Double eyelid surgery creates or refines a visible crease in the upper eyelid, giving a “double” lid instead of a single, smooth lid. It is one of the most common eyelid operations worldwide, especially among patients of East Asian heritage, and is also used to correct uneven creases. There are two main methods: the suture (non-incisional) method, which uses fine stitches through tiny punctures, and the incisional method, which removes a little skin and fat through a cut placed exactly where the new crease will be. Recovery takes about one to two weeks for most of the swelling, and the crease looks fully natural after a few months. At Soraca Med in Antalya, eyelid surgery starts from €1,000, and double eyelid surgery is priced in a personal quote. Every treatment plan is reviewed by our plastic surgeon, Dr. Gökhan Bacak.
Double Eyelid Surgery at a Glance
| Item | Typical detail |
| What it does | Creates or refines a crease in the upper eyelid |
| Methods | Suture (non-incisional) or incisional; partial incision in some cases |
| Anesthesia | Usually local anesthesia, sedation available |
| Operation time | About 30 to 90 minutes |
| Time in Antalya | Usually 6 to 7 days |
| Back to work | About 1 to 2 weeks |
| Final crease | After about 3 to 6 months |
| Price | Personal quote; eyelid surgery from €1,000 |
What Is Double Eyelid Surgery and Who Is It For?
In a double eyelid, the skin of the upper lid folds at a crease when the eye opens. In a single eyelid, there is no fold, or a very low one, because of how the lifting muscle connects to the skin and how much fat sits in the lid. Double eyelid surgery creates a connection between the skin and the deeper tissues so a crease forms at the chosen height.
It may suit you if you:
- Have single eyelids and would like a defined crease
- Have one single and one double eyelid and want them to match
- Have a faint, inconsistent crease that disappears at times
- Want to make eye make-up easier
- Have a little excess skin or fat that hides the crease
Suture vs Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery
| Suture (non-incisional) | Incisional | |
| How it works | Fine stitches through tiny punctures connect skin to deeper tissue | A cut along the planned crease; excess skin and fat can be removed |
| Best for | Thin lids with little fat or excess skin | Thicker lids, excess skin or fat, older patients, revisions |
| Scar | Practically invisible | A fine scar hidden in the crease |
| Swelling | Less | More, especially in the first weeks |
| Durability | The crease can loosen or fade over years | Usually permanent |
| Reversible | Partly, in the early period | Not easily reversible |
Some surgeons use a partial incision, a short cut combined with stitches, for patients in between. Your surgeon recommends a method after examining your lid thickness, skin and fat.
Designing a Natural Crease
The most important decision is the height and shape of the crease. A crease that is too high can look surprised or artificial. Common shapes are:
- Inside fold (inner fold): the crease starts near the inner corner and merges with the inner skin fold; often looks very natural for East Asian eyes
- Parallel fold: the crease runs parallel to the lash line from inner to outer corner
- Partial fold: the crease is visible only in the outer part of the lid
Before surgery, the surgeon usually simulates the crease with a fine instrument so you can see the shape in a mirror.
Is Double Eyelid Surgery Painful? What Do Patients Feel?
The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, so the lids are numb. The injections sting briefly. During the operation, you may feel pressure or movement but not pain. Afterwards, the lids feel tight and swollen for a few days, and simple painkillers are usually enough. Sedation is available if you are anxious.
What Happens Step by Step During Double Eyelid Surgery?
- Consultation and simulation: the crease height and shape are agreed and marked.
- Local anesthesia: the upper lids are numbed.
- Suture method: tiny punctures are made and stitches are placed to form the crease.
- Incisional method: a cut is made along the marked line; a little skin, muscle or fat may be removed; the skin is attached to deeper tissue to form the crease.
- Closing: fine stitches for the incisional method.
- Aftercare: cold compresses, ointment and instructions.
Upper vs Lower Blepharoplasty: Where Does Double Eyelid Surgery Fit?
Double eyelid surgery is a type of upper blepharoplasty. Classic upper blepharoplasty mainly removes hooded, ageing skin, while double eyelid surgery focuses on creating a crease. Lower blepharoplasty treats under-eye bags and is a separate operation. Some patients combine double eyelid surgery with an epicanthoplasty (inner corner surgery) or canthoplasty, but these change the eye shape more and need careful discussion. Read about upper eyelid surgery prices and lower eyelid surgery.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Double Eyelid Surgery?
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling and bruising are greatest; the crease looks higher and deeper than planned |
| Days 5 to 7 | Stitches removed for the incisional method; swelling reduces |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Most people return to work; light make-up when allowed |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Remaining swelling settles; the crease lowers and softens |
| Months 3 to 6 | Final, natural crease |
Swelling usually settles faster after the suture method. Sleep with your head raised, use cold compresses, avoid rubbing your eyes and contact lenses until allowed, and avoid heavy exercise, swimming and smoking in the first weeks.
When Will I See Final Results After Double Eyelid Surgery?
Many patients see an acceptable look after two to three weeks, but the crease continues to soften for three to six months, especially after the incisional method. Do not judge symmetry or height in the first weeks, as one side often swells more than the other.
Will My Eyelids Look Natural After Surgery?
They should, if the crease suits your eye and face. Natural results usually come from a moderate crease height, a shape that follows your eye and conservative tissue removal. Bring photos of eyes you like, ideally of people with a similar eye shape to yours, rather than very different ethnic features.
Double Eyelid Surgery Before and After
Before surgery, the lid may look smooth, heavy or uneven. After healing, there is a defined fold that makes the eyes look more open and makes make-up easier. With the suture method the change is usually subtle; with the incisional method, the crease is more defined and longer lasting.
