Types of Eyelids | Complete Guide to Eyelid Shapes

Eugene Lee • November 16, 2025

Understanding the Different Eyelid Types

Eyelids come in many natural shapes, and the features you’re born with play a huge role in eye appearance, makeup application, and even which cosmetic procedures may be suitable. This guide breaks down the main types of eyelids, how they differ, and why each shape is completely normal and beautiful in its own way.

Monolid (Single Eyelid)

What It Looks Like

  • No visible crease above the lash line
  • Smooth eyelid surface
  • Common in many East Asian populations

Key Characteristics

  • Broader eyelid space
  • Can create a clean, sharp makeup look
  • Sometimes appears hooded depending on brow position

Why It’s Unique

Monolids create a sleek, youthful, fresh eye shape. They are one of the most iconic Asian eyelid types.

Double Eyelid (Creased Eyelid)

What It Looks Like

  • Visible fold above the lash line
  • Varies in height, shape, and depth

Key Characteristics

  • Makes the eyes appear larger or more open
  • Allows more visible lid space for makeup
  • Extremely diverse in shape

Common Crease Variations

  • Low crease: Subtle, natural, most common in Korea
  • Medium crease: Slightly more defined
  • High crease: Dramatic and visible (less common in Korean aesthetics)

Hooded Eyelid

What It Looks Like

  • Excess skin folding over the crease
  • Crease may be partially or fully hidden
  • Eyelids look smaller or more shadowed

Key Characteristics

  • Can be genetic or age-related
  • Makes eyeliner more challenging
  • Often combined with low brow position

Why It Matters

Hooding is extremely common in Korea and often treated with:

  • Upper blepharoplasty
  • Ptosis correction
  • Brow lift
  • Double eyelid surgery

Depending on the cause.

Tapered Double Eyelid

What It Looks Like

  • Crease starts attached to the inner corner
  • Soft, natural-looking fold
  • Gently widens toward the outer corner

Why It’s Popular

This is the most requested crease design in Korea for a natural, gentle, bright-eyed look.

Parallel Double Eyelid

What It Looks Like

  • Crease runs parallel to the lash line
  • Does not merge into the inner corner
  • Typically higher and more defined

Why It’s Unique

Frequently seen in Western eyelid shapes, but possible in Asian eyes depending on anatomy.

Asymmetrical Eyelids

What It Looks Like

  • One crease higher than the other
  • One eye more hooded or smaller
  • One eye has a crease, the other doesn’t

Why It Happens

Very common and usually caused by:

  • Muscle strength differences
  • Brow asymmetry
  • Natural genetics
  • Previous surgeries
  • Ptosis

Common Fixes in Korea

  • Ptosis correction
  • Crease revision
  • Brow lift
  • Combination eye surgery

Deep-Set Eyelids

What It Looks Like

  • Crease sits deep under brow bone
  • Eyes appear larger and more structured
  • Prominent eyelid fold

Key Traits

Often seen in Western facial anatomy but also occurs naturally in Asians.

Droopy or Ptotic Eyelids

What It Looks Like

  • Upper eyelid sits low
  • One eye may appear smaller
  • Tired or uneven appearance

Primary Cause

Weak levator muscle (ptosis).

Common Korean Treatment

Ptosis correction (levator tightening).

Outer-Corner Droop (Lateral Hooding)

What It Looks Like

  • Drooping on the outer eyelid
  • Makes eyes look sad or downturned

Common Korean Fixes

  • Temporal brow lift
  • Lateral canthoplasty
  • Upper blepharoplasty

Why Eyelid Types Differ From Person to Person

Eyelid shape is influenced by:

  • Genetics
  • Skin thickness
  • Bone structure
  • Fat distribution
  • Muscle strength
  • Aging
  • Brow position

It’s normal for eyelids to change over time — especially as the brow and upper face relax with age.

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It’s more common than people think — after double eyelid surgery, the fold may fade, loosen, or disappear entirely over weeks or months. This is known as fold regression, and it can happen with both the non-incisional (suture) method and the incisional method. Understanding why the fold disappears can help determine whether the situation is normal healing or if revision surgery may be needed. Top Reasons Your Double Eyelid Fold Disappears 1. Weak or Loosened Fixation (Most Common Cause) The fold forms when the skin attaches to the levator muscle. If the fixation isn’t strong enough, or if the sutures loosen, the crease may fade. Most likely with: Non-incisional (suture) surgery Thick or oily eyelid skin Strong blinking habits 2. Swelling Masking the True Result Early swelling can temporarily create a crease that later softens as swelling disappears. This can make the fold look like it “went away,” when really it wasn’t strongly fixed from the beginning. 3. Thick Eyelid Skin or Excess Fat Thicker eyelids can push down on the crease, preventing a deep, stable fold. More common in: Patients with monolids Patients with chubby upper eyelids Those who did not receive sufficient fat removal (if needed) 4. Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid Muscle) Not Addressed If a hidden ptosis (weak levator muscle) isn’t corrected during surgery, the eyelid crease can: Look low Look heavy Disappear gradually This is one of the most overlooked causes. 5. Incorrect Crease Design If the fold was designed too low, too shallow, or not suited to the patient’s anatomy, it may not hold. Incorrect design leads to: Shallow folds Instability Regression within weeks to months 6. Excess Skin Not Removed (Incisional Method) If the surgeon did not remove enough skin during incisional double eyelid surgery, the excess skin may cover the fold and make it disappear. 7. Healing & Scar Tissue Variation Each person heals differently. Some bodies create stronger adhesion, while others create weaker ones. Scar tissue under the incision may loosen the fold over time. 8. Aging or Eyelid Drooping Over years, loss of elasticity or brow drooping can cause the eyelid fold to weaken or sink. When Is the Fold Disappearing Normal? Some fading is normal during the first 4–12 weeks as swelling decreases. But if the fold continues to weaken or vanish after 3–6 months, it may indicate: Loose fixation Incorrect height Missed ptosis Tissue not properly attached This can often be corrected with a revision procedure. How to Fix a Disappearing Eyelid Crease 1. Revision Suture Reinforcement For mild or early fold regression. 2. Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery Provides a more permanent fold, ideal for: Thick eyelids Sunken folds Repeated suture failures 3. Ptosis Correction (If Needed) Strengthens eyelid muscle to support the fold. 4. Fat Removal or Repositioning Helps fold stay stable in thick eyelids. 5. Crease Redesign Raises or lowers the fold for better definition.
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