In every cosmetic surgery, choosing an inexperienced doctor or a clinic that lacks proper standards increases the risk of errors and unsatisfactory results. “Shell eyes” is another term used to describe a common complication from double eyelid surgery, characterized by overly thick and prominent eyelid folds that look unnatural. This issue can feel like a nightmare for those who have undergone double eyelid surgery.
فهرس المحتويات
- What Causes Shell Eye Eyelids?
- What is Double Eyelid Surgery?
- What Problems Can Double Eyelid Surgery Fix?
- What Should Be Considered Before Correcting Shell Eye Eyelids with Double Eyelid Surgery?
- How Many Techniques Are There to Correct Shell Eye Eyelids with Double Eyelid Surgery?
- How to Fix Shell Eye Eyelids?
- Preparation Before Double Eyelid Surgery to Correct Shell Eye Eyelids
- Self-Care After Surgery
- Possible Side Effects After Correcting Shell Eye Eyelids
- How to Choose the Right Place for Shell Eye Eyelid Correction Surgery?
- لماذا تختار عيادة ذا فوج؟
- How Much Does Shell Eye Eyelid Correction Cost?
What causes “clamshell eyelids”?
Clamshell eyelids occur from double eyelid surgery where the eyelid crease is made too thick, resulting in a swollen appearance with a very prominent crease and an excessively high eyelid curve. This condition can be caused by several factors, including:
- Large scar
When double eyelid surgery is performed by an inexperienced surgeon, the suturing may be uneven with the eyelid crease, causing raised scars or keloids. These raised keloids can pull the eyelid, making it look swollen and causing asymmetry between the two eyelids. However, keloid injections can help reduce and smooth the scar to blend with the skin. - Eyelid crease or eyelid protrusion
When the eyelid crease or eyelid looks protruded, similar to clamshell eyelids, it is often caused by suturing the crease too deep or too high, which is disproportionate to the eye’s shape. This results in an unnatural eyelid crease and may cause the eyelashes to turn outward. - Eyelid crease size disproportion
Clamshell eyelids can result from improper pre-surgical assessment. Before surgery, the eyelid crease is designed and drawn. If the crease is designed too high, after suturing, the eyelid crease will appear thick and unnatural. - Choosing an eyelid style incompatible with eye structure
Some people have small eyes with excess eyelid fat, making them more suited for Korean-style double eyelids. However, if they insist on a Western-style double eyelid, characterized by a large, high, and clearly defined crease with deep eye sockets and less fat, this mismatch can cause clamshell eyelids.
What is double eyelid surgery?
Basically, the typical eye structure of Thai people often includes having a lot of fat in the eyelids, thick eyelids, drooping eyelids, single eyelids, hidden double eyelids, and uneven double eyelids. There can also be issues caused by abnormalities of the eye muscles, such as droopy eyes, eyes that always look sleepy, or what is commonly called ptosis (weak eye muscles). If these symptoms are left untreated, it can lead to drooping eyelids covering the eyes, which reduces the efficiency of our vision.
Therefore, a good solution is surgery to correct the eyelid structure by making an incision on the eyelid and suturing the skin together to create a new eyelid crease. This is done using a special technique at The VOGUE Clinic, which differs from general eyelid surgery methods, focusing on the aspects of…
- Focus on adjusting the eye structure to suit the face primarily.
- The incision is very small, making scars almost invisible.
- After surgery, daily life can be resumed as usual.
- Swelling and bruising are minimal.
- The surgery time is short.
What problems can double eyelid surgery help to correct?
Double eyelid surgery is an operation to create a new eyelid crease. The doctor assesses the patient’s issues and chooses the most suitable surgical technique to boost confidence, restore youthfulness, vitality, and brightness to the eyes. Therefore, double eyelid surgery is ideal for those who have the following problems.
- Monolid, small eyes, or squinty eyes
- Hidden double eyelids
- Uneven double eyelids on both sides
- Eyes that always look sleepy or droopy, lacking brightness
- Drooping outer corners of the eyes
- Sagging eyelids covering the pupil, reducing vision efficiency
- Eyelids covering the inner or outer corners, making eyes look dull
- Eyelid creases that are too large
Before undergoing double eyelid surgery to correct the clam shell eyelid problem, what should be considered?
