

Asian Eyelid Surgery
Dr. John J.W. Lee is a Korean Oculoplastics (cosmetic eyelid, facial plastic surgery) Surgeon practicing in the Philadelphia suburb area with a special interest in Double Eyelid Surgery, Asian Crease Eyelids Surgery. Double eyelid surgery (also called Asian blepharoplasty or eyelid westernization surgery) requires a thorough understanding of the Asian eyelid anatomy and Asian face.
There are only a handful of Korean oculoplastic surgeons in the United States who perform Asian eyelid surgery. Most people do not know that there is a field of medicine that deals ONLY with the eyelid and adjacent face. His unique background attracts patients from all over the country to seek his expertise.
Meet Dr. Lee in Bryn Mawr, near Gladwyne, Villanova, Newtown Square, Wayne, Haverford, and west of Philadelphia.
Dr. Lee’s Approach to Natural Asian Double Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Lee’s goal is to create a natural appearing double eyelid crease that flows in harmony with the rest of the face. The aim of Asian eyelid surgery is not to create westernized eyelids, but an Asian eyelid with a naturally appearing crease. The crease height and shape is pre-determined by each individual’s pre-existing unique anatomy. Here are some guidelines to consider:
Asian crease surgery does NOT correct pre-existing asymmetry; actually, creating a line following the natural shape of the eyelids provides a point of reference that can accentuate ones pre-existing asymmetry
Asian crease surgery only creates a line that follows your pre-existing eye shape; most people have one eye that is narrower (which will create a shorter crease) and one eye that is wider (which will create a longer crease). Therefore, the width of the crease is determined by the width of the eyes.
Brow shape and underlying brow bone structure is very important to the overall symmetry and shape of the crease.
The brow is above the eyelids and pushes down on the eyelids so the shape of the eyes is directly affected by the position and shape of the brow. This is why some of our patients elect to have the suture brow procedure along with the Asian crease to address this issue.
Rule of thumb regarding crease height- crease height is pre-determined by the shape of your eyes and brow height; the wider your natural eyes, the higher the crease naturally wants to form (it’s simple geometry- longer distance creates a higher arc); narrow eyes will only accommodate a low crease; brow height and shape also contribute to the crease height
Some candidates are NOT the best candidates for this procedure. Anatomy with hollowness under the brow bone and very thin skin can not “capture” a crease due to the eyelids tendency to fold/crease under the brow bone. Dr. Lee usually does not accept these cases.
Two Main Procedures For Asian Eyelid Surgery:
The first method, involves making a full incision across the upper eyelid. The incision usually heals well and is minimally noticeable when fully healed. This technique requires the most recuperation time. Most patients will heal within two weeks, but sometimes require three to six months for complete healing. **This is Dr. Lee’s preferred method and almost all his cases are performed using this method both for optimal and permanent results. The cost for this procedure is $6500.
The second method, involves passing sutures back and forth through the eyelid without making an incision. This technique has the advantage of leaving no visible scar with immediate recovery. The disadvantage of the technique is that it is prone to reversing and sutures can sometimes erode under the eyelid and cause irritation. **Dr. Lee only recommends this method to patients who want a very soft and natural result with minimal recovery.
The likelihood of the crease coming undone is 10%-30% of the cases. This method is ONLY appropriate for patients who do not have any excess skin, thin skin, high brow and wide eyes. The cost for this procedure is $6500.

