Double Fold Upper Eyelid

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the double fold eyelid surgery performed?
The surgery consists of an incision in the upper eyelid, removal of redundant skin and formation of a 'double' fold with permanent stitches inside the eyelid. The outside skin incision is also stitched. Infrequently, an additional incision is made at the inside corner of the eyelid if required. 

Will the double fold eyelid surgery result in permanent scarring?
Scars are a result of any surgical procedure. The incisions made to accomplish the goals of the procedure are barely visible after several months as they are placed within the normal creases and folds of the upper and lower eyelids. In patients who only need removal of fat from the lower eyelids, the incision can be made on the inside of the eyelid and will, therefore, result in an invisible scar.

How long does the double fold eyelid procedure take?
Usual length of operating time is one and a half to two hours. There is little discomfort during or after the procedure.

Will I need Anesthesia for the double fold eyelid surgery?
The operation is usually done under local anesthesia, with sedation, as an outpatient. Ideally, sedation should be kept light so that the surgeon can check the position of the new crease during surgery by asking the patient to open the eyes.

back to top

Before Your Procedure

Shower and shampoo the morning of surgery. Wash your eyebrows and thoroughly remove all eyelid cosmetics. Do not reapply cosmetics to your eyelids or face. Skin should be healthy and free of any irritation around the planned surgery site. If you have been using glue or tape regularly to form a fold, it is important to discontinue this for a few days prior to the operation. These agents can cause irritation to the skin that will interfere with the surgery. If skin irritation or sunburn is excessive, the operation may need to be rescheduled to a later date. After recovery, you will need a responsible adult to take you home. 

back to top

After Your Procedure

A responsible adult must be available to take you home after the procedure. You should rest as much as possible, preferably in bed or in a recliner. A bandage over the eyes is not necessary. In the evening, you may take a bath if someone is there to help you. Avoid straining or bending over. Watching television is acceptable.

To prevent swelling, apply clean cold compresses to the eyelids as much as possible until you go to sleep. Gauze pads or a clean towel may be soaked in a basin of ice cubes and applied directly. Alternatively, a large Ziploc bag may be partially filled with ice cubes or a bag of frozen peas may be placed over a moist gauze or towel. Commercially available gel filled vinyl masks may also be used.

Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain medication, although little is usually required.

The degree of bruising is usually minimal and gone in about a week. All sutures are removed by your surgeon in three to six days.

Makeup should be withheld for one to two weeks and your surgeon will instruct you when it is safe to resume its use. Do not use contact lenses for approximately one week since the placement may injure the stitch line.

back to top

Before & After Photo Gallery

View Before & After Images of double fold upper eyelid procedures performed by Dr. Cho or Dr. Schulz.

back to top