Safe and professional
Felt I was in very safe and professional hands from my first consultation with Bo. ESPECIALLY on the day of the operation itself, when I was very n…
Thomas Hansen
About the treatment
The Asian eyelid is anatomically different from the Caucasian eyelid, and it requires a different surgical approach. Many patients of Asian heritage want a more visible eyelid crease and a more open eye area, but do not want to lose the characteristic features that define their appearance. It is a balance that requires experience, precision and a deep understanding of the anatomical differences.
At Caolín we have extensive experience with upper eyelid surgery on Asian eyes, with respect for each patient's individual anatomy and wishes.
At a glance
- Price
- From DKK 21,900
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthetic
- Duration
- 1–1.5 hours
- Hospital stay
- 1-3 hours
- Downtime
- Approx. 1 week
- Socially presentable
- Approx. 14 days
- Final result
- After 3–6 months
The Asian eyelid
To understand the surgery, it is necessary to understand what sets the Asian eyelid apart anatomically from the Caucasian eyelid. There are two key differences:
Absent or weak eyelid crease
The Caucasian eyelid typically has a clear crease, because the tendon of the muscle that lifts the eyelid (levator palpebrae) attaches to the skin and creates the eyelid crease. In the Asian eyelid, this connection is weak or entirely absent, resulting in an eyelid without a crease. This does not mean that the eyelid is less elastic or looser, simply that the anatomical connection is different.
The epicanthic fold
Many Asian eyes have an epicanthus, a fold of skin that covers the inner corner of the eye (medial canthus). The epicanthic fold varies in size and appearance from person to person and helps give the eye its characteristic shape. In some cases, patients wish to reduce the epicanthic fold as part of the procedure. This is done with a procedure called epicanthoplasty and is always discussed individually at the consultation.
What sets Asian eyelid surgery apart from classic eyelid surgery?
In classic upper eyelid surgery on Caucasian patients, the main aim is to remove excess skin. In Asian eyelid surgery, the main aim is to create or enhance a crease, and that requires a fundamentally different approach.
The suture technique (non-incisional crease)
A non-incisional method in which fine stitches are placed internally in the eyelid, creating a connection that mimics a natural crease. Technically, it is the least invasive option. The drawback is that the result can fade over time, particularly in patients with thick eyelids and a lot of fat in the subcutaneous layer. Because we want predictable and long-lasting results, at Caolín we always create a surgical crease as standard.
The incision technique (surgical crease)
The most widely used and long-lasting option. Through a precise incision along the planned crease, a direct connection is created between the skin and the underlying levator tendon, just like the natural connection in Caucasian eyes. At the same time, the surgeon can remove a precise amount of fat and, if needed, skin to give the crease the right depth and definition. The result is stable and long-lasting, but requires a recovery period, just as with standard eyelid surgery.
Epicanthoplasty: correcting the inner corner of the eye
Epicanthoplasty is a separate procedure that reduces the epicanthic fold and opens up the inner corner of the eye. It gives the eye a wider, more open horizontal appearance and can be combined with eyelid surgery in the same operation.
It is a very precise and technically demanding procedure, as the inner corner of the eye is an anatomically complex area with delicate skin and closely spaced structures. The scar is placed discreetly in the natural skin lines around the inner corner and, for most people, is almost invisible once healed.
Epicanthoplasty is not for everyone, and at the consultation we discuss openly whether your anatomy and wishes make it the right choice for you.
When is surgery relevant?
At the consultation, we take plenty of time to understand what you want and to show you what can realistically be achieved based on your anatomy. There is no standard solution, so every procedure is tailored individually.
It is essential to understand what each patient wants to achieve. The most common wishes that the surgery can fulfil are:
A visible eyelid crease
This is the main wish for most people. A crease that opens up the eye area and gives the eye more depth and expression without changing the fundamental character of the eyes.
A more open look
The eyelid is lifted and opens up, so that more of the iris is visible and the eyes look fresher and more alert.
A natural look
Most people do not want a Caucasian eye; they want their own eyes with a crease. This is an important distinction that guides the surgical planning.
Reducing the epicanthic fold
Epicanthoplasty is offered as an add-on and is planned separately.
Reviews
What our patients say
Good to know
Questions and answers
Here you will find the whole process step by step — from consultation to the first weeks at home. If there is anything you cannot find an answer to, bring it up at your consultation.
No, not necessarily, and that is not the aim for most patients either. The goal is to create a crease that opens up the eyes and gives them depth, but still looks natural on your face. We tailor the crease height, curve and expression individually. There is no standard crease, and we never work towards a standard Caucasian result.
A monolid is an eyelid without a visible crease, where the skin runs smoothly from the brow to the lash line without any indentation. It is very common in people of East Asian heritage and results from the anatomical difference in the connection between the levator tendon and the skin. A monolid is fully functional, but many people want a crease for a more open and defined look.
