Types of Double Eyelid Surgery: Non-Incision vs. Incision vs. Partial Incision

Double eyelid surgery is one of the representative procedures that many people encounter as their first plastic surgery. It is a surgical method that can be performed to improve aesthetic concerns or for therapeutic purposes. Recently, various types of double eyelid surgery have emerged, making it possible to plan an approach based on an individual’s eyes and characteristics. Broadly, these can be divided into three types: incision, non-incision, and partial incision. Each method has types of patients for whom it is appropriately applied. So today, let’s look at the pros and cons of each surgical method and who they are suitable for.

1. Incision Method for Double Eyelids

The incision method, as the name suggests, is a surgical technique that creates a double eyelid line by excising some unnecessary tissue from the eyelid and then suturing it. With the incision method, there is a very low chance that the double eyelid will loosen, and it can be firmly fixed. If you underwent double eyelid surgery using the incision method and it became loose, there is a possibility that the fixation method was incorrect, so it can be helpful to carefully check this as well.

Types suitable for the incision method

1. When the skin is thick and there is a high chance it will loosen with the non-incision method

2. When there is relatively significant ptosis and eye-opening correction needs to be performed firmly

3. When there is sagging skin and part of the drooped skin needs to be excised

4. When there is severe hollowness above the eyes and upper eyelid fat needs to be addressed

5. When the height of the double eyelid needs to be lowered

Most people tend to feel reluctant about the incision method because of postoperative scarring. However, if the surgery is performed carefully by a skilled medical team, the results can be achieved without major differences from the non-incision method.

2. Non-Incision Double Eyelid Method (Buried Suture, Natural Adhesion)

The non-incision method is a surgical technique that creates a double eyelid by inducing natural adhesion between the tissue and muscle without making an incision. Because it places less burden on the body, it is the type preferred by the largest number of people. The surgery time is relatively short, and the predictability of the results is higher than with the incision method. In addition, since no skin incision is made, there is almost no scarring, and there is less swelling and bruising after surgery, making the recovery period the shortest.

Types suitable for the non-incision method

1. When the skin is thin

2. When a quick recovery period is needed

3. When there is a double eyelid crease that often disappears

4. When eye-opening strength is good

The non-incision method has the drawback that its fixation strength is weaker and it may loosen over time. However, if the tissue is fixed with double or triple knots between tissues to increase fixation strength, the chance of the line loosening is reduced.

3. Partial Incision Method

The partial incision method is a surgical approach that performs only the necessary tissue refinement through a minimal partial incision of the eyelid. It is more robust than the non-incision method and less burdensome than the incision method. When people think of double eyelid surgery, most think of two methods: incision and non-incision. However, this is a method that sits between those two, combining the advantages of both. It is especially preferred by those who worry that the non-incision method may loosen or who feel burdened by the incision method.

Types suitable for the partial incision method

1. When you are worried that the double eyelid line may loosen

2. When there is a lot of fat on the eyelids

3. When a full incision feels too burdensome and you want a minimal incision

The partial incision method is performed by combining the advantages of each surgical method, but due to differences in fixation depth, it may feel as though the line is interrupted in the middle. However, this part can also produce a neat result if the surgery is performed carefully by a sufficiently skilled medical team, just like the incision method.

Recently, various double eyelid surgical methods have emerged, but what all methods have in common is that it is most important to accurately understand each individual’s eye structure, fat volume, and muscle function, and to actively reflect the patient’s needs in order to apply the appropriate surgical method. In addition, to achieve a result that is harmonious with the original face rather than simply enlarging the eyes, providing careful design and thorough postoperative care can lead to a highly satisfying outcome.