Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea

Incisional double eyelid surgery creates a permanent upper eyelid crease through an incision placed along the planned fold.

Unlike the non-incisional method, the incisional technique allows the surgeon to directly adjust excess skin, fat, muscle, scar tissue, and internal eyelid structures. It may provide stronger and more stable fixation for patients with thick eyelids or complex anatomical concerns. At Ahn Sung Min Plastic Surgery Clinic, the surgical plan is customized rather than using a standard crease height or shape for every patient.

Natural Double Eyelid Surgery by Dr. Ahn Sung Min

Dr. Ahn Sung Min focuses on eyelid surgery and evaluates both appearance and eyelid function before recommending a procedure.

The personalized design considers:

• Eyelid skin thickness
• Amount of excess skin
• Eyelid fat volume
• Eyelid-opening strength
• Natural eye shape
• Brow position
• Existing crease or scars
• Eye and facial symmetry
• Preferred crease height and shape

The goal is to create a clear but natural crease that does not appear excessively high, deep, or artificial.

How Does Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery Work?

An incision is made along the planned eyelid crease. Depending on the patient’s condition, excess skin, fat, or muscle may be conservatively adjusted.

The eyelid tissues are then carefully connected to create a defined crease when the eyes open. The incision is positioned within the new eyelid fold so that the scar can become less noticeable as it matures.

Benefits of the Incisional Method

Potential benefits include:

• Stronger and more stable crease fixation
• Removal of excess eyelid skin
• Adjustment of thick eyelid tissue
• Conservative fat removal when necessary
• Correction of multiple or uneven creases
• Possibility of combining ptosis correction
• Suitability for certain revision cases

The exact benefits depend on the patient’s eyelid anatomy and surgical plan.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Incisional double eyelid surgery may be suitable for patients with:

• Thick or puffy upper eyelids
• Excess eyelid skin
• Significant eyelid fat
• Loose or sagging eyelids
• Weak or unstable double eyelid creases
• Multiple eyelid folds
• Eyelid asymmetry
• Previous non-incisional surgery that has loosened
• Ptosis or weak eyelid-opening muscles

A consultation is required to determine whether incisional or non-incisional surgery is more appropriate.

Incisional vs. Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery

Non-incisional surgery uses buried sutures through small entry points. It generally offers less swelling and a faster recovery but may not be suitable for every eyelid type.

Incisional surgery allows more precise structural adjustment and stronger fixation. It is often recommended for thick eyelids, excess skin, significant fat, ptosis, or revision surgery.

The best technique should be selected according to anatomy and desired results rather than recovery time alone.

Can Ptosis Correction Be Combined?

Ptosis correction may be recommended when the eyelid-opening muscles are weak. Patients with ptosis may have sleepy-looking eyes, uneven eyelid height, forehead strain, or difficulty opening their eyes fully.

Combining ptosis correction with incisional double eyelid surgery can improve both eyelid function and crease definition when medically appropriate.

Revision Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery

Revision surgery may be considered when a previous procedure has caused:

• An excessively high or low crease
• Deep or unnatural eyelid folds
• Visible scarring
• Multiple creases
• Eyelid asymmetry
• Persistent swelling or heaviness
• A loose or disappearing crease
• Incomplete ptosis correction

Revision surgery is more complex because scar tissue and altered anatomy must be carefully evaluated. The final plan can only be confirmed after an in-person examination.

Recovery After Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery

Swelling and bruising are expected during the early recovery period. The eyelid crease may initially appear high, deep, or uneven because of swelling.

Most visible swelling improves gradually during the first one to two weeks, but the crease may continue to soften over several weeks or months. Scar maturation and final results require patience.

Patients should follow all postoperative instructions regarding wound care, makeup, contact lenses, exercise, and follow-up appointments.

International Patients

International patients may submit clear photographs for an initial online assessment. Photos should show the eyes open, naturally closed, looking upward, and from a side or three-quarter angle.

Patients should also provide their age, medical history, previous eyelid procedures, current medications, and preferred eyelid shape.

Online recommendations are preliminary. The final procedure, surgical design, and quotation are confirmed after an in-person consultation.

Why Choose Ahn Sung Min Plastic Surgery Clinic?

Ahn Sung Min Plastic Surgery Clinic provides individualized eyelid surgery based on each patient’s anatomy and facial balance.

The clinic emphasizes:

• Specialized focus on eyelid surgery
• Customized crease design
• Conservative tissue adjustment
• Natural-looking results
• Functional eyelid evaluation
• Careful scar placement
• Experience with primary and revision cases
• Support for international patients

Frequently Asked Questions

What is incisional double eyelid surgery?

It is a procedure that creates an upper eyelid crease through an incision. The technique allows the surgeon to adjust excess skin, fat, muscle, and internal fixation.

Is incisional double eyelid surgery permanent?

The results are generally long-lasting because the crease is created through direct tissue fixation. However, the eyelids may continue to change with aging.

Will there be a visible scar?

The incision is placed within the planned eyelid crease. The scar may initially appear red or firm but usually becomes less noticeable as it matures.

Who needs the incisional method?

It may be recommended for patients with thick eyelids, excess skin, significant fat, sagging, ptosis, unstable creases, or previous unsuccessful eyelid surgery.

Is incisional surgery better than non-incisional surgery?

Neither method is universally better. Incisional surgery offers stronger fixation and allows tissue adjustment, while non-incisional surgery offers a shorter recovery for suitable candidates.

Can eyelid fat be removed during surgery?

Yes. Excess fat may be conservatively removed when necessary. Excessive removal should be avoided because it can create a hollow or aged appearance.

Can excess eyelid skin be removed?

Yes. Incisional surgery can remove loose or excess skin while creating a new eyelid crease.

Can ptosis correction be performed at the same time?

Yes. Ptosis correction may be combined when weak eyelid-opening muscles contribute to a sleepy, heavy, or uneven appearance.

How long does swelling last?

Significant swelling usually improves during the first one to two weeks. Minor swelling and crease stiffness may continue for several weeks or months.

When are the stitches removed?

The exact timing depends on the surgical technique and healing condition. Patients must return according to the clinic’s postoperative schedule.

When can I wear eye makeup?

Eye makeup should only be applied after the incision has healed sufficiently and the surgeon has confirmed that it is safe.

Can uneven eyelids be corrected?

Incisional surgery may improve asymmetry by adjusting the crease and eyelid structures. Perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed because natural differences may remain.

Can a previous non-incisional crease be changed to an incisional crease?

Yes. Incisional surgery may be considered when a previous suture-based crease has loosened, disappeared, or become uneven.

Can incisional double eyelid surgery be revised?

Revision may be possible depending on the existing scar tissue, remaining skin, crease position, eyelid function, and previous surgical technique.

How long should international patients stay in Korea?

The recommended stay depends on the procedure and follow-up schedule. Patients should remain long enough for early postoperative care and suture removal.

Is an online consultation available?

International patients may provide clear photographs and relevant medical information for a preliminary assessment. The final surgical plan is confirmed in person.