Asian vs Caucasian Eyelids: How Double Eyelid Surgery Differs

The main difference in Asian vs Caucasian eyelids is the crease. Many Asian eyelids have a low, faint or absent crease and a fuller upper lid, while many Caucasian eyelids have a higher, well-defined fold. So Asian double eyelid surgery usually creates a crease, while Caucasian eyelid surgery usually refreshes one that is already there.

By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Preamjit Saonanon, oculoplastic ophthalmologist

Asian vs Caucasian eyelids: what is the difference?

All upper eyelids have the same parts: skin, a thin muscle, fat and the muscle that opens the eye. The difference is in how they sit. In many Asian eyelids, the fat sits lower and the fibers that form the fold attach low or loosely, so the crease is low or missing. This is called a single eyelid, or monolid. Many Asian eyes also have an epicanthal fold, a small fold of skin at the inner corner.

When people compare Asian vs Caucasian eyes, the crease is usually what they notice first. In many Caucasian eyelids, it sits higher and is easy to see. These are common patterns, not rules. I see single and double eyelids in people from every background.

How is Asian double eyelid surgery different from Caucasian eyelid surgery?

The tools are similar, but the goals are not the same.

• Main goal: Asian surgery usually creates a new crease. Caucasian surgery usually removes extra skin above a crease that is already there, often because of aging.

• Crease height and shape: many Asian patients prefer a lower, softer crease that suits their face. A crease copied from a Western face can look out of place.

• Fat: some Asian eyelids need a little fat removed to reduce puffiness. Taking out too much can make the eye look hollow, so I remove it carefully.

• Technique: Asian double eyelid surgery can use a full incision, a small incision or stitches only, depending on your skin, fat and goals.

• Inner corner: some Asian patients also consider epicanthoplasty, a small surgery that softens the inner corner fold.

Every option has risks, such as swelling, bruising, uneven creases or scarring, and results vary from person to person. If you are planning surgery, you can see what to expect week by week in double eyelid surgery healing stages.

When should you see an eye doctor first?

Before any eyelid surgery, it is worth checking that the muscle that lifts the eyelid works well. See an eye doctor soon if one eyelid sits lower than the other, if an eyelid droops suddenly, or if you also have double vision, eye pain or a bad headache. A drooping eyelid (ptosis) needs its own treatment, and creating a crease alone will not fix it.

Frequently asked questions

Do Caucasian people have double eyelids?

Most Caucasian people have a visible upper eyelid crease, but not all of them. The height of the crease varies a lot, and some people of European background have a low crease or a single eyelid.

Will Asian double eyelid surgery make my eyes look Western?

It does not have to. The crease is planned to suit your own eye shape and face. Many Asian patients choose a lower crease that fits their features, but results vary from person to person.

How long is recovery after double eyelid surgery?

Stitches usually come out in about 7–14 days, and bruising and swelling usually settle in about 7–14 days. The crease often takes about 1–3 months to look natural.

Book a consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Preamjit Saonanon in Thong Lo, Bangkok

• Book online: en.saonanonclinic.com/book-online

• LINE: @saonanon

• Phone: +66 90 946 3090

• Hours: Thursday 16:00–20:00 and Saturday 09:00–20:00

This article is general information and does not replace a medical examination. Results vary from person to person.