- Measure the appropriate height before creating the eyelid crease, as the suitable height varies for each person. This is determined by the height of the tarsal plate, since the ideal point is at the upper edge of the tarsal plate.
- Consider any previous scars or attachment points from past surgeries, and assess how far they are from the new incision line.
- Evaluate the current degree of eyelid sagging, which depends on the amount of excess skin each person has, whether it is mild or severe.
Evaluate the distance between the old scar and the new incision line to see how far apart they are. Then check whether the eyelid skin between these two lines allows for complete eye closure after removing the excess skin. If the eyelid can close fully, skin removal is possible. However, if the eyelid cannot close properly or feels too tight due to excessive skin removal, it may be necessary to wait 6-12 months for the skin to loosen before recommending revision surgery.
How many types of double eyelid surgery techniques are there to correct the problem of snail eyes?
- Short Incision Double Eyelid Surgery Procedure
The short incision method is suitable for those with minimal eyelid fat. It is widely popular and ideal for people with single eyelids, little fat in the eyelids, and not much sagging skin. The surgeon stitches 2–3 points to create the double eyelid crease without cutting the eyelid skin, so there are no scars and no removal of fat or excess skin. After surgery, slight swelling may occur but the wound heals quickly with no downtime. Avoid rubbing the eyes hard, as it may loosen the stitches. Within about 1 month, the swelling subsides, and the eyelid settles into a natural-looking double eyelid. - Full Incision Double Eyelid Surgery Procedure
This method suits those with more fat or thick eyelids. The surgeon removes some fat to fit the facial structure. The full incision creates a new eyelid crease to fix droopy eyelids. The cut is made along the outer eyelid from the inner to the outer corner, removing excess fat. After surgery, the surgeon uses fine special stitches to close the wound, hiding the scar within the eyelid crease. This technique makes the eyes look bigger and brighter.- مدة الجراحة
The double eyelid surgery typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes under local anesthesia and short sedation. After surgery, follow-up checks are done as directed by the doctor, with stitches removed one week later. Patients can resume normal daily activities about 3–4 days after surgery.
- مدة الجراحة
Steps to Correct Clamshell Eyes
Main Approaches to Correcting Excessively Large or High Eyelid Creases Are as Follows:
- Release the original eyelid crease adhesion or remove the old scar tissue, correct the eyelid muscle, and redefine the crease to position it properly.
- Create a new crease line lower than the previous one or reposition the crease lower when the original adhesion is too high.
- Prevent re-adhesion of the original crease by following the doctor’s specific postoperative care instructions. If the scar is deep and high, scar removal may be considered.
- Use eyelid muscle surgery to correct ptosis (droopy eyelid) if the patient has difficulty fully opening their eyes. This technique helps the patient open their eyes wider, making them look more alert with a smaller crease. For cases with deep eye sockets, muscle surgery may be combined with fat repositioning (fat transposition) or fat grafting to correct high creases and hollow sockets simultaneously.
How to fix clam eyes?
After double eyelid surgery, if complications arise resulting in “clamshell eyes,” the condition can be corrected. It is important to undergo revision surgery with an experienced specialist surgeon to ensure safety and to restore beautiful, natural-looking eyelids that suit your individual features.
Preparation Before Double Eyelid Surgery to Correct “Clam Shell Eyes” Problem
All types of surgery carry risks. However, if patients carefully prepare before surgery by following the given instructions, it not only reduces the chances of potential complications during the procedure but also helps ensure the surgery goes smoothly.
Before the surgery day
- Patients should avoid any type of surgery for about 1 month before the procedure.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 3 weeks.
- Refrain from using double eyelid stickers, smoking, consuming any alcoholic beverages, as well as all kinds of vitamins and supplements for at least 2 weeks.
On the day of surgery
- Patients should wash their hair thoroughly, avoid wearing makeup, and choose easy-to-wear clothing such as wide-neck t-shirts or shirts with front buttons to minimize contact with the face after surgery.
