Types of Double Eyelid Surgery: A Detailed Guide to Help You Understand

Types of Blepharoplasty: A Detailed Guide to Understanding Your Options

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) has three main types: upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, and combined blepharoplasty. Each type serves different purposes and addresses distinct eye conditions.

Quick summary: Blepharoplasty is divided into upper blepharoplasty (adjusting eye opening, creating double eyelids), lower blepharoplasty (lifting eye corners, reducing under-eye bags), and combined blepharoplasty (reshaping the entire eye area). The doctor will evaluate each individual's condition to select the most suitable option, helping the eyes look bright and balanced with the face.

Upper Blepharoplasty: Adjusting Eye Opening

Upper blepharoplasty is the most common type of surgery, used to create or deepen a double eyelid crease, lift the eyelid platform, and widen the eye area. This method helps the eyes look larger, brighter, and generally makes the face appear more youthful.

The upper blepharoplasty procedure begins with the doctor measuring the position of the eyelid crease, assessing skin laxity, and evaluating eyelid fat distribution. The goal is to create a natural crease that is symmetrical on both sides and suits your features. Doctors at BonBoz apply a scar-concealing suturing technique that aligns with the natural eyelid crease to achieve the most natural-looking results.

After surgery, you may feel tightness in your eyes or find it difficult to close them completely during the first few days. This is normal. Suture removal will be performed on day 7 at the clinic, and you must carefully follow the aftercare instructions to achieve the best results.

Lower Blepharoplasty: Lifting Eye Corners and Reducing Under-Eye Bags

Lower blepharoplasty is typically indicated when you want to reduce under-eye bags, lift the eye corners, or make the eyes look more vibrant. This type of surgery also helps adjust the width of the eyes and elevate the outer corners of the eyes.

This method is more complex than upper blepharoplasty because the lower eyelid area is thinner and more sensitive. It requires high surgical expertise to ensure the eyes can close normally and to prevent dry eyes. The procedure is similar to upper blepharoplasty: careful measurement and design, followed by surgery under local anesthesia.

On day 7, the sutures will be removed. The recovery process for the lower eyelids may take slightly longer than the upper eyelids because this area is more prone to swelling.

Combined Blepharoplasty: Reshaping the Entire Eye Area

Combined blepharoplasty is indicated when you want to reshape the entire eye area, making the eyes look larger and brighter. This method combines the benefits of both upper and lower blepharoplasty to create comprehensive balance.

The combined blepharoplasty procedure requires high surgical expertise to ensure symmetry and avoid causing vision impairment or dry eyes. This option is typically for those seeking a noticeable transformation. The surgery time will be longer, but the doctor will explain each step in detail before proceeding.

Post-Operative Care for Blepharoplasty

Regardless of the type of blepharoplasty, post-operative care is crucial to achieving good results and avoiding complications. BonBoz provides specific guidelines for each stage of recovery:

First two days (days 1–2): Apply cold compresses for 10–15 minutes at a time, every hour. Cold helps reduce swelling and relieve pain.

From day 3 onwards: Switch to warm compresses to promote blood circulation and reduce stiffness.

Avoid for 1 month: Seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, and stimulants (such as nicotine and caffeine). These foods and substances can increase inflammation and swelling, prolonging the recovery process.

Incision care:

• Do not apply eye makeup for 1 month.
• Do not wear contact lenses for 1 month.
• Do not rub your eyes; only cleanse gently with physiological saline.
• Avoid heavy showering/shampooing; prevent water from flowing directly into the eyes.

Routine follow-ups: Day 7 for suture removal, followed by check-ups at weeks 1–3, month 1, month 3, and month 6 to monitor the healing process.

Contact your doctor immediately if:

• There is unusual severe swelling, pus discharge, or heavy bleeding.
• Fever above 38.5°C.
• Spreading redness or inflammation.
• Inability to close the eyes completely after 1 week.

How to Choose the Right Type of Blepharoplasty

Choosing which type of blepharoplasty is right for you is not a decision you should make alone; it must be based on a consultation with a doctor. The doctor will examine your eyes, assess the condition of your eyelids, skin, fat, and facial bone structure to recommend the best approach.

The consultation process typically proceeds as follows:

1. 1The doctor performs a detailed eye examination, measuring eyelid height, skin laxity, and eyelid fat volume.
2. 2Listening to your goals: whether you want larger eyes, reduced under-eye bags, or a change in eye shape.
3. 3Providing recommendations based on your specific condition and needs.
4. 4Discussing each option, including the recovery process and important precautions.
5. 5Finalizing the plan together before entering the operating room.

Do not worry too much about the choice — the doctors at BonBoz will help you find the option that ensures your eyes look natural, balanced with your face, and meet your aesthetic goals.

Conclusion

Blepharoplasty is a common procedure that can deliver significant results when performed with the correct technique and supported by proper post-operative care. The three main types — upper, lower, and combined blepharoplasty — each have their own advantages depending on your condition and goals.

If you are considering blepharoplasty, schedule a consultation with a doctor at BonBoz for a detailed evaluation. The doctor will explain everything clearly, answer all your questions, and help you fully understand the process before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does upper or lower blepharoplasty take longer to recover?

Generally, lower blepharoplasty may take slightly longer to recover because the lower eyelid area is more sensitive and prone to swelling. However, the main milestone (suture removal on day 7) is the same. The difference is usually just a few days, and it depends on each individual's healing rate — everyone heals differently.

Why must I avoid seafood and alcohol for 1 month after blepharoplasty?

These foods and drinks can trigger inflammation and swelling, increase bleeding risks, or prolong the healing process. Alcohol also thins the blood, making the incision more prone to bleeding. Avoiding them for 1 month helps the incision heal faster, reduces swelling, and ensures the best possible outcome.

Is there any way to minimize scarring after blepharoplasty?

BonBoz applies a scar-concealing suturing technique that aligns with the natural eyelid crease, performed by highly skilled doctors. This helps minimize visible scarring. However, the final result also depends on your individual healing rate, age (younger skin tends to heal faster), and how strictly you follow aftercare instructions. Careful care during the first month will help optimize the results.

What results will you see immediately after blepharoplasty?

Immediately after surgery, the eyes will be swollen with mild bruising. After 3–5 days, the swelling will subside significantly, though you may still feel some stiffness in the eyelid crease. Around weeks 2–3, the crease will gradually soften, revealing a more natural look. After 1–3 months, the scar will fade, and you will see the final, most defined results.

How long after blepharoplasty can I wear makeup again?

You typically need to wait at least 1 month before applying eye makeup. Wearing makeup too early increases the risk of infection, irritates the incision, or compromises the final results. Please follow your doctor's instructions and ask about the safe time to resume makeup during your follow-up visit.

Content compiled and reviewed by the medical team at BonBoz Clinic.