid.
How to get the best result after my double eyelid surgery?
Here’s how you can get the best result after your double eyelid surgery:
- Using as much sunscreen as possible and wearing a hat or sunglasses when you are outdoors is very important. This is because it will prevent the sun rays from damaging the operated area while allowing the incision to fade.
- Steer clear of heavy exercise and lifting heavy objects because it increases the pressure on your eyes.
- Apply a cold compress as it can significantly reduce the swelling around the area.
How to find the best double eyelid surgeon in Singapore?
Here are some of the things you need to do to find the best double eyelid surgeon:
Do your research
Reach out to people both online and offline. The feedback you get will help you decide on which clinic is the best at double eyelid procedures. Be sure to examine the before and after pictures as this will help you make the right decision. From your research, it is best to stick to the surgeon who invests the most time in helping you get what you want the most. You could determine that from your consultations with them. You are better off with a plastic surgeon who is patient and friendly enough to invest their time in measuring your eyes and simulating the eyelid crease shapes and heights.
Takeaway
Achieving a long-lasting natural-looking double eyelid is possible. However, you need to find out as much as you can before proceeding. Make the most of the information you got from this article and your chances of getting those natural-looking double eyelids are higher. Be sure to consult with a certified surgeon too.
Looking for a recommendation? Check out our list of the Top 5 Plastic Surgeons in Singapore for Double Eyelid Surgery