Having a pair of bright and expressive eyes is a dream for many, and double eyelid surgery is one of the most direct ways to achieve this dream. However, not everyone's eyes are suited for the same type of double eyelids. A successful double eyelid surgery is by no means simply creating a fold—it is an art of "customization based on the eye," tailored to an individual's unique eye shape, facial contours, and personal temperament. Choosing the wrong shape or width may make the eyes appear unnatural or even disrupt the overall harmony and aesthetic appeal.

Know Your Eye Shape—Analysis Is the First Step to Making a Choice

Before choosing a double eyelid style, we must first have a clear understanding of our own eye shape.

Single Eyelid

This is the most typical eye shape, characterized by the absence of a fold. The eyelids are often thicker with more fatty tissue, and may sometimes be accompanied by epicanthal folds (skin covering the lacrimal caruncle at the inner corner of the eye) and ptosis (insufficient strength of the levator muscle causing difficulty in fully opening the eyes).

Inner Double Eyelid

There is a slight double eyelid fold when the eyes are closed or looking downward, but it almost disappears when the eyes are open, as it becomes covered by the upper eyelid, making it appear no different from a monolid. This eye shape is often accompanied by relatively puffy eyelids.

Puffy Eyelid

The orbital septum fat in the upper eyelids is excessively thick, making the eyelids appear swollen, puffy, and perpetually drowsy. This eye shape lacks three-dimensional definition, and the eyelid folds—whether single or double—are typically indistinct.

Slender Eye

The eyes have a low height-to-length ratio, with a long palpebral fissure (the exposed part of the eye) but insufficient height, giving a calm and rational impression, though they may lack softness and liveliness.

Round Eye

In contrast to slender eyes, this eye shape has a taller palpebral fissure, with the length and height of the eye being relatively proportional. This gives a rounded, cute, and lively appearance, reminiscent of a deer's eyes.

Ptosis

This is a condition that requires special attention. Due to weakened function of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, the upper eyelid covers part of the pupil, making the eyes always appear dull and drowsy. This condition usually requires combined intervention with "levator muscle correction surgery."

Epicanthus

Excess skin folds at the inner corner of the eyes cover the lacrimal caruncle, making the distance between the eyes appear wider and giving the eye shape a "comma-like" appearance. This can affect the formation of the inner part of double eyelids.

How to Choose the "Destined" Double Eyelid Shape for Your Eye Type?

Everyone can look in the mirror and identify their eye type based on the analysis above. Once you have a basic understanding of your eye shape, you can then determine which double eyelid style suits you best. Currently, the mainstream double eyelid shapes are primarily divided into three types: the tapered (fan-shaped), parallel (flat fan-shaped), and crescent (new moon-shaped). Each shape complements different eye types and personal temperaments.

tapered

Features ：The double eyelid line starts from the inner side of the inner canthus or near the inner canthus and gradually extends outward and upward, resembling a slowly unfolding folding fan. It is narrower on the inner side and wider on the outer side, creating a very natural effect.

Suitable For Eye Types：

Classic Asian eye shape: Highly suitable for individuals with mild epicanthal folds and moderate eyebrow-to-eye distance. It requires minimal alteration to the inner canthus morphology, preserving the subtle and gentle characteristics typical of Eastern aesthetics.

Phoenix eyes: Effectively enhances the upward-tilting allure of the eyes.

Not Recommended：Individuals with severe epicanthal folds may not achieve a smooth double eyelid line with tapered (fan-shaped) procedure alone. It is generally recommended to combine it with epicanthoplasty.

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parallel

Features ：The double eyelid line runs essentially parallel to the upper eyelid margin. Depending on whether the inner end tapers into the inner canthus, it is further categorized as tapered-parallel (inner end tapered) or true parallel (inner end fully separated). This shape maximizes the eye-enlarging effect and creates a fashionable, mixed-race aesthetic.

Suitable For Eye Types：

Individuals without epicanthal folds or those who have undergone epicanthoplasty: This is a prerequisite for choosing the parallel style, as otherwise, the inner double eyelid line may be interrupted by excess skin, resulting in an uneven appearance.

Those with high eyebrow arches, deep-set eyes, and well-defined facial features: The parallel style can enhance the three-dimensional effect of the eyes, complementing deep eye sockets perfectly.

Individuals with larger eyes and thinner eyelids: This style yields the best results, creating a refined and vibrant look.

Not Recommended：Individuals with puffy eyelids or severe eyelid laxity may appear unnatural or develop pronounced "sausage-like" folds if opting for wide parallel-style double eyelids.

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crescent

Features ：The double eyelid line is narrower on both the inner and outer sides, with the widest point in the center. When smiling, the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle creates a shape resembling a crescent moon, giving a very sweet and adorable appearance.

Suitable For Eye Types：

Round eyes: The crescent shape perfectly complements the contour of round eyes, enhancing a cute and sweet temperament while making the eyes appear more cheerful.

Individuals with rounder face shapes: This style harmonizes exceptionally well with soft facial contours.

Not Recommended：Individuals with longer eye shapes may find that choosing a crescent style can make their eyes appear shorter and less proportionate.

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Comprehensive Recommendations

In addition to shape, width is also a crucial consideration. Wider is not always better—the ideal width should be determined based on factors such as eyelid thickness, eye socket depth, and the distance between the eyebrows and eyes. For Asians, a natural width of 6-8mm is generally recommended. Excessively wide double eyelids (e.g., over 10mm) can appear unnatural and require a longer recovery period.

Ultimate Solutions for Different Eye Types：

Monolids + Puffy Eyelids: The tapered or parallel styles are preferred, but the procedure must involve removing excess fat and skin to create a smooth, natural-looking double eyelid without a "sausage-like" appearance. The width should be on the narrower side.

Inner Folds: Typically, the goal is to make the crease more pronounced. Depending on the presence or absence of epicanthal folds, either the parallel or tapered style can be chosen. Fat removal is often unnecessary, resulting in a very natural effect.

Slender Eyes: The goal is to increase the height of the eyes. The parallel style is suitable, with a slightly wider central width to visually "round out" the eyes and achieve an enlarging effect. Epicanthoplasty may be considered to further adjust the eye shape.

Round Eyes: The crescent shape is the perfect match, while the parallel style can also create a doll-like, large-eyed effect.

Ptosis: Levator muscle correction must be performed first! Otherwise, the resulting double eyelids will still appear lifeless. The shape can be chosen based on the corrected eye shape.

Severe Epicanthal Folds: If a parallel-style double eyelid is desired, it is usually necessary to combine it with epicanthoplasty (canthoplasty). This procedure opens up the inner corner of the eyes, elongates the palpebral fissure, and ensures a smoother double eyelid line, resulting in larger and more harmonious-looking eyes.

While the above provides detailed and comprehensive advice, a professional doctor's in-person consultation and assessment are of paramount importance. The doctor will use specialized tools to simulate the effects of different shapes and widths on your eyelids, allowing you to visually determine which option is most suitable for you. During the consultation, you can also bring photos of eye styles you prefer and discuss your desired outcomes with the doctor. Most importantly, it is essential to choose a certified institution and a qualified surgeon, as the doctor's aesthetic sense and technical skill are the decisive factors in the success of the surgery.

Double eyelid surgery is a refined art that integrates aesthetics, anatomy, and personalized needs. May everyone find their tailor-made "windows to the soul" that add the finishing touch.