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The eyes are one of the most expressive features of the face and one of the first areas where aging, fatigue, or genetics can leave visible marks. At Rejuvenation Dermatology & Plastic Surgery in Vancouver, Dr. Diana Forbes offers a full range of eyelid surgery procedures to help you look refreshed, confident, and like the best version of yourself.
Whether you're bothered by heavy, drooping upper lids, puffiness or bags beneath the eyes, or you'd like to create a more defined upper eyelid crease, we offer tailored surgical solutions to address your unique concerns. Each procedure is performed with exceptional precision and an artistic eye for balance, ensuring results that look natural and harmonious with your overall facial appearance.
Our eyelid surgery procedures include:
Schedule your consultation today to find out which eyelid procedure is right for you.
Eyelid Surgery in Vancouver | Dr. Diana Forbes
Asian eyelid surgery, also known as double eyelid surgery, is a procedure designed to create a natural-looking upper eyelid crease in individuals with a monolid or minimal crease. By establishing a defined yet subtle eyelid fold, the eyes often appear more open, refreshed, and expressive while maintaining harmony with the patient’s natural facial features.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the presence of an eyelid crease can enhance eye definition and make eye makeup more visible, particularly for female patients. Functionally, some individuals with heavier upper eyelids and no natural crease may experience eyelash irritation or a sensation of eyelid heaviness. Double eyelid surgery can address both aesthetic and functional concerns when appropriately planned and executed.
Achieving a natural result requires a thorough understanding of Asian eyelid anatomy and careful attention to balance, symmetry, and proportion. The goal of surgery is not to Westernize the eyes, but rather to create a crease that complements the patient’s facial structure, cultural identity, and personal preferences. This procedure is commonly performed throughout Asia and is offered by a limited number of plastic surgeons in Vancouver with specialized experience in eyelid surgery.
Anesthesia for Asian Eyelid Surgery
Asian eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, allowing for patient comfort and precise intraoperative assessment.
Time Required for Asian Eyelid Surgery
The procedure generally requires one hour or more, depending on eyelid anatomy and surgical technique.
Recovery Period
Sutures are usually removed after approximately one week. Most patients are able to respond to emails or perform light virtual work within 2 to 3 days. Swelling and bruising continue to improve over the first one to two weeks.
Asian Eyelid Surgical Technique
A double eyelid crease may be created using either a suture-based technique or an incisional technique. While suture methods are sometimes marketed as “scarless,” they carry a higher risk of long-term failure, with the crease loosening or disappearing over time.
The incisional technique allows for precise control of crease height, shape, and placement, with a significantly lower risk of recurrence. This approach also provides access to underlying tissues when refinement is needed, resulting in a more stable and predictable outcome.
Dr. Forbes’ Surgical Approach to Asian Eyelid Double Eyelid Surgery
Crease height selection is one of the most important decisions in Asian eyelid surgery and is carefully determined in collaboration with the patient. Dr. Forbes uses an incisional technique to achieve greater control over crease position and long-term stability.
This approach allows for conservative contouring of fatty tissue above the eyelid when appropriate, helping to create a smooth transition and natural shadow between the eyebrow and eyelid. In addition, the technique enables subtle adjustment of eyelash orientation, often resulting in a gently more upturned lash position that many patients find aesthetically pleasing.
Each surgical plan is fully customized based on eyelid anatomy, facial proportions, and patient goals. A detailed consultation and individualized assessment are essential to achieving a natural, balanced result that respects both form and function.
Upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty, is a procedure designed to rejuvenate the eyes by removing excess skin and tissue that can obscure the natural eyelid crease. Many patients report that they look more tired than they feel, experience a sense of eyelid heaviness, or, in more advanced cases, notice interference with their vision.
Excess upper eyelid skin can also affect daily activities and cosmetic routines. Patients who regularly wear eye makeup often find that skin redundancy leads to creasing, smudging, or difficulty achieving a clean eyelid contour. During surgery, excess skin is carefully removed, and when necessary, underlying fat or muscle bulk is conservatively addressed to restore a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
Successful eyelid surgery requires both technical precision and a refined aesthetic eye. There are important anatomical and aesthetic differences between male and female eyelids, and these distinctions must be respected to ensure results that remain natural and harmonious with the rest of the face. These considerations are discussed in detail during consultation, with photographic examples used to guide surgical planning.
Anesthesia
Upper eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anesthetic, allowing for a comfortable and controlled procedure.
Time Required
The procedure generally requires one hour or more, depending on individual anatomy and surgical needs.
Recovery Period
Sutures are usually removed within 6 to 7 days. Most patients are able to respond to emails or perform light virtual work as early as the following day. Swelling and bruising gradually improve over the first one to two weeks.
Dr. Forbes’ Surgical Approach
Surgery in the periorbital region requires an exceptional level of precision and attention to detail. Dr. Forbes approaches upper blepharoplasty with an emphasis on artistry as well as technical execution, recognizing that subtle refinements can significantly impact the overall result.
Incisions are carefully hidden within the natural crease of the upper eyelid to ensure discreet healing. Because excess skin is often more pronounced toward the outer corners of the eyes, skin removal is thoughtfully tailored to create a more open, lifted appearance while maintaining natural eyelid shape. Fat removal is performed conservatively to reduce fullness without creating a hollow or over-operated look.
