Our team wrote this eyelid guide in October 2026 from the sources named in each section. A doctor has not checked it, it is not medical advice, and questions about your own eyes belong with your surgeon.
What double eyelid surgery is
Double eyelid surgery, a type of blepharoplasty, creates a crease in an upper eyelid that has no clear fold. Researchers call this single eyelid correction.
Researchers describe it as one of the most common cosmetic procedures in East Asia. A study in Malaysia found that all the Malay participants and about 70 percent of the Chinese participants in its sample had a double eyelid on both eyes. The same paper says the figure for other Asian groups is unknown.
Sources: Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2026), Scientific Reports (2017)
How it differs from ageing eyelid surgery
Some people look at eyelid surgery for a different reason. The NHS describes eyelid surgery as a way to remove excess skin or fat, to change the look of hooded or drooping eyelids or eye bags. healthdirect Australia explains that skin loses its stretch with age, so the eyelids can sag.
Double eyelid surgery is about the crease itself. Ask your surgeon which approach they suggest for you and why. Our guide to blepharoplasty in Vietnam covers upper and lower eyelid surgery for ageing skin.
Sources: NHS, healthdirect Australia
The two main methods
One paper puts double eyelid methods into two groups: buried suture methods and incision methods.
The suture method (non incisional). The surgeon makes a few tiny openings and passes a stitch through the lid to form the crease. No skin is removed. Researchers say people favour it for small scars and a quick recovery. The authors of one suture study also say their method cannot remove excess skin, and does not suit puffy upper lids with loose skin.
The incisional method. The surgeon makes a cut along the planned crease. healthdirect Australia says that in upper eyelid surgery, the surgeon cuts on the natural skin crease and removes any excess skin and fat. The NHS says the scar is usually hidden in the natural fold of the eyelid.
Neither method suits every eyelid. One paper says its suture method does not suit puffy upper lids with loose skin. A study of non incisional surgery found that puffy lids and how the stitches were placed mattered most for how long a crease lasts. Which method suits you is a decision for you and your surgeon.
Sources: Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2026), NHS, healthdirect Australia
Can a crease fade?
Yes, it can. A large study from Japan included 513 people who had non incisional double eyelid surgery. The authors call crease loss a major concern, because a crease that fades can lead to revision surgery. Puffy eyelids and the way the stitches were placed made the biggest difference to how well the crease lasted.
The NHS also notes that some people find the look they wanted was not achieved and feel they need another operation. Ask how the hospital handles a crease that fades before you book.
Sources: Archives of Plastic Surgery (2026), NHS
Risks to understand
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists these possible risks of eyelid surgery:
- Bleeding, infection and anaesthesia risks
- Swelling and bruising
- Dry eyes, or trouble closing your eyes
- Changes in skin feeling, or numb eyelashes
- Scarring that heals badly
- Possible need for revision surgery
- A change in vision, which can be temporary or lasting, and a very rare chance of blindness
The NHS says the surgeon should explain how likely these risks are and how they would be treated. Your surgeon will talk through what applies to you.
Sources: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, NHS
Recovery and flying home
healthdirect Australia says upper eyelid surgery is usually done under a local anaesthetic. The NHS says most people go home the same day, and most take about 2 weeks off work, depending on their job. It also says bruises and redness may take several weeks to fade, and scars may be visible and feel tight for a few months. Your eyelid surgeon will tell you which of these timings applies to you.
Flying is part of the plan. The NHS says air travel and major surgery increase the risk of a blood clot. It advises not flying for 7 to 10 days after facial cosmetic procedures. Your surgeon will tell you what applies in your case. Ask your surgeon what check ups you need before you fly home.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, NHS
Questions to ask in your WhatsApp group
With Beauty Link, you join one WhatsApp group with the hospital team and your Beauty Link advisor. The hospital introduces itself, talks through options that may suit you, and sends a personal treatment plan and quote. Beauty Link stays in the group to help with questions and translation. Some of these questions come from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the NHS, and Beauty Link adds others about the crease:
- Which method do you suggest for my eyelids, and why?
- How high will my crease sit when my eyes are open?
- Can I see before and after photos of similar cases?
- What happens if my crease fades?
- How are complications handled?
- How many check ups do I need before I fly home?
- Who do I contact once I am home?
The NHS also suggests 2 consultations with the surgeon before any surgery. Your advisor can help set up a call with the eyelid surgeon before you book. Our guide to Vietnam plastic surgery hospital checks lists the licence and training questions too.
Sources: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, NHS, Beauty Link team records
Questions
You will not find eyelid prices on this site. The hospital puts its plan and quote for your eyes in writing. Smartraveller says to think about all possible costs, as a complication can cost more to fix. Our guide to plastic surgery Vietnam cost explains what shapes a quote.
It depends on the group. One study in Malaysia found double eyelids in every Malay participant and in about 70 percent of the Chinese participants it looked at. The paper says the figure for other Asian groups is unknown.
The one study we read says the figure for other Asian groups is unknown, so it gives no figure for Vietnamese people.
There is no single answer. Smartraveller suggests checking the hospital, the surgeon and your travel insurance, wherever you go. If you are weighing up places, our page on plastic surgery in Korea vs Vietnam compares two common choices.
It is a type of blepharoplasty. Double eyelid surgery shapes a crease. Ageing eyelid surgery mostly removes extra skin or fat from hooded or puffy lids.
The incisional method leaves a scar along the crease, which the NHS says is usually hidden in the fold. The suture method uses small openings and no skin is removed. Ask your surgeon how your scar is likely to heal.
Smartraveller lists three checks before surgery overseas: local authority accreditation for the hospital, proper qualifications for the surgeon, and insurance that covers complications. Read more in is plastic surgery in Vietnam safe.
Sources: Scientific Reports (2017), NHS, Smartraveller, Beauty Link team records