Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea

Non-incisional double eyelid surgery, also called the suture or buried-suture method, creates a defined upper eyelid crease using small entry points and internal sutures.

Unlike incisional double eyelid surgery, it does not require a long incision across the eyelid. This makes it a popular choice for patients seeking natural-looking results with less swelling and a shorter recovery period.

At Ahn Sung Min Plastic Surgery Clinic, the procedure is planned according to the patient’s eyelid thickness, fat volume, muscle strength, existing crease, eye shape, and preferred result.

Natural Double Eyelid Surgery by Dr. Ahn Sung Min

Dr. Ahn Sung Min focuses on eyelid surgery and creates an individualized crease rather than using the same height or shape for every patient.

The consultation considers:

• Eyelid skin thickness
• Amount of eyelid fat
• Natural crease position
• Eyelid-opening strength
• Eye symmetry
• Distance between the eyes and eyebrows
• Preferred crease height and shape

The goal is to create a crease that looks balanced when the eyes are both open and closed.

How Does the Non-Incisional Method Work?

Small openings are made along the planned eyelid crease. Fine sutures are then placed beneath the skin to connect the eyelid tissue and create a natural fold when the eyes open.

Because there is no long external incision, visible scarring is generally minimal. However, the exact technique and number of fixation points may vary according to the patient’s anatomy.

Benefits of Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery

Potential benefits include:

• No full-length eyelid incision
• Minimal visible scarring
• Less swelling and bruising
• Shorter recovery period
• Natural-looking eyelid movement
• Personalized crease height and shape
• Possibility of adjustment or revision

Results depend on the patient’s eyelid anatomy and the stability of the internal fixation.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Non-incisional double eyelid surgery may be suitable for patients who have:

• Thin or moderately thick eyelid skin
• Minimal excess upper eyelid skin
• Limited eyelid fat
• A weak or unstable natural crease
• Uneven double eyelids
• Multiple temporary eyelid folds
• A preference for faster recovery

Patients with very thick eyelids, significant sagging, excessive fat, or strong ptosis may require an incisional method or additional correction.

Non-Incisional vs. Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery

The non-incisional method uses buried sutures and small entry points. It generally provides faster recovery and minimal visible scarring.

Incisional double eyelid surgery uses a longer incision and allows the surgeon to remove excess skin or fat and create stronger fixation. It may be more appropriate for thick eyelids, loose skin, or complex revision cases.

The best method should be selected according to the patient’s anatomy rather than recovery time alone.

Can Ptosis Correction Be Combined?

Some patients appear to have small or tired-looking eyes because the eyelid-opening muscle is weak. In these cases, double eyelid surgery alone may not provide the desired result.

Ptosis correction may be recommended when the patient has:

• Difficulty opening the eyes fully
• Uneven eyelid height
• A sleepy appearance
• Forehead strain
• Frequent eyebrow lifting

Dr. Ahn Sung Min evaluates eyelid function before recommending the final surgical plan.

Recovery After Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery

Swelling and mild bruising may occur during the first several days. Most patients can return to normal daily activities relatively quickly, although the eyelid crease may initially appear higher or stronger than expected.

The crease gradually becomes softer and more natural as swelling decreases. Recovery varies according to the fixation method, eyelid condition, and individual healing response.

International Patients

International patients may send clear photographs and information about their desired eyelid shape for an initial online assessment.

Recommended photographs include:

• Front view with eyes open
• Front view with eyes naturally closed
• Upward-gaze view
• Side or three-quarter view

The final procedure, crease 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 personalized eyelid surgery based on each patient’s facial proportions and natural anatomy.

The clinic emphasizes:

• Specialized focus on eyelid procedures
• Customized crease design
• Natural-looking results
• Conservative surgical planning
• Functional eyelid assessment
• Careful symmetry evaluation
• Support for international patients

Frequently Asked Questions

What is non-incisional double eyelid surgery?

It