Incisional vs Non-Incisional Methods
Creates a crease using sutures without a full incision. Less downtime, more natural early recovery, but the crease may loosen over years. Best for thin eyelids with little fat.
A full incision allows removal of excess skin/fat and a permanent, defined crease. Longer recovery but more durable — suited to thicker or hooded eyelids.
Ptosis Correction
Many patients seeking 'bigger eyes' actually have ptosis (a droopy upper eyelid where the muscle that lifts the lid is weak). Correcting ptosis tightens the levator muscle and is often combined with double-eyelid creation. Where ptosis genuinely affects vision, the functional component may be partially Medisave-claimable.
Upper vs Lower Blepharoplasty
- Upper blepharoplasty: Removes excess upper-lid skin/fat — addresses hooding and tired-looking eyes; often combined with double-eyelid creation.
- Lower blepharoplasty: Treats eye bags and lower-lid puffiness by removing or repositioning fat (transconjunctival or skin approach).
Recovery Timeline
- Week 1: Swelling and bruising; stitches typically removed at day 5–7 (incisional).
- Weeks 2–4: Most swelling settles; suitable to return to work and light makeup.
- Months 1–3: Crease softens to its natural final appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
See who practises in this field: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
Browse plastic surgeons →Non-incisional (stitch) methods typically cost S$2,500–S$4,500; incisional double-eyelid surgery S$4,000–S$8,000+; with ptosis correction or revision, costs are higher. Prices vary by surgeon and facility.
Incisional (full-cut) surgery gives the most permanent, defined crease and allows removal of excess skin and fat. The non-incisional stitch method has less downtime but the crease can loosen over the years, sometimes requiring revision.
Purely cosmetic double-eyelid surgery is not claimable. If you have ptosis or excess upper-lid skin that genuinely obstructs vision, the functional correction may be partially Medisave-claimable with documentation. Confirm with your surgeon.
Most visible swelling and bruising settle within 2 weeks. People typically return to work in 1–2 weeks (sooner for stitch method), with the crease maturing to its final look over 1–3 months.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.