Thinking about getting double eyelid surgery in Singapore? If you’re keen on enhancing your eyelids but wary of going under the knife in a big way, you’re not alone. Many people are now seeking options that are more affordable, less invasive, and still effective without sacrificing safety or results.
The good news? There are techniques that fit this bill. Available only through top oculoplastic surgeons, this approach allows for a more personalised and closely monitored healing journey, with consistent follow-up care. Best of all, these cost less than the traditional full-incision method, making it accessible for more individuals exploring cosmetic enhancements.
What is double eyelid surgery?
Double eyelid surgery is a procedure that creates a visible crease in the upper eyelid. It’s especially popular among individuals of East Asian descent who naturally have a monolid or low crease and want to achieve a more defined eyelid fold. The procedure can also address asymmetry or enhance eye appearance, giving the face a refreshed, alert look.
While the conventional method involves a full incisional technique – where excess skin, fat, and muscle are removed – there are less invasive options available in Singapore. These options require far smaller incisions, allowing for a reduction in downtime, scarring, and overall costs.
Minimally invasive techniques: A gentler approach
Minimally invasive double eyelid surgery typically involves either sutures only or surgery through small incisions along the desired lid crease. The former is known as Non-Incisional Suture Blepharoplasty, often referred to as the “stitching” or “buried suture” technique. Instead of cutting through the skin to remove tissue, this method uses fine sutures to create a natural-looking crease, with little to no skin removal involved.
Here’s how it works:
1. Marking the eyelids: The surgeon first discusses your desired crease height and shape with you. Once decided, they will carefully mark the eyelids to ensure symmetry and accuracy.
2. Local anaesthesia: A small amount of anaesthetic is injected to numb the area, so you’ll be awake but comfortable throughout the procedure.
3. Creating micro punctures: Using a fine surgical blade, the surgeon creates several tiny entry points along the upper eyelid. These punctures are often barely noticeable and heal quickly.
4. Inserting sutures: Specialised medical-grade sutures are threaded through the punctures to loop around the eyelid tissue. These threads act as tethers that pull the skin slightly inward to simulate a natural crease.
5. Adjusting and tying: The surgeon adjusts the tension to ensure the fold looks natural and symmetrical, then secures the sutures in place. These stitches are usually buried under the skin and do not need to be removed later.
Because no skin is removed, there is minimal trauma to the eyelid. This translates to reduced swelling, faster recovery, and little to no scarring. The entire procedure usually takes under an hour, and many patients can return to normal activities within a few days.
This approach is ideal for individuals with younger, more elastic skin and without excessive eyelid soft tissue. While results may not be as permanent as the full incision method, many patients enjoy long-lasting outcomes, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced oculoplastic surgeon.
The other minimally invasive approach requires slightly longer skin incisions along the desired new crease. This allows for some underlying fat tissue to be removed in cases where this is deemed in excess. Fine stitches are placed in these areas to allow for the eyelid skin to be pulled inward when the eye is opened. The small skin wounds are then closed with one or two stitches.
Why oculoplastic surgeons make all the difference
Double eyelid surgery may sound straightforward, but eyelid anatomy is surprisingly complex. Oculoplastic surgeons are eye doctors (ophthalmologists) with specialised training in eyelid, orbit, and facial plastic surgery. They combine deep anatomical knowledge with surgical precision, ensuring that procedures are both safe and tailored to each individual’s features.
In Singapore, only a handful of clinics offer this minimally invasive method exclusively through highly trained oculoplastic specialists. Their expertise ensures that your eyes are not just aesthetically enhanced but medically safe, too.
Lower cost without cutting corners
A full incisional double eyelid surgery can easily cost between SGD $5,000 to $7,000 in Singapore, depending on the clinic and surgeon. Minimally invasive options generally range from SGD $3,200 to $4,500, which is a noticeable difference, especially when budgeting for cosmetic procedures.
The lower price does not mean a compromise on quality. Instead, it reflects the shorter surgery time, reduced use of medical resources, and quicker recovery. It is especially appealing for those who want natural-looking results without extensive downtime from work or school. With the shorter downtime, patients often feel more confident even during the early stages of recovery.
Who is it for?
This less invasive double eyelid surgery is best suited for individuals who:
- Do not have excessive upper eyelid skin or fat
- Are younger with firmer skin
- Want a quicker recovery and less downtime
- Prefer a more affordable option
- Have realistic expectations about longevity and results
If you are unsure whether you qualify, a consultation with an oculoplastic surgeon is essential. They will examine your eyelid anatomy, listen to your aesthetic goals, and recommend the right technique.
It is also a great option if you have tried and grown tired of sticking on temporary solutions every morning and want to ditch the double eyelid tapes for a more permanent solution.
What to expect during and after
The procedure typically takes about 60 minutes and is done under local anaesthesia. You’ll be awake but will not feel pain. As it is so minimally invasive, you can go home shortly after.
Mild swelling and bruising are common, but they generally subside within a week. Some patients return to work within days. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled to check the healing progress and ensure the crease forms as desired.
And while the results can last many years, some individuals may choose a touch-up down the road, especially if their skin changes with age. That said, for many, the benefits far outweigh the minor risks.
Conclusion
Double eyelid surgery does not have to mean long recovery times or high costs. With a minimally invasive technique led by a skilled oculoplastic surgeon, you can achieve the natural crease you have always wanted, with a price that is easier on the wallet.
Contact Ava Eye Clinic today to schedule a personalised consultation and discover whether this lower-cost, minimally invasive double eyelid surgery is right for you. Let our experienced team guide you every step of the way because when it comes to your eyes, only the best will do.