Double eyelid surgery, also called Asian eyelid surgery or Asian blepharoplasty, is a popular procedure among San Francisco women and men who lack a crease in their upper eyelids. In some cases, this procedure may also be used to expose and accentuate a faint or poorly defined crease. Dr. Albert Chow is a specialist in this intricate procedure. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in San Francisco, he has an intimate understanding of the delicate structures of the eyelids and face. As a result, he is able to produce exceptional results without infringing upon the unique and desirable characteristics of his Asian patients’ eyes.
An eyelid crease naturally forms when the eye opens because of a connection between the following facial structures:
Levator muscle that raises the upper eyelid
Orbicularis muscle that closes the eye
Upper eyelid skin
People without an upper eyelid crease have a much weaker connection between these structures, or none at all, so when the eye opens, the muscle and skin slide down over the eye without creating a crease.
Why Do Asians Get Double Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. Chow performs double eyelid surgery for people of different ethnicities but mainly those of Asian descent. The reasons people consider Asian eyelid surgery vary somewhat from traditional eyelid surgery. Without compromising their ethnic characteristics, Dr. Chow provides women and men of all ages a variety of improvements, including:
Creating or defining the upper eyelid crease
Making the eyes look bigger
Refreshing a tired or aged appearance
Opening up space for eyeshadow, mascara, and eyelash enhancement
Improving vision that is obstructed by sagging upper eyelid skin
Dr. Chow also performs specialized facelift and rhinoplasty procedures for Asian patients. In addition to double eyelid surgery, he may recommend a brow lift to reduce the heaviness of the upper eyelids. Whatever the case requires, Dr. Chow works closely with each patient to establish a treatment plan consistent with their goals and needs.
Dr. Albert Chow
Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Albert Chow is one of the few Bay Area surgeons who is board certified in plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, and otolaryngology. In addition to his impressive credentials and decades of experience, Dr. Chow is a kind, approachable doctor who truly listens to his patients. He specializes in cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty and procedures for patients of Asian descent.
Dr. Chow performs Asian eyelid surgery using local or general anesthesia depending on patient preference and the specifics of the procedure. He can use an incisional or non-incisional technique depending on:
Thickness and amount of excess eyelid skin
Presence and amount of excess fat
Specific eye anatomy
Incisional Technique
Best for patients with excess eyelid fat, this option is performed through a small incision in the upper eyelid. A crease is shaped by removing excess fat and skin from the upper eyelid and then attaching the levator muscle to the dermal layer within the skin.
Suture Technique
This option, also called the non-incisional technique, involves placing 3 or 4 individual sutures that attach the upper eyelid skin to the underlying muscle.
In addition to upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Chow can remove excess skin and fat from the lower eyelids, much like traditional lower eyelid surgery.
The price for Asian double eyelid surgery depends on the specifics of the surgery and whether it is combined with other surgical or nonsurgical procedures. During your consultation, you will be provided with a specific price for your surgery. We offer patient financing through CareCredit® to those who are interested.
How Long Is Recovery After Double Eyelid Surgery?
Recovery time varies between patients and the technique that is used. Most are back to work and regular activities in 3 to 10 days. It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for the initial swelling and bruising to resolve.
Most patients have little to no pain after Asian eyelid surgery. Ice packs should be applied to the eyelids as directed for the first few days to keep swelling and bruising to a minimum. It is also helpful to sleep in a recliner or propped up with pillows to keep the upper body elevated.
Double Eyelid Surgery FAQ
How common is double eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery in general is a very commonly performed procedure. Double eyelid surgery is more common in women than men. Dr. Chow has extensive experience performing the procedure on a wide variety of patients.
Is Asian eyelid surgery permanent?
The results of Asian eyelid surgery are long lasting, especially when performed with the incisional technique. The aging process will continue, so patients may need a revision at some point in the future.
How long will the surgery take to perform?
Double eyelid surgery takes about an hour to perform.
How old do I need to be to get double eyelid surgery?
Patients should be at least 18 years old.
Is the procedure safe?
When performed by a highly experienced board-certified specialist like Dr. Chow, Asian eyelid surgery is safe.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
With his extensive training, qualifications, and experience in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Chow is an excellent choice for your Asian eyelid surgery in San Francisco. To find out more, request a consultation using his online form or call
(415) 441-1888 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Chow offers Zoom consultations for out-of-town patients as well as in-office consultations at his San Francisco plastic surgery practice.
Please note: There is a nonrefundable consultation fee of $150.
The consultation fee is due in full at the time of booking to secure your appointment.
This nonrefundable fee can be applied toward your treatment.
Please be advised: We do not submit claims to insurance for consultations or treatments.