Double Eyelid Surgery in Los Angeles

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Double eyelid surgery in Los Angeles is a way to add dimension and depth to the look of your lids. Some people naturally have a “monolid,” meaning there is no supratarsal crease above their eyelashes.^[1] To add a subtle crease to the lid, you can opt for a double eyelid procedure. Dr. Kim is a maestro of double eyelid surgery, having written comprehensively on the topic. To ensure the most precise, delicate, thorough transformation available, consider Dr. Kim your go-to guide through the intricacies of double eyelid alterations.

Before and After Photos

Asian female in her 30s with puffy upper eyes and eyelid hooding underwent a sub-brow lift surgery. The procedure is performed by making an incision at the lower portion of the eyebrow, removing excess skin just above the eyelid, and lifting the underlying muscle, all without changing the position of the eyebrows. The after photo shows smooth, less heavy upper eyelids and improved eyelid hooding.

Asian female in her 30s with monolid eyes underwent Asian double eyelid surgery (Asian upper blepharoplasty). The after photo shows natural-looking, defined double eyelid folds that give the appearance of softer and more open eyes.

Asian female in her 40s underwent lateral canthoplasty eyelid surgery to reshape and elongate the outer corners of her eyes. Lateral canthoplasty is very effective for eyes that need horizontal enlargement. Opening the eyes wider helps make the face appear more proportioned. The after photo shows more open, softer, and glamorous eyes.

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Incision Vs. Non-Incision Vs. Partial Incision

Eye contact is a powerful tool. You connect with others, you convey your seriousness, and you read the world through a lens that is uniquely your own. But when your eyes are not contoured to your liking, you may be hesitant to make eye contact. Insecurity can limit your interpersonal communication, and it all focuses around the eyes.

Dr. Kenneth Kim is an unparalleled expert at reshaping and reimagining eyelids. Under his leadership, Dream Medical Group lives up to its name by realizing your ultimate goal and transforming your appearance. Conveniently located in the heart of Los Angeles, Dream Medical Group proudly serves Southern California and beyond. Contact our office at your earliest convenience and open your eyes’ full potential.

FULL INCISION DOUBLE EYELID SURGERY

As the skin ages, it may suffer sagging and drooping. This is called ptosis.^[2] To address the forces of ptosis, Dr. Kim can remove any excess skin along the eyelid to create a pleasing, taut appearance. As he is suturing the incision back together, Dr. Kim can create a double eyelid look. A full incision is often required to adequately reverse the issue of excess skin.

PARTIAL INCISION

Dr. Kim can create the double eyelid effect without the need to extend the incision across the entirety of the lid. By selectively maneuvering the tissue that must be removed, Dr. Kim may employ the partial incision technique. The doctor makes a gentle incision through the orbicularis muscle to access the adipose fat beneath it.^[3] Dr. Kim may remove excess fat to create your desired shape. He then sutures the partial incisions together, contouring the skin to reflect the next underlying shape. Dr. Kim has thus achieved the double eyelid shape in a multilayered manner.

NON-INCISION DOUBLE EYELID SURGERY

If you have an extremely thin upper lid with little to no excess fat, you may be a candidate for a non-incision eyelid procedure.^[4] Dr. Kim can create a fold along the skin to replicate the supratarsal crease apparent in double eyelids. He then skillfully hides his sutures as he joins the small folds of skin together. Due to his extensive experience in the field of blepharoplasty, Dr. Kim can create an aesthetically pleasing line with uniform tension.^[5] You will look as great as you feel!

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Some say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but they are also its welcome mat. Eyes greet others and express our emotions freely. By attaining the eyelids of your dreams, you can have renewed confidence that the looks you are serving convey exactly what you are feeling.

Achieve a “layered” look
Add dimension to your lids
Remove cumbersome fat and excess skin
Contour your eyelids to your specifications

Candidates for Double Eyelid Surgery

Residents and visitors to Los Angeles are eligible for double eyelid surgery if they are in good health and wish to reshape their perspective. Dr. Kim can assess your candidacy during a comprehensive consultation. He will determine which approach is right for you based on the structure of your eyelids and your skin tone.

Personal Consultation in Los Angeles

Once you arrive in our Los Angeles office, we want to put you in charge. Tell us about your medical history and aesthetic future! Dr. Kim will conduct a preliminary examination of your eyelids, looking for skin laxity and muscle tension. Feel free to ask questions about the various techniques that adhere to your case. If you are at a loss for words, here are some conversation starters:

Will a double eyelid style look natural on me?
Do I have enough excess skin to achieve the appearance I want?
Do you advise for a full incision, partial incision, or non-incision approach, based on my anatomy?
What are the downtimes associated with each method?
How long-lasting is each double eyelid surgical technique?