- Inform the doctor in detail about your medical history, allergies (to food or medication), and any regular medications you are taking. If you have had surgery before, be sure to let the doctor know.
- Prepare yourself mentally and stay calm before the surgery to reduce nervousness.
Postoperative Care
- Within the first 24 hours after surgery, some patients may experience slight bleeding depending on their individual condition. Use a cotton swab gently to absorb the blood, then apply ointment on the eyelid wound. It is recommended to apply the ointment lightly as the wound is still fresh.
- During the first 2 days, use a ready-made cool gel pack wrapped in a clean cloth and apply it to the wound area for 20 minutes, then rest for 20 minutes, alternating this process. Cold compresses should be applied to the forehead and around the eyes but not directly on the wound to reduce swelling and help stop bleeding.
- When cleaning the wound, use a cotton swab dipped in saline to gently clean and dry the wound area. Avoid leaving any blood residue on the wound as it may delay healing and cause scarring.
- It is very important not to rub your eyes during this period. If your eyes feel irritated during the day, using artificial tears can temporarily relieve the discomfort.
- After eyelid surgery, take all prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
- Regarding food, many may wonder what is prohibited— the answer is you can eat normally; there are no dietary restrictions.
- Patients should avoid makeup, eyeliner, and wearing contact lenses until after the stitches are removed, which typically takes about 7 days.
Possible side effects after correcting the “clam eye” problem include:
Nowadays, double eyelid surgery has become extremely popular. With current trends favoring big, bright eyes that look like they are smiling all the time to enhance facial charm, many women are turning to double eyelid surgery. However, it’s important to remember that every type of surgery carries risks, including possible side effects after the operation if proper self-care is not followed. Patients should strictly adhere to the doctor’s instructions. So today, I’ll share some of the common side effects after surgery, but don’t worry—these symptoms will gradually improve over time.
Short-term side effects
These are symptoms that occur within 7–14 days after surgery.
- الكدمات
This is a common symptom after surgery caused by blood leaking under the skin, resulting in greenish bruises. It usually occurs in people who bruise easily. The best remedy is to apply cold compresses in the early stage and then warm compresses later to reduce the bruising. - Wound infection
After surgery, it is important to take good care of and clean the wound properly. Poor wound care, such as wet wounds or improper cleaning, can lead to infection. - Wound separation
This can be caused by suturing techniques, premature suture loss, or inflammation. If you notice the wound edges separating, it is recommended to see a doctor promptly for treatment. Leaving it untreated may result in an unsightly scar and unattractive eyelid crease. - Incomplete eyelid closure
Some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes completely due to swelling around the eyelid and effects of anesthesia. Do not worry, as the swelling will subside and heal naturally. If eye irritation occurs, it is recommended to use artificial tears during the day to temporarily relieve discomfort.
Long-term Side Effects
- Detached eyelid crease
This is usually caused by eye irritation followed by rubbing the eyes, as well as by surgeons using inexperienced techniques. If the eyelid crease detaches, patients should consult their doctor for corrective surgery within 14 days. - Uneven swelling of double eyelids
Normally, swelling subsides fully after about 3 months. Uneven eyelid folds may result from the surgeon removing too much fat from the eyelids, causing a deep eye socket. In some cases, there may also be accompanying eyelid muscle weakness. - Eyelid crease too large
The main cause is the surgeon stitching the crease too high or removing excessive fat from the eyelids during surgery. - Visible scars on the double eyelids
Typically, swelling subsides and the eyelid looks smooth within 3-6 months. However, if wound care is inadequate, keloid scars may develop, resulting in unsightly and uneven scars.
