Cosmetic eye surgery

Cosmetic eye surgery is an umbrella term for operations that change the shape of the eyelids and the area around the eyes. Double eyelid surgery is the most common. Others include ptosis correction, which adjusts how strongly the eyelid opens, surgery that opens the inner or outer corner of the eye, and surgery that deals with fat under the eyes.

• Double eyelid, suture method: the crease is made with stitches, without cutting the skin.
• Double eyelid, incisional method: the skin is cut, excess skin or fat is removed, and the crease is formed.
• Ptosis correction: adjusts the strength of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. → What is ptosis correction?
• Inner and outer corner opening: the inner or outer corner of the eye is opened to change the width of the eye.
• Under-eye fat repositioning: fat under the eye is moved or reduced to smooth out shadows and bulges.

Comparing methods: Non-incisional vs. incisional double eyelid surgery

With the suture method, most of the swelling often goes down within about a week. With the incisional method, swelling continues for several weeks even after the stitches come out. With either method, it takes a few months for the crease to look natural.

Cost varies widely with the method, any procedures done at the same time, whether it is a revision, and the clinic. Review sites also list prices on different bases, so their numbers cannot be compared directly. Ask for an itemized quote.

The crease can come undone or look different on each side, and it may feel higher or lower than expected. The incisional method can leave a scar. Rarely, infection or difficulty closing the eyes can occur, so tell the clinic that did the surgery right away if something seems wrong.