Additional Procedures
Add’l procedures that are performed often with the Asian crease or double eyelids surgery to enhance the overall shape of the eyes is the:
- Epicanthoplasty – elongates the eyes via inner corner incision to allow for a more almond vs. round eyes appearance; this allows the crease to be more visible in the inner corners; thick epicanthus pulls the eyelids skin downward and does not allow the crease to be visible in the inner corners of the eyes; the scar can be visible for 3-6 months and on some skin can be visible permanently if scrutinized closely; the cost for this procedure is $3500 add’l to the Asian crease procedure
- Lateral Canthoplasty or lateral canthus incision – elongates the eyes via incision on outer corners of the eyes near the temple area; this procedure also releases the pull down tension of the upper lids allow the upper lids to open more while also elongating the eyes; the scar can be visible long-term if scrutinized closely; the cost for this procedure is $4,500 add’l to the Asian crease procedure
- Suture brow lift – Dr. Lee’s brow lift is very popular to deal with brow asymmetry that can cause one eyes or crease to look smaller/lower; the brow is an important aspect of the overall appearance of the eyes since it’s on top of the eyelids and pushes down on the eyelids itself; higher brows naturally create higher creases and lower brows naturally create lower creases so pulling the brow allows the eyes to look more open and rounder in appearance; the cost for this procedure is $9,500
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Contact Us!
Dr. John Lee serves patients in Philadelphia and Bryn Mawr with Asian eyelid surgery. Please contact us at 610-789-6701 or visit our contact us page to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lee today. **There is a $100 NON-REFUNDABLE fee for non-revision and $250 NON-REFUNDABLE fee for revision surgery consults. This fee can be applied toward any medspa services within one-year. This fee does not guarantee Dr. Lee will perform the procedure. This fee is for his time and his evaluation. Thank you!
Patient questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does double eyelid surgery cost?
Why do patients travel to Dr. Lee for Asian eyelid surgery?
Dr. Lee is nationally recognized for natural-looking Asian double eyelid results and has performed over 10,000 eyelid procedures. Patients have traveled from across the U.S., Australia, Europe, and Asia for his expertise.
What are the two methods of Asian double eyelid surgery?
The full-incision method places an incision across the upper eyelid; it heals minimally noticeable and is Dr. Lee’s preferred method for optimal, permanent results. The suture method passes sutures through the eyelid without an incision — no visible scar and immediate recovery, but the crease comes undone in 10%-30% of cases, so Dr. Lee recommends it only for patients with the right anatomy: no excess skin, thin skin, a high brow, and wide eyes.
How long is recovery after Asian eyelid surgery?
With the full-incision method most patients heal within two weeks, though complete healing can take three to six months. The suture method offers immediate recovery.
Can I choose the height and shape of my crease?
There is a common misconception that crease height and shape can be freely chosen. Your unique anatomy — eye shape and size, skin thickness, brow height, and orbital structure — determines the optimal crease height, and the crease must follow the contour of your eyelids.
What procedures are often added to double eyelid surgery?
Patient testimonials
Patient Testimonials
★★★★★
Dr. Lee is the best. I am so grateful and happy that I got the lower bleph procedure. It wasn’t bad at all. I was anxious at first but the team and Dr. Lee make sure you are relaxed and comfortable. If you have been thinking about doing this procedure- just do it!!!! You will be so happy!!! I am!!
Dr. Lee exceeded my expectations with his exceptional skill and compassionate care. From consultation to post-op, he ensured a seamless experience. The results were fantastic reflecting his meticulous attention to detail. I highly recommend Dr. Lee and his wonderful staff!!
Today was my first time getting a facial in Dr. Lee’s office with Juliana, it was so relaxing and my skin is glowing more than it ever has, i am so happy! I definitely recommend coming here for high quality service and high quality products! You will not be disappointed!
I do thorough research before going to any physician and Dr. Lee came up repeatedly as the most skilled plastic surgeon for the face. I chose him to do my lower blepharoplasty and couldn’t be more pleased. Not only is he skilled but he is kind, humble and concerned about his patients. I would trust Dr. Lee for any plastic surgery procedure I decide to have in the future.
I sought out Dr. Lee due to his experience with treatment of TMJ. I was living with daily jaw pain and headaches. A treatment plan was created for me and my quality of life has drastically improved. Due to Dr. Lee’s expertise with facial anatomy, my smile has remained optimal and he has taken care to maintain symmetry in my face. Wonderful practice and team!
Dr. Lee is an expert with an artistic eye. I wouldn’t go to anyone else. He is extremely knowledgeable, talented and very kind. I’m always pleased with the results after seeing him.


