Incision Double Eyelid - SM Plastic Surgery

The incision follows the crease and the scar sits inside the line, so it tends not to show when the eyes are open. Fading takes time and varies from person to person.

Where the lid is thick, fat plentiful and skin sagging, the incisional method — which can refine stretched skin and excess fat — suits a clear, long-lasting line. The decision follows examination of the eye.

Because skin and muscle are refined and the line fixed, it tends to hold better than the buried-suture method. Age-related change in the lid can still occur, however, so how long the line holds varies from person to person.

It varies, but daily life is generally possible around 1 week after sutures come out, and it can take longer for swelling to subside fully and the line to settle naturally.

Where the lid carries much fat, excess fat and stretched skin can be refined during the incision. The extent removed is adjusted to the eye and the line you want.

For the incisional method we guide patients to have stitches removed about 5 to 7 days after surgery. Including stitch removal, post-operative visits are generally one to two times, and progress is checked at the same time. The schedule may be adjusted depending on swelling and recovery, which we explain at your visit.

The incision follows the double eyelid line, so when the eyes are open it sits inside the line and tends not to be conspicuous. When the eyes are closed the area of the incision becomes visible, so it is best to avoid irritation while it heals. Fine suturing reduces the burden of scarring, though how it heals varies from person to person.

The incisional method takes roughly 40 minutes to an hour, and because it involves trimming skin, fat, and muscle it tends to take longer than methods without an incision. It is performed under local or sedation anesthesia, and the time can vary with how much tissue needs to be trimmed. We give an estimated duration once the surgical plan is set.

We generally guide patients to return to daily life around seven days after surgery, which often coincides with stitch removal. Since swelling subsides at different rates, allowing extra time is more comfortable if your work involves meeting many people. If you have fixed commitments, tell us at consultation and we will adjust the timing of surgery together.

When a line created by the non-incisional method has come undone repeatedly, the incisional method may be considered; it suits thick or fatty eyelids where a durable line is needed. The judgment still depends on when the earlier surgery was done, any traces of the previous line, and the current state of the eyelids. Sharing details of your previous surgery helps the consultation.

Before surgery we need to check not only the condition of your eyes but also any medications you take and previous eye surgery, so it helps to tell us at consultation. Considering swelling and recovery time, it is more comfortable to schedule surgery so it does not overlap with important commitments. We give specific preparation instructions once the surgical plan is set.

The impression changes with how high and wide the line is set, so we design the line to match your facial proportions along with the extent of the incision. The incisional method can also be used with a low line, so tell us at consultation how much change you want and we plan accordingly. We follow up to see how the line height settles as the swelling goes down.

Because tissue is trimmed during the incision, the eyelid may feel stiff or the sensation may differ from usual during recovery. This often changes as the swelling subsides, though the degree of recovery varies from person to person. If the discomfort continues, it is best to come in for a check regardless of your scheduled visits.

Redness can be visible while the incision line heals, and it generally fades over time. However, healing speed and how much scarring remains vary from person to person, so a uniform time frame cannot be given. If you come in for a follow-up, we advise according to your recovery.

When ptosis with weak eye-opening strength is present, we determine after detailed examination whether ptosis correction should be performed during the incision. Doing both involves more tissue, so swelling can be greater, but recovery varies from person to person and we advise while following your progress. Whether to combine them is decided at consultation after examining your eyes.