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How to Get Double Eyelids Without Surgery

woman with monolid how to get double eyelid without surgery

Many Asians don't have double eyelids due to genetic differences. While this is completely normal, some individuals aspire to change it. If you wish to have visible eyelid creases without going under the knife, there might be some options available for you.

In this post, we will go through the main techniques for getting a crease above your lash line without undergoing surgical procedures. Check it out.

Key Takeaways

  • Eyelid tape is the fastest way to find out how you feel about getting an upper eyelid crease; no strings attached
  • Double eyelid suturing is a great treatment for people who are hesitant about undergoing incisional double eyelid surgery
  • None of these methods can remove excess skin
  • Moderation is everything

Double Eyelid Tape

asian eye with double eyelids after double eyelid surgery

Women in East Asia who don't have a crease use this common practice. Eyelid adhesive is the simplest and fastest way to get a creased eyelid. It comes in the form of see-through strips that you apply directly to the skin above your eyes.

Sometimes the packages include an eyelid prong. It's like a hook that you press against the skin to find the desired height and position of the crease you want, but also to fixate the tape. Since the strips are thin, the prong will help you peel them away, too.

Eyelid tape is available in different colours: skin-toned, clear, as well as black. Find a colour that doesn't show on your skin, or opt for black if you are going to use eyeliner and eye shadow to finish off the look.

How does it work?

The first thing you want to do is to wash your face thoroughly before you start the application process. Get all of your makeup off before you proceed towel-dry your skin. You want to keep your eyes clean.

Now, the strips may not be the desired height or width (they should be a bit shorter than your eyelid). As you peel them away from the backing, feel free to trim them as needed.

Using the eyelid prong, find out where you want your new eyelid crease to be. If you don't have one, resort to a bobby pin or hairclip. It will do the same job. Once you know the right spot of application, close your eyes and place the strips one by one.

You may have to apply glue to the trip before you do that. Every product is different. Just follow the instructions on the package, and you will be okay.

If you don't get it right the first time, no worries. Start over with a new strip. Apply more glue to obtain a better grip, and gently press against the skin with the prong.

Always remove the adhesive at the end of the day, and don't forget to clean your face thoroughly after that. Eyelid glue can create skin irritation if left on for too long.

Advantages of eyelid strips

  • You will get double eyelids without surgery
  • The results are not permanent, which means if you get it wrong, it can be easily undone
  • There is no scarring with this method of creating a double eyelid line
  • You can transform your single eyelid situation into double eyelids in a heartbeat
  • Eyelid tapes are invisible; no one will know you put glue on your eyelids
  • This is the cheapest way to get double eyelids

Disadvantages of eyelid tapes

  • The tape can fall off in the middle of the day
  • You might get glue in your eyes while you are trying to work the strips on your upper eyelids
  • You may develop an allergy to the adhesive, resulting in red and itchy skin
  • You have to apply the skin tape every single day if you want to get the double eyelid effect
  • Application is tricky and might be a problem for some people

Double Eyelid Suturing

preparation for double eyelid procedure

You may have come across the term double eyelid stitching already. Basically, it's a way to describe the non-incisional techniques of getting double eyelids if you are of East Asian descent.

Although the non-incision procedure is not surgery per se, it is not something you can do at home. You still need to visit a cosmetic or plastic surgeon for it because it is performed in a clinic.

But don't worry, you're going to get a positive experience with this treatment as long as you stick with a certified doctor.

What is the non-incision procedure about?

A local anaesthetic will be applied to the eye area so that you are free of pain. When the numbing effect takes over, the surgeon makes tiny holes in the skin on the upper eyelids. They may prefer to mark some areas ahead of time.

The holes need to be big enough to accommodate the sutures, so it's really small incisions we're talking about here.

Now, the doctor has to pass the sutures through the cuts and twist them around until they make a fold on the upper eyelid. Then, to finish off, they will tie the sutures together, which will pull the skin inward as you open your eyes, giving you the desired double eyelid crease.

Of course, there is more to the procedure in technical terms, but those are the main aspects you need to know about.

Are the results long-lasting as compared to double eyelid surgery?