Each surgical plan is individualized to the patient’s anatomy, gender-specific aesthetics, and desired outcome, ensuring results that enhance the eyes while preserving balance and facial harmony.
Lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, is the most effective surgical solution for under-eye bags and puffiness that make you look tired, aged, or worn—regardless of how rested you actually feel. Under-eye bags are most commonly caused by the herniation of fat pads beneath the eyes. This condition is largely genetic and cannot be corrected through skincare, fillers, or lifestyle changes alone.
Lower blepharoplasty precisely addresses the underlying cause by repositioning or removing excess fat deposits, resulting in a smoother, more youthful under-eye contour. For patients who also have excess lower eyelid skin or fine wrinkling, skin refinement may be incorporated into the procedure. The result is a naturally refreshed appearance that restores balance between the eyes and the rest of the face.
Anesthesia
Lower eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anesthetic with sedation, or under general anesthesia depending on the extent of correction and whether it is combined with other procedures.
Time Required
The procedure generally requires one to two hours, depending on the surgical technique and individual anatomy.
Recovery Period
Swelling and bruising are expected during the first one to two weeks following surgery. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activities within 7 to 10 days. Final results continue to refine over several weeks as residual swelling resolves.
Dr. Forbes’ Surgical Approach to Lower Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Forbes tailors the lower blepharoplasty technique to each patient's specific anatomy and concerns. Two primary approaches may be used:
Transconjunctival approach: The incision is made on the inner surface of the lower eyelid, leaving no visible external scar. This technique is best suited to patients whose primary concern is fat herniation without significant skin laxity.
Subciliary approach: A fine incision is placed just below the lower lash line when skin removal or tightening is also required. This approach allows for comprehensive correction of both fat excess and skin redundancy.
In select cases, fat repositioning rather than removal is used to restore a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek, avoiding a hollowed appearance and achieving a more naturally youthful result.
Each surgical plan is carefully individualized, and Dr. Forbes takes the time during consultation to review your anatomy, discuss your goals, and explain which technique will achieve the best outcome for you.
Dr. Forbes performs three types of eyelid surgery: Asian (double) eyelid surgery, upper eyelid lift (upper blepharoplasty), and lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty). During your consultation, she will assess your anatomy and goals to recommend the most appropriate procedure or combination of procedures.
The right procedure depends on your specific concerns. If you have heavy or drooping upper lids, upper blepharoplasty may be recommended. If you are bothered by under-eye bags or puffiness, lower blepharoplasty is typically the most effective solution. If you are looking to create or refine an upper eyelid crease, Asian eyelid surgery may be the best fit. A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Forbes is the best way to determine the right approach for your anatomy and goals.
The cost of eyelid surgery varies depending on the type of procedure, surgical complexity, and whether procedures are combined. Pricing is discussed during your consultation once a personalized surgical plan has been established.
Recovery varies by procedure. For upper blepharoplasty, most patients are comfortable within one to two weeks, with sutures removed at 6 to 7 days. Lower blepharoplasty typically involves a similar timeline, with most patients returning to light activities within 7 to 10 days. Asian eyelid surgery sutures are generally removed within 5 to 7 days. Dr. Forbes provides detailed aftercare instructions and scheduled follow-ups to support your healing throughout.
As with any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery carries potential risks including swelling, bruising, temporary dry eyes, asymmetry, and changes in sensation. These are typically temporary and resolve during the healing process. Dr. Forbes reviews all potential risks and considerations in detail during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed before proceeding.
Incisions are carefully placed to minimize visible scarring. For upper blepharoplasty and Asian eyelid surgery, incisions are hidden within the natural eyelid crease. For lower blepharoplasty, the transconjunctival approach leaves no visible external scar, while the subciliary approach places a fine incision just below the lash line where it heals discreetly. Most patients find their scars become virtually imperceptible over time.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Diana Forbes, approaches every procedure from a person-centric point of view to ensure each patient’s unique personal needs are met. Creating cosmetic transformations with a natural look, Dr. Forbes has dedicated her professional life to ensuring patients are left feeling reinvigorated and positive about their appearance.
“After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree with Honours, I was accepted to the University of British Columbia, one of the top Plastic and Reconstructive training programs in the country. As a clinician investigator, I completed an additional Master’s degree in wound healing and stem cell research with research and clinical experiences at UBC, Johns Hopkins and Harvard University.
From my perspective, every patient is unique, and we are here to formulate a specialized plan for each and every one of you. I look forward to listening to your goals and celebrating beautiful results together.”
Our Vancouver clinic offers exceptional care with experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in facial cosmetic procedures. We provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique goals, ensuring natural and harmonious results. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and adhering to the highest safety standards, our facility delivers a comfortable and professional environment for your upper eyelid lift journey. Choose us for expertise, compassion, and outstanding results.
Our team comprises board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in facial cosmetic procedures, ensuring high-quality care.
We prioritize understanding each patient's unique needs and aesthetic goals, tailoring treatments to achieve harmonious and natural-looking results.
Our clinic is equipped with advanced technology and adheres to the highest standards of safety and hygiene, providing a comfortable environment for all procedures.
Discover the difference of exceptional care at Rejuvenation Medical Group in Vancouver. Schedule your consultation today and meet the team dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.