Dr. Kim is happy to answer any and all of your questions. But why wait until your appointment? Get a glimpse of his dedication to the art and science of blepharoplasty by visiting our blog.

Preparation for Double Eyelid Surgery

During your consultation, one of our attentive associates will provide you with detailed instructions to prepare you for your procedure. Please avoid excessive exposure to sunlight in the weeks leading up to surgery. You may be asked to stop taking blood-thinners and you should definitely quit smoking for at least two weeks prior to your treatment. Please call (213) 700-4297 if you have any questions or concerns leading up to your procedure date. You should arrange for a loved one to drive you to and from our Los Angeles clinic on the day of your surgery. Your safety and wellness are paramount.

Double Eyelid Surgery

Double Eyelid Procedure

Dr. Kim strives to keep you comfortable throughout the consultation, procedure, recovery, and beyond. Your satisfaction is his top priority. In that vein, he often uses a local anesthetic. Based on your unique tolerance and wishes, he may also administer an oral sedative.

During his pre-operative assessment, Dr. Kim will ask you to sit upright so he can analyze how gravity affects the look and functionality of your lids. He will make the necessary markings before proceeding to surgery.

The duration of your procedure will depend on which approach Dr. Kim uses.

The surgery typically takes one hour. The non-incision technique may be quicker and the full incision method might take longer. Rest assured: Dr. Kim will take a thorough, decisive approach to your double eyelid procedure.

Double Eyelid and Ptosis Surgery

Recovery and Results

Swelling should subside within 2 weeks as your ravishing new lids emerge. Please avoid wearing makeup on the affected area for 7-10 days.

To peer into your aesthetic future, take a look at our rave reviews.

Within that span of time, we will welcome you for a return visit. Dr. Kim wants to monitor your progress and celebrate your results! He can also remove any stitches that need attention and ask how your double eyelid shape reflects your cosmetic vision.

Patients are thrilled with the subtle, stunning, striking results that Dr. Kim has achieved, and we are thrilled at their kind words. To join the ranks of our satisfied clientele, please contact our Los Angeles office.

Complementary and Alternative Procedures

To accentuate the layered look of your newly shaped eyelids, you may want to consider additional enhancements from Dr. Kim. A brow lift can brighten your profile and eliminate sagging forehead lines.

Or if you wish to highlight your adjacent facial features, inquire about a procedure in our popular rhinoplasty suite of surgeries. The nose is the most pronounced part of your face, so achieving the exact style and contours you want can bring your holistic aesthetics together harmoniously.

FAQ

How much does double eyelid surgery cost in Los Angeles?

Each technique, full incision, partial incision and non-incision, requires different resources. The price of your double eyelid surgery will depend on which of these methods Dr. Kim uses. He will explain cost and payment options during your comprehensive consultation. Dr. Kim prides himself on delivering the best care at the right cost.

Am I eligible for a non-incision procedure?

If you have delicate lids and wish to add depth to their appearance, then you may be a candidate for non-incisional double eyelid surgery. Dr. Kenneth Kim can assess your skin tone and listen to your cosmetic goals. This discussion will help shape your look and inform your decisions. To determine which procedural method is right for you, call our Los Angeles clinic at (213) 700-4297 and schedule an appointment. A brilliant new you awaits!

Medical Publications

Double-Eyelid Surgery Using Septoaponeurosis Junctional Thickening Results in Dynamic Fold in Asians

PRS Global Open
May 9, 2013

The authors introduce a double-eyelid surgery technique using the SAJT. This SAJT fixation technique creates a dynamic double-eyelid fold. Our study showed a high patient satisfaction rate and that the resulting fold mimics the movement of the congenital supratarsal fold in Asians.

We are conveniently located in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills area.

Undergoing double eyelid surgery could significantly enhance both your appearance and self-confidence by creating an upper eyelid crease that aligns with your aesthetic goals.

Double Eyelid Surgery Explained

Double eyelid surgery, also known as Asian blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to create or enhance a crease in the upper eyelid. This procedure is particularly popular among individuals of East Asian descent who may have monolids, hooded eyelids, or eyelids without a natural crease.

Learn more about Asian eyelid anatomy in this article.

The primary goal of the surgery is to create a natural-looking double eyelid fold, which can enhance the overall appearance of your eyes and make them larger, more open, and more alert, contributing to a more youthful and refreshed look.

This procedure can also bring greater symmetry to your facial features, which is often associated with increased attractiveness.

