Specialised Eyelid Surgery
Asian blepharoplasty (double eyelid surgery) in Toronto
Upper eyelid crease creation and refinement using the incisional technique, planned around your anatomy.
What is Asian blepharoplasty?
Asian blepharoplasty, also known as double eyelid surgery, creates or refines an upper eyelid crease in patients with a single eyelid (monolid) or a minimally visible crease. The procedure is performed on individuals of East Asian, Southeast Asian, and Central Asian descent whose eyelid anatomy differs from European eyelid structure.
Many people of East Asian descent have no visible upper eyelid crease. This is normal.
Asian blepharoplasty is an elective cosmetic procedure chosen by patients who prefer a visible crease for personal aesthetic reasons. The goal is to create a natural-looking result that maintains ethnic identity while achieving the patient's desired appearance.
Anatomical differences in Asian eyelids
The Asian upper eyelid has several distinct anatomical features that require specialised surgical knowledge:
- ✦Crease anatomy: In many East Asian eyelids, the thin layer in front of the eyelid fat (the orbital septum) joins the eyelid's lifting tendon lower down. This lets the fat sit lower and further forward, and there are fewer fibres connecting the lifting tendon to the skin. Together these give a fuller lid with a low crease or no crease.
- ✦Epicanthal fold (inner corner): A skin fold covering the inner corner of the eye is more prominent in many East Asian individuals, which may affect crease symmetry and design.
- ✦Thicker skin and orbicularis muscle: Asian eyelid skin is often slightly thicker with more subcutaneous tissue, requiring precise surgical planning.
- ✦Variable orbital fat distribution: Fat pockets may extend more anteriorly (forward), contributing to upper lid fullness.
Surgical approaches
Dr. Gill performs incisional Asian blepharoplasty. The plan depends on anatomy, desired crease height, the presence of excess skin or fat, and patient goals.
Incisional (open) method
An incision is made along the planned crease line. Some fat, muscle or skin may be removed, and the lifting tendon is attached to the skin to form the crease.
Best for:
- ✓Patients with excess upper lid skin or fat
- ✓Asymmetric or uneven natural creases requiring refinement
- ✓Desire for a higher or more defined crease
- ✓A long-lasting crease for many patients. Results vary.
Recovery:
10–14 days visible recovery. Scar settles into natural crease over 3–6 months.
EyeFACE approach: Dr. Gill performs incisional Asian blepharoplasty. The technique is selected during consultation based on your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and long-term expectations. For patients seeking a long-lasting crease, the incisional method is often recommended.
Crease design: height, shape, and natural appearance
Dr. Gill measures and plans your crease height with you at consultation.
Lower crease
Subtle, natural-looking crease that preserves a distinctly East Asian appearance. Minimal exposure of the upper lid platform. Popular among patients seeking refinement without dramatic change.
Medium crease
The most commonly requested height. Visible crease that maintains ethnic characteristics while creating a more open, defined eye appearance. Balanced aesthetic outcome.
Higher crease
More pronounced crease with greater lid platform exposure. Creates a more Western eyelid appearance. Requires sufficient skin laxity and appropriate brow position to avoid a tethered or unnatural look.
Important principle:
Asian blepharoplasty does not mean creating a "Western" eye. The goal is to enhance the natural beauty of the Asian eyelid while respecting ethnic identity. Dr. Gill plans the crease around your eyelid anatomy and facial features.
Why ASOPRS fellowship training matters for Asian blepharoplasty
An American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) fellowship is subspecialty training in eyelid, orbital and tear duct surgery after ophthalmology residency. Dr. Gill's ASOPRS fellowship was two years.
Specialised eyelid anatomy training
ASOPRS surgeons complete two years of dedicated training exclusively in eyelid, orbital, and lacrimal surgery after completing ophthalmology residency. This includes extensive experience with the levator muscle, tarsal plate, orbital septum, and fat compartments: the exact structures manipulated in Asian blepharoplasty.
