The Difference Between Upper Blepharoplasty and Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery #Director Kim Hyun-jo

Today, I’d like to explain whether incisional double eyelid surgery and upper blepharoplasty are the same surgery.

Are incisional double eyelid surgery and upper blepharoplasty the same surgery?

They are not the same surgery, but they can be considered similar.

What is double eyelid surgery?

First, let me talk about double eyelid surgery. Double eyelid surgery, as the name suggests, is a surgery that creates a double eyelid.

Typically, East Asian eyes are characterized by having no double eyelid and a lot of orbital fat, which makes them look thicker.

A surgery that creates a double eyelid line in eyes like these is called double eyelid surgery.

Types of double eyelid surgery

Double eyelid surgery is broadly divided into incisional, non-incisional, and partial incisional methods.

1. Non-incisional method (natural adhesion method)

Among non-incisional procedures, the natural adhesion method induces natural adhesion between the tissues under the skin without an incision, creating a natural double eyelid line without an artificial look.

It has the advantages of less swelling after surgery, quick recovery, and no visible scar even when the eyes are closed.

2. Partial incisional method

On the other hand, the partial incisional procedure makes about 3 to 5 partial incisions.

This is a surgical method chosen when fat removal is difficult with a non-incisional method alone.

It can be considered when there is a lot of fat in the eyelids and the skin is thick.

This is a procedure that minimizes skin incision and creates a naturally defined eye shape.

3. Incisional method

And incisional double eyelid surgery creates a double eyelid by making a skin incision along the double eyelid line, removing excess orbital fat that interferes with the double eyelid, and also removing some skin if there is excess skin.

Incisional double eyelid surgery is recommended when the skin is thick, the eyelids are droopy, or there is a lot of fat and they look puffy.

The incisional method can create a variety of double eyelid lines, and its advantage is that it can adjust all of the drooping eyelid skin, muscle, fat, and subcutaneous tissue.

It is also often recommended when a distinct double eyelid line is desired or when the skin has sagged with age and the eyes have become smaller.

What is upper blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty is usually performed more often in middle-aged or older adults.

As we age, the skin around the eyes gradually sags due to eyelid aging, and fat also begins to protrude.

In addition, as the function of the levator muscle weakens, the strength to open the eyes also gradually decreases.

Correcting this series of changes to create a more youthful-looking eye is collectively called ‘upper blepharoplasty.’ Upper blepharoplasty is a surgery that not only provides cosmetic correction but also functionally improves visual field obstruction caused by drooping eyelids.

Both incisional double eyelid surgery and upper blepharoplasty create a double eyelid, so they are the same in that respect.

However, incisional double eyelid surgery is mainly performed in younger people whose skin sagging is not severe,

while upper blepharoplasty is especially performed in middle-aged and older adults when skin sagging is severe, using incision to remove the sagging fat, muscle, and skin tissue.

Since upper blepharoplasty requires excision of the excess skin, the incision line extends farther outward than the double eyelid line, making the scar line appear longer.

What is the difference between ‘incision’ and ‘excision’ in double eyelid surgery?

Simply put, incision means making a cut in the skin without removing it,

while excision means cutting out and removing the stretched skin.

What cases are suitable for incisional double eyelid surgery and upper blepharoplasty?

Incisional double eyelid surgery is performed to clearly create a double eyelid line in younger people without skin sagging.

In the case of patients with a lot of orbital fat, making the eyelids look thick, and weak eye-opening strength, if eyelid correction is performed together with incisional double eyelid surgery, after removing the orbital fat and shortening the levator aponeurosis, you can create a beautiful double eyelid with a brighter, more refreshed eye shape. On the other hand, suitable cases for upper blepharoplasty, as mentioned above, are mainly middle-aged or older adults.

If there is a lot of skin sagging that blocks the visual field, or the eyes look sleepy because the eye-opening strength is weak, or there is a sunken appearance, these are also good cases for upper blepharoplasty.

If you are considering double eyelid surgery and upper blepharoplasty?

Everyone’s eye shape is different.

Your current condition may not be solved by double eyelid surgery or upper blepharoplasty alone.

Depending on the case, a combination procedure may be necessary.

Therefore, before undergoing double eyelid surgery or upper blepharoplasty, it is very important to choose the surgical method that is right for you through a thorough consultation with the medical staff. Please visit Obje Plastic Surgery, where careful and detailed consultations and surgical procedures can help you achieve safe, customized eye plastic surgery tailored to each individual, and meet the results you have been hoping for.