Double eyelid surgery before and after: Discover these amazing results achieved by Dr. Kenneth Kim:

Double eyelid surgery before and after photos

Beyond aesthetic improvements, double eyelid surgery can also offer functional benefits. For individuals with excess skin on their upper eyelids or with a weak muscle that causes droopy eyelids, the surgery can remove both types of obstruction, enhancing peripheral and overall vision.
This can lead to a significant improvement in daily activities and reduce eye strain, especially during tasks that require prolonged focus, such as reading or working on a computer.

Learn more about ptosis repair and droopy eyelid correction performed by Dr. Kim.

Additionally, if you enjoy wearing makeup, the new crease can provide more surface area and a better-defined canvas, making it easier to apply eyeshadow and eyeliner, allowing for more versatility and creativity in your looks.

Moreover, achieving the desired eyelid appearance can boost self-esteem and reduce self-consciousness, empowering you to feel more confident and comfortable in social and professional settings. By consulting with a skilled and experienced surgeon like Dr. Kenneth Kim, you can ensure that the procedure is tailored to your unique needs, maximizing both the aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Discover the double eyelid surgery difference at its best! schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim online or call Dream Medical Group in Los Angeles today: 213-700-4297.

Double Eyelid Surgery Before and After Photos

To get a better idea of what can be accomplished through double eyelid surgery, please look at these before and after photos:

Asian female in her 20s wanted larger eyes with double eyelid creases. She had eyelid ptosis (droopy eyelid) which is a condition characterized by weakness in the eye elevating muscle. For patients with ptosis who are seeking double eyelid surgery, it is imperative that they receive ptosis correction surgery to achieve optimal double eyelid results. This patient had ptosis repair which helped strengthen the eye elevating muscle and Asian double eyelid surgery (Asian blepharoplasty) that created natural-looking, defined double eyelid folds. The after photo shows the transformation from tired and sleepy eyes to a bright and energized appearance.

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What are the Different Types of Double Eyelid Surgery?

There are two main types of double eyelid surgery:

Surgical Method (Incisional)

In double eyelid surgery, the incisional method creates a crease through a precise cut on the upper eyelid.

This allows the surgeon to directly address concerns like excess skin, puffy eyelids, or a lack of natural crease. Compared to the non-incisional method, it offers more control over eyelid reshaping and crease design, making it ideal for patients with thicker skin, deeper folds, or puffiness.

While it requires a longer healing time, the surgical method offers lasting results and greater control over the final eyelid form.

Non-Surgical Method (Non-Incisional / Suture)

Also known as the “stitch” or “thread” method, this technique involves making small punctures along the eyelid and using sutures to create the crease. It has a shorter recovery time than the incisional method. This method is ideal for individuals with thinner skin and less excess tissue.
Non-surgical technique in double eyelid surgery
Video graphic: Non-surgical (non-incisional / Suture) technique in Double Eyelid Surgery

Double Eyelid Surgery – Dr. Kenneth Kim Plastic Surgery

Candidates

The best candidates for double eyelid surgery are individuals who have specific aesthetic goals related to their eyelids and are in good overall health.

Ideal candidates typically have hooded eyelids with excess skin or poorly defined eyelid creases and desire a more prominent, double eyelid fold to enhance their appearance. They may feel self-conscious about the lack of definition in their eyelids or seek to achieve uniformity between their eyes.

During the Procedure: How Painful Is It, and How Long Does It Take?

Double eyelid surgery is not painful. Typically, patients do not feel pain during the procedure itself, as it is performed under local anesthesia.

Local anesthesia numbs the eye area and helps patients relax during surgery. Learn more about the health benefits of local anesthesia and awake blepharoplasty here.

The duration of the surgery usually ranges from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is combined with other surgeries.

Double Eyelid Surgery Recovery Time

Here is what you can expect after undergoing double eyelid surgery:

First Few Days: Swelling may be noticeable. Patients may take Tylenol for the first 1-2 days following surgery for any discomfort.
1 Week: Swelling should start to subside. Stitches (if used) are often removed around this time. You may feel comfortable returning to your normal activities.
2 Weeks: Swelling will continue to subside.
1-3 Months: The eyelids continue to heal, and the final results become more apparent. Any residual swelling should diminish.
6-12 Months: Complete healing, and eyes look beautiful.

Woman after incisional double eyelid surgery opens and closes her eyes - front view

Woman after incisional double eyelid surgery opens and closes her eyes - side view

Video Graphic: Front and side views showing a dynamic fold appearance when opening and closing the eyes; the patient had undergone double eyelid surgery with septoaponeurosis junctional thickening fixation.

Double Eyelid Surgery Cost

In general, the cost of double eyelid surgery can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience and specific techniques used, and whether the surgery is performed in a hospital or an outpatient clinic.

Double eyelid surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. During the consultation, Dr. Kim will design a personalized procedure plan that aligns with your unique features and goals. The cost will depend on the specifics of your customized procedure.