Functional and aesthetic integration
Asian blepharoplasty is not just cosmetic: it requires understanding eyelid function, tear film stability, and ocular surface health. ASOPRS surgeons are trained to assess whether altering levator insertion or removing orbital fat will affect long-term eyelid mechanics, not just short-term appearance.
Dr. Harmeet Gill completed ASOPRS fellowship training and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) and the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
What to expect: consultation to recovery
Consultation
45 minutesComprehensive eyelid assessment including crease measurement, skin quality evaluation, fat distribution analysis, and discussion of your aesthetic goals. Surgical plan and pricing provided.
Procedure
Timing reviewed at consultationPerformed at our CPSO-accredited out-of-hospital surgical facility. Anaesthesia is chosen for your comfort and safety and reviewed at consultation. Precise crease creation using the incisional technique. You return home the same day.
Recovery (Week 1–2)
10–14 days visible recoveryBruising and swelling usually settle gradually. Timing and recovery are reviewed at consultation. Sutures removed at 5–7 days. Recovery is reviewed at consultation. Eyes may feel tight or heavy initially. This usually improves as healing progresses.
Recovery (Months 1–6)
Gradual refinementCrease settles into final position. Scar fades and blends into natural crease. Residual swelling usually settles over 3–6 months. Final result is visible by 6 months, with continued subtle improvement over the first year.
Pricing
Asian blepharoplasty (incisional)
Upper eyelid crease creation: bilateral
From $8,000 + HST
Your written quote lists what is included and when payment is due. Pricing is for upper eyelid crease creation only. Additional procedures (ptosis repair, fat removal, lower eyelid) priced separately.
Book a consultation →Frequently asked questions
Will my result look natural or obviously surgical?
The goal is a crease that suits your features and looks natural. Crease height and shape are selected to suit your facial anatomy. Your ethnicity is preserved while your aesthetic goals are met.
Is Asian blepharoplasty permanent?
The incision method is designed to give a lasting crease, but a crease can change with age or swelling. Results vary. Dr. Gill will discuss how long results typically last for you.
Can I get a revision if I don't like the crease height?
Yes, but it is far easier to make a crease higher than to make it lower. This is why conservative planning is important. If the initial crease is too low, it can be raised with a secondary procedure. If the initial crease is too high, lowering it requires allowing scar tissue to mature and may not fully restore the previous appearance.
What is the difference between Asian blepharoplasty and regular upper blepharoplasty?
Regular upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from an eyelid that already has a crease. Asian blepharoplasty creates a crease where none exists or refines a minimal existing crease. The surgical plan is based on that anatomy.
Will I lose my ethnic appearance?
No. Asian blepharoplasty creates a double eyelid: a feature many East Asian people have naturally. The goal is not to make your eyes look Western, but to create a crease that harmonises with your facial features while maintaining your ethnic identity.
How do I choose the right crease height?
Crease height is determined during your consultation based on your eyelid anatomy, skin laxity, brow position, and personal aesthetic preferences. Dr. Gill will show you what different crease heights look like on your face and explain the long-term implications of each option. You and Dr. Gill decide on the crease together.
Possible risks
All surgery has risks. With eyelid surgery these include bruising and swelling, dry or irritated eyes, asymmetry, a crease or lid shape you are not happy with, difficulty closing the eye fully for a time, a change in lower lid position (the lid pulling down or turning out), double vision, and infection. Bleeding behind the eye is rare but serious and can threaten vision. That is why we ask you to call us or go to emergency right away if you have severe pain, swelling that is getting worse, or any loss of vision.
Dr. Gill will go through the risks that apply to you at your consultation.
Begin your consultation
In-person $400 + HST, 45 minutes, includes the Eltraderm 3-Step Skin Care Program (valued at $185) · Virtual $300 + HST, 30 minutes. Your consultation fee, in-person or virtual, is applied in full toward the cost of surgery booked within six months of your consultation.