Despite being a non-incision method, the result can often be long-lasting or even permanent. As it doesn't involve any major incisions, individuals who have undergone the procedure can expect a rapid recovery.

Moreover, the result is reversible too. It means that if you ever regret your decision about getting double eyelids, you can reverse it. This cosmetic procedure is actually a great starting point for your double eyelid journey.

Advantages of the non-incision technique

  • No visible scar
  • No suture removal is needed with this treatment
  • Reduced downtime (5-7 days altogether, unlike with the incisional treatment where recovery is two weeks)
  • No hospital stay, as the procedure is done on an outpatient basis, with or without IV sedation
  • Immediate results, plus you get double eyelids 

Disadvantages of the non-incisional procedure

Without question, the only disadvantage is that the new crease line will disappear over time if the sutures were to break down. The height might be lost long before this happens, which will alter the outcome.

Further to this, the double eyelid procedure isn't suitable for people with excess fat and extra skin. If you have the latter issues, you need upper eyelid surgery or double eyelid surgery treatment.

FAQ

Can double eyelids develop?

Sometimes it is possible that a double eyelid crease develops once someone is born. In some people, this change occurs at 6-12 months and in others - at the age of 3-5. But this is a rare occurrence.

Not to mention, over the years, one may experience uneven distribution of the fat pads in the eyelids, which can also alter their appearance.

What causes double eyelids?

The formation of a double eyelid, or supratarsal fold in medial lingo, occurs as a result of terminal interdigitation of levator aponeurosis into the upper eyelid skin. Essentially, this is how you are born.

How do I get rid of triple eyelids?

There are different eye shapes. Apart from monolid eyes, there also are triple eyelids. If you happen to have the latter type, the best way to fix them is to undergo a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty or double eyelid surgery.

It will focus on removing excess skin and fat, which will eventually get rid of the triple fold and leave you with beautiful double eyelids.

Of course, you don't have to do anything about your triple eyelids if you don't want to because this is a cosmetic issue, not a medical one. So, don't feel pressured to proceed with surgery if you are not sure about it.

Can you put makeup over eyelid strips?

Yes, you can. In fact, this will help you hide the strips better. Fake eyelashes are okay too. Whether you apply the eyeshadow first or last depends on how good you are at this. Experiment with both and see which one works for you the most.

Keep in mind that if you choose to apply the eyeshadow first, the strip may not stick as well as if you apply it on clean skin.

Will eyelid tape work for uneven eyelids?

Yes, it will. All you have to do is apply the strips to one eye only (the one that lacks the double eyelid crease). Another way to do that is to get scheduled for double eyelid blepharoplasty.

While the strips will not change your eyelid appearance in the long term, double eyelid surgery will produce long-lasting effects.

Is blepharoplasty cosmetic surgery or plastic surgery?

Upper blepharoplasty is a type of aesthetic surgery, the purpose of which is to create an eyelid fold in monolid eyes. But it can also be part of plastic surgery if you have droopy skin and excess fats in the eyelid interfering with your vision. You may be interested in our guide on how to lift a droopy eyelid.

The difference is in the purpose and end goal. When there is nothing medically wrong with your eyes and all you want is to improve your appearance, then you should check out your cosmetic surgical options with an actual surgeon.

Final Thoughts

Whether you get double eyelid surgery or the non-incisional procedure for your single-lid problem is a personal preference. It's normal to use eyelid glue if that sits well with you. But it's also okay if you choose not to make any changes to your eyes or facial structure, for that matter.

Dr Shenthilkumar Naidu (Dr Shens)

Dr. Shenthilkumar Naidu (Dr. Shens) is a Ministry of Health accredited Consultatn Plastic Surgeon with extensive expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He is renowned for his advanced techniques in body contouring and aesthetic enhancements. For more information, visit Shens Clinic.

Shens Clinic, 3 Killiney Road, Winsland House 1, #09-08, Singapore 239519

Monday – Friday: 09:00am – 06:00pm
Saturday: 09:00am – 02:00pm
Sun and PH: Closed

(Strictly by appointment only)

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