Risks of Double Eyelid Surgery
The NHS lists temporary effects of eyelid surgery such as puffy or numb lids, irritated or watery eyes and bruising, and less common problems such as uneven eyes and noticeable scarring. Specific risks of double eyelid surgery include:
- Asymmetry between the creases
- A crease that is too high, too low or has multiple folds
- Loosening or fading of the crease after the suture method
- Prolonged swelling, especially after the incisional method
- Rarely, difficulty closing the eyes fully if too much skin is removed
Revision surgery is possible but more complex than the first operation, so careful planning matters.
How Much Does Double Eyelid Surgery Cost in Turkey?
| Procedure | Soraca Med price |
| Eyelid surgery | From €1,000 |
| Double eyelid surgery, suture or incisional | Personal quote |
| Double eyelid surgery with other eye procedures | Personal quote |
The NHS states that eyelid surgery in the UK costs between £2,000 and £6,000 plus extras. In Antalya the cost is usually considerably lower. Your quote depends on the method, anesthesia and any combined procedures. See our eyelid surgery cost guide.
How Many Days Do You Need to Stay in Turkey?
Plan about six to seven days, so the stitches can be removed and your surgeon can check healing before you fly. With the suture method, a shorter stay may be possible.
Why Some Eyelids Have No Crease
The difference between a single and a double eyelid is mainly anatomical. In a double eyelid, small fibres from the muscle that opens the eye (the levator) connect to the skin, so the skin folds at that line when the eye opens. In a single eyelid, these connections are absent or lower, and there is often more fat in front of the muscle and a lower position of a thin membrane called the orbital septum. Double eyelid surgery recreates the connection at the chosen height, and may reduce some fat so the fold forms cleanly.
Crease Height and Shape: Finding What Suits You
| Choice | Effect | Tips |
| Low crease (about 5 to 7 mm) | Subtle, natural, often preferred for East Asian eyes | Least risk of a surprised look |
| Medium crease | More visible fold, more space for eye make-up | Suits many patients who want a clear but natural change |
| High crease | Dramatic, Western-style look | Higher risk of an unnatural or tired look |
| Inside (inner) fold | Merges with the inner corner skin fold | Often looks very natural |
| Parallel fold | Runs evenly from inner to outer corner | Can look more Westernised |
The surgeon usually tests the planned crease with a thin instrument before surgery, so you can see it in the mirror and adjust it together.
Who Should Wait or Avoid Double Eyelid Surgery
- People with significant dry eye or eye surface disease until it is treated
- People with a drooping eyelid muscle (ptosis), which may need a different or combined operation
- People with thyroid eye disease that is not stable
- People under 18, unless there is a specific medical reason
- Anyone who feels pressured into surgery by others
Double Eyelid Surgery for Men
Men often prefer a lower, straighter crease and minimal change in eye shape. Over-pronounced folds can make the eyes look feminised. Many men choose the suture method or a conservative incisional technique, and the planning focuses on a refreshed, more defined look rather than a large change.
Preparing for Surgery
- Stop smoking two to four weeks before and after surgery
- Tell your surgeon about blood thinners, supplements and eye conditions
- Bring glasses, as you should not wear contact lenses for some time after surgery
- Bring sunglasses, eye drops and a soft eye mask
- Plan a few quiet days with your head raised when resting
Your Stay in Antalya Day by Day
| Day | What usually happens |
| Day 1 | Arrival and transfer to your hotel |
| Day 2 | Consultation, crease simulation and surgery |
| Days 3 to 4 | Rest, cold compresses and a check-up |
| Days 5 to 6 | Stitch removal for the incisional method |
| Day 7 | Final check and flight home when cleared |
Living With Your New Crease
Once healed, you can use eye make-up as normal, and many patients find it easier to apply eyeliner and eyeshadow. Protect the lids from strong sun while the scar is still pink. With the suture method, a crease that becomes faint over the years can often be refreshed. With the incisional method, the crease is usually permanent, but skin ageing continues, so some people choose upper eyelid surgery for excess skin later in life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is double eyelid surgery?
It is upper eyelid surgery that creates or refines a crease, giving a visible fold when the eye opens.
Which is better, suture or incisional double eyelid surgery?
The suture method suits thin lids and has a faster recovery but can loosen over time. The incisional method suits thicker lids or excess skin and is usually permanent.
Is double eyelid surgery permanent?
The incisional method is usually permanent. A crease made with the suture method can fade or loosen over years.
How long is the recovery?
Most swelling settles within one to two weeks, but the final crease takes three to six months.
Will there be a scar?
The suture method leaves practically no scar. The incisional method leaves a fine scar hidden in the crease.
Does double eyelid surgery hurt?
It is usually done under local anesthesia. Afterwards most patients feel tightness and mild soreness for a few days.
How much does double eyelid surgery cost in Turkey?
At Soraca Med, eyelid surgery starts from €1,000, and double eyelid surgery is priced in a personal quote.
How long should I stay in Antalya?
Usually six to seven days, so stitches can be removed before your flight.
How high should my double eyelid crease be?
A low to medium crease usually looks most natural. Your surgeon simulates the crease before surgery so you can choose together.
Can men have double eyelid surgery?
Yes. Men usually prefer a lower, straighter crease for a more masculine, natural look.
Can a suture double eyelid be redone?
Yes. If the crease fades over time, it can often be refreshed, or changed to the incisional method.
When can I wear eye make-up after double eyelid surgery?
Usually after about one to two weeks, once the wounds have healed and your surgeon allows.
Sources and Medical Information
This guide is general patient information. The medical details are based on published patient guidance, including:
It does not replace a consultation: your surgeon decides what is safe for you, and their personal instructions always take priority. Prices are Soraca Med starting prices and are confirmed in your written quote. Last updated: October 2026.