Choosing the Right Clinic for Double Eyelid Surgery Correction for “Clam Shell” Eyes
Every type of surgery carries risks, and correcting overly large double eyelids is no exception. Besides choosing a method that suits your individual needs, it is equally important to select a medical facility that meets safety standards. You can choose based on the following criteria:
- Reliability of the Medical Facility
Choose a facility that is properly registered and holds a valid operating license. Also consider the overall atmosphere, cleanliness, and safety. Look for real before-and-after photos or video reviews from actual patients who have had under-eye bag reduction or similar procedures to see the results. Avoid choosing based solely on cheap promotional prices. - خبرة الطبيب</strong
تأكدي من أن الطبيب الذي سيقوم بإجراء العلاج لديه الخبرة الكافية والتدريب المتخصص في الفيلر الحميمي. يجب أن يكون الطبيب على دراية كاملة بتقنيات الحقن وأحدث الأساليب لضمان الحصول على نتائج طبيعية وآمنة.
Select a doctor with experience and proficiency in diagnosing the problem and selecting the right technique tailored for each patient. Many patients worry about safety because the under-eye area is very close to the eyes. - Cleanliness of the Facility
This is a critical factor not to be overlooked. A clean medical facility with properly sterilized surgical instruments and recognized standards will reduce the risk of infection and increase safety.
Why Choose The VOGUE Clinic
At The VOGUE Clinic Chonburi, we are ready to care for you with a team of expert doctors. We focus on restoring firmness and smoothness to the under-eye area, achieving the most natural look possible—using techniques exclusive to our clinic. Importantly, we are a beauty institute that meets high safety standards, equipped with modern tools that are thoroughly sterilized and certified. You can be confident that you will receive both safety and beauty tailored uniquely to you.
How much does it cost to fix a clam-like eyelid?
Besides reputation, safety standards of the clinic, the expertise of the doctor, and techniques suitable for oneself, the procedure cost is also one of the deciding factors in choosing where to have the surgery done.
For those interested in surgery to correct large eyelid folds, everyone usually researches thoroughly—watching videos, looking at real customer reviews and photos, results, and promotional prices, right? But don’t forget that all surgeries carry risks. Therefore, before undergoing surgery, you should carefully study the methods and techniques from the doctor before making a decision.
في عيادة ذا فوج شونبوري, the doctor personally evaluates each patient’s concerns in every case to ensure precise and effective results. Importantly, the clinic selects the most suitable surgical techniques and assesses the cost on a case-by-case basis. This approach ensures that every patient who comes to our clinic receives both beauty and safety together.
الأسئلة الشائعة (FAQ)
Q: Can “cockle shell” eyelid correction return the eyes to normal?
A: Cockle shell eyelid correction can address issues of thick, large, and unnatural-looking eyelid creases by making the creases smaller and more suited to the patient’s eye structure, resulting in a more natural appearance.
Q: Can high eyelid creases go away on their own, or is corrective surgery necessary?
A: High eyelid creases cannot go away on their own and require surgical correction. If left untreated, they may lead to other issues such as droopy eyelids, heavy-looking eyes, and impaired vision.
Q: If “cockle shell” eyelids are not corrected, will it be harmful or cause any negative effects?
A: Not correcting cockle shell eyelids does not pose any danger to vision. However, in cases where other issues are present—such as weak eye muscles or heavy-looking eyes—it is recommended to consult a specialist to address problems that may affect vision.
Q: Is the correction procedure for cockle shell eyelids the same as double eyelid surgery?
A: The correction procedure for cockle shell eyelids is different from standard double eyelid surgery. It involves removing the existing scar tissue first, then adjusting and suturing the eye muscles, and finally reshaping the eyelid crease to better fit the patient’s eye structure for a more natural and aesthetically pleasing result.
Q: After eyelid correction, can the same issue return again?
A: It depends on the surgical technique used by the doctor. If the procedure is done properly and addresses the root cause, the eyelid crease can remain beautiful and vibrant for a long time. Post-operative care is also crucial—good aftercare helps maintain long-lasting results. Additionally, physical factors such as aging, dry skin, and natural drooping of the eyelids over time can affect the outcome.
Q: If I have overly large eyelid creases and don’t correct them, will there be any consequences?
A: It may result in an older appearance and cause heavy-looking eyes that can affect vision—such as blurred or impaired sight. This issue can impact both physical and mental health, as well as overall appearance and confidence. Therefore, a proper medical diagnosis by a doctor is recommended in all cases.
