A Comprehensive Guide to Double Eyelid Surgery Methods: Incisional, Partial Incisional, and Non-Incisional Techniques

Hello, this is VAVA Plastic Surgery.

Double eyelid surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, but once you decide to get it and consult various clinics, you might find yourself wondering which method is right for you. So today, VAVA Plastic Surgery will compare four representative double eyelid surgery methods we perform, explaining the characteristics and recommended cases for each.

Natural Adhesion Non-Incisional Method

This surgical method involves creating small holes in the eyelid skin without making a full incision, then using non-dissolving sutures to create and fix the double eyelid line from front to back. It is also known as the ‘single knot’ method.

While the single knot method involves a continuous knot, there are also cases where multiple knots (partial knots) are needed. This usually applies when the fixation is partially weak, or when the double eyelid line is well-formed but requires partial correction.

[ Recommended for ]

1. Individuals with thin eyelid skin and not much fat.

2. Those who prefer a natural-looking double eyelid.

3. Those considering their first double eyelid surgery.

4. Individuals who require a short recovery period.

The advantage of the multiple knot (partial knot) method, unlike the single knot method, is that swelling subsides much faster because only partial correction is performed.

However, a disadvantage is that because it’s a partial correction, it may loosen more easily than the multiple knot method.

Additionally, a characteristic of the natural adhesion method is that holes are made to match the horizontal length of the patient’s eye, and knots are tied to create adhesion.

Typically, for short eyes, 10 holes are used; for average eyes, 12 holes; and for long eyes, 14 holes. It is crucial to determine the exact length through a precise consultation with a specialist before proceeding.

Recovery Period

This varies depending on individual constitution and eyelid condition, but generally, natural adhesion procedures may take about 1-2 weeks. Unlike the incisional method, no stitch removal is required, so the recovery period is relatively faster.

Difference between Buried Suture and Natural Adhesion

Many people often think that the buried suture method and natural adhesion are the same surgical technique.

However, the biggest difference between the buried suture method and natural adhesion is the number of holes.

Incisional Method

The incisional method, as the name suggests, involves making an incision along the double eyelid line, removing some eyelid tissue, and then suturing it. This method is necessary when non-incisional (natural adhesion) methods are not possible, and it has specific characteristics.

[ Recommended for ]

1. Individuals with thick eyelid skin (skin with high resistance to double eyelid formation).

2. Those with significant skin sagging.

3. Those who wish to lower their double eyelid line.

4. Cases requiring incisional ptosis correction.

Incisional Scars

When undergoing double eyelid surgery with the incisional method, the most common concern is scarring. Unlike non-incisional methods, scars can remain because an incision is made to create the line, but this can also vary depending on the skin and muscle condition.

Most cases result in a line-like scar, but if the skin and muscle thickness are significant, a larger amount of tissue is removed, which can lead to a more prominent scar.

Recovery Period

If the skin (tissue) is thin or there isn't much bleeding, recovery can be similar to non-incisional methods, taking about a week, but individual differences may occur. Since stitch removal is required, the recovery period may be slightly longer.

Partial Incisional Method

The most crucial part of double eyelid surgery is the central fixation. In the partial incisional method, an incision of about 1cm is made at 1-2 points in the central part of the double eyelid line to connect the tarsal plate and the skin, while the remaining sections are fixed with the buried suture method.

However, a limitation of the partial incisional method is that there are differences in the depth of fixation between the incised center and the multiple-knot sides. This can make scars appear more prominent, create unevenness, and result in an uneven texture.

While it can be helpful for those who have previously undergone incisional surgery and need partial line correction for revision surgery, for first-time double eyelid surgery, we recommend the natural adhesion method.

Today, we have explained four representative double eyelid surgery methods.

Double eyelid surgery methods should vary according to the individual's eye condition, and it is essential to choose the method that best suits you.

At VAVA Plastic Surgery, we provide customized double eyelid surgery plans through precise consultation and analysis to achieve natural and harmonious eye contours for each individual.

If you have any further questions about the surgery, please feel free to contact us anytime. Thank you.