Epicanthoplasty reduces the epicanthic fold and opens up the inner corner of the eye, so that the eye looks wider and more open horizontally. Whether you need epicanthoplasty depends on your anatomy and wishes. We discuss openly at the consultation whether it is relevant for you.
Asymmetry is the most common complication of Asian eyelid surgery and is the reason why surgical experience and precision are particularly important for this procedure. At Caolín, the crease height and curve are carefully planned before the surgery, and we follow up closely during the healing period. Slight asymmetry in the first few weeks is normal due to swelling and does not reflect the final result.
Yes, this is actually quite common. Many patients who have had the suture technique and find that the crease has dropped back or did not give the desired result go on to choose the incision technique for a longer-lasting result. We assess your starting point at the consultation.
Recovery is similar to classic eyelid surgery, but the swelling can be slightly more pronounced in the first few days. This is normal and subsides quickly.
− The first few days: The eyes are swollen and tender. Cold compresses relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.
− Keep your head raised for the first few days, including at night.
− Time off work: Approx. 0.5–2 weeks.
− Socially presentable: Most people are ready after 10–14 days.
− Contact lenses: Avoid for 2–3 weeks after the surgery.
− Sport and strenuous activity: Avoid for 3–4 weeks.
− Sun on the scars: Avoid for at least 12 months – use at least SPF 50.
− Final result: The swelling subsides gradually over 3–6 months. The crease becomes more clearly defined over time.
It is important to know that in the first few months the crease may look different from the final result. Swelling can make the crease look wider or deeper than it will in the long term. We follow you closely during this period.
We recommend not wearing contact lenses for 2–3 weeks after the surgery. Glasses can be worn from the day after.
Asian eyelid surgery is a safe procedure with few serious complications. The most relevant are asymmetry and an undesired crease height. Epicanthoplasty carries a greater risk of a visible scar in the inner corner of the eye. All risks and realistic expectations are reviewed thoroughly at the consultation.
Every treatment journey at Caolín starts with a thorough, no-obligation consultation, where the surgeon assesses your eyelid anatomy, listens to your wishes and advises you on the technique and result that will suit you best. We take plenty of time, because the details that determine whether the result looks natural require a thorough conversation.
You are welcome to bring someone with you, and you can always contact us with questions along the way.
The process
What to expect at Caolín
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Consultation
The process starts with a thorough consultation, where you meet your plastic surgeon in calm, reassuring surroundings. Here we talk about your wishes, your expectations and the changes you would like to achieve.
The surgeon assesses the skin around your eyes, the anatomy of your eyelids and the overall balance of your face to make sure the treatment is right for you. Together you will also go through the surgical process, expected healing and the things that are important to know before you make your decision. It is important to us that you feel well informed, at ease and met with both expertise and understanding throughout the entire process.
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Before the surgery
Once your treatment plan is in place, we guide you thoroughly through the preparations leading up to the day of surgery. Among other things, we go through medication, supplements and other factors that can affect bleeding, healing and the final result.
The surgery is most often performed under local anaesthetic, and you will receive thorough information about how the day will unfold. On the day of surgery, you will be welcomed by our team, and the surgeon carefully marks the area so that the treatment is tailored precisely to your anatomy and features.
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During the surgery
During the surgery, the incision is placed discreetly in the natural crease of the eyelid, so that the scar will be as discreet as possible afterwards. Excess skin and any small fat deposits are gently removed to create a lighter, more open look around the eyes.
The entire treatment is performed with great precision and respect for the natural anatomy of the eye. The goal is always a result that looks fresh and harmonious – without looking operated on.
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After the surgery
After the surgery, you can usually go home shortly after the treatment. For the first few days, it is normal to experience swelling, slight tightness and bruising around the eyes, which is a natural part of the healing process.
We recommend that you take it easy, keep your head slightly raised and gently cool the area as instructed.
Book a free consultation at Caolín
Your journey begins with a personal consultation. Here we go through your wishes and options, so that together we can create a treatment plan that feels right for you.
The specialists
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen is a consultant in plastic surgery and one of the Nordic region's leading specialists in cosmetic breast surgery and advanced facial surgery, and one of the few surgeons to master endoscopic facelift without visible scars. He holds a PhD in breast reconstruction using stem-cell-enriched fat grafting and is internationally recognised for his work and research in the field.
Frederik Kølle, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Frederik Kølle is a certified and internationally recognised plastic surgeon specialising in facial and cosmetic surgery as well as advanced fat grafting and body contouring. He is among the Nordic region's leading experts and masters the full spectrum of facial and breast surgery.
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Financing your treatment
We offer financing, so you can spread the cost of your treatment. If you have any questions about financing, you are always welcome to contact us – or ask at your consultation.
The calculation is indicative. Credit assessment and terms are set by Resurs Bank.