To learn how double eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance, schedule a consultation by calling (213) 700-4297 or clicking here. We look forward to meeting you!

Dr. Kim is the Best Asian Eyelid Surgeon in Los Angeles

Dr. Kenneth Kim is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon delivering personalized, natural results with a unique ability to perform comprehensive surgery with minimal recovery time. Dr. Kim has extensive knowledge and experience in Asian cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He is also an assistant clinical professor at UCLA and a clinical instructor at Seoul National University. His meticulous and advanced surgical approach helps minimize internal and external scarring, leading to optimal results.

Dr. Kenneth Kim specializes in Asian double eyelid surgery, skillfully customizing each procedure to enhance and complement your unique facial features.

Dr. Kim has performed thousands of Asian double eyelid surgeries and has the knowledge and experience to help you achieve your goals. To get to know Dr. Kim and gain a better understanding of the advantages, methods, and recovery time of undergoing this medical procedure, click here or call our Los Angeles office at 213-700-4297 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Asian double eyelid surgery last?

Asian double eyelid surgery typically provides long-lasting results, with longevity depending on the surgical technique used and individual factors. The incisional method usually offers long-lasting results, as the crease is structurally integrated with the eyelid’s underlying tissues. On the other hand, the non-incisional method can also yield long-term results but may not be as enduring, often lasting several years to decades. For longer-lasting non-incisional results, Dr. Kim offers a 3D suture technique (3DST) where the fold maintains longer and eyes look bigger and brighter (ptosis correction).

How long does it take for double eyelid surgery to look natural?

The time it takes for double eyelid surgery to look natural varies depending on the surgery method chosen.

For incisional double eyelid surgery, most patients can expect significant swelling to reduce after 1 month. The final result will be visible within 6 months or so — your eyelids will settle into their new shape, achieving a beautiful and natural appearance.

If the non-incisional (non-surgical) method was used, you can expect to see the natural appearance much faster — from two to three weeks.

Double eyelid surgery pre and post-op photos

A. Preoperative photos of a 28-year-old woman with excess, puffy upper eyelids: eyes open (left), eyes closed (right)
B. The patient underwent incisional double-eyelid surgery via SAJT fixation and epicanthoplasty. One month after the surgery.
C. 4-year post-op with eyes open and closed.

Is there scarring after double eyelid surgery?

Scarring after double eyelid surgery is typically non-visible and well-concealed within the natural folds of the eyelids. In the incisional method, the scar may initially appear slightly red or raised but typically fades over time to become faint and inconspicuous. Surgeons take care to place incisions along the natural eyelid crease or in other discreet locations to minimize visibility. In the non-incisional method, scarring is even less noticeable, as there are no external incisions.

Are the effects consistent over the years?

In general, the incisional method often provides more consistent and enduring results, as the crease is structurally integrated with the underlying tissues. The non-incisional method may offer long-term but potentially less enduring results, as the sutures can gradually loosen or break over time.

What is the average age to do double eyelid surgery?

The average age for double eyelid surgery, or Asian blepharoplasty, can vary depending on cultural preferences, individual aesthetic goals, and the presence of specific eyelid concerns. In many East Asian countries, where double eyelid surgery is particularly popular, individuals often undergo the procedure in their late teens or early twenties. At this age, the eyelid structures are fully developed, and individuals may seek surgery to achieve a more defined and symmetrical appearance.

However, double eyelid surgery for younger patients is not limited, and it can be performed at any age depending on the patient’s needs and goals. Older adults may also choose to undergo the procedure to address age-related changes such as drooping eyelids or to rejuvenate the appearance of the eye area. Ultimately, the decision to undergo double eyelid surgery is highly personal and should be based on individual considerations, with guidance from a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Kim. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim, click here or call our Los Angeles office at 213-700-4297.

References

Kim, H. S., Hwang, K., Kim, C. K., & Kim, K. K. (2013). Double-eyelid surgery using septoaponeurosis junctional thickening results in dynamic fold in Asians. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 1(2), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0b013e318293dc69

*Results May Vary

Cutting Edge, Safe Surgery

Expert in healthcare quality and safety

Based in Seoul, Korea, Dream Medical Group was founded by a team of graduates at Seoul National University dedicated to excellence and innovation in Asian aesthetic surgery. Dr. Kim was offered partnership affiliation with Dream for his in-depth scientific and technical background and serves as Dream Medical Group’s Director of Technology and Scientific Advancement.

The partnership between Dr. Kim and the Dream surgeons has led to increased expertise and innovation in Asian aesthetic surgery, which has benefited patients around the globe. Techniques have focused on blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, facial rejuvenation, and facial bone contouring and have been implemented in procedures for A-list South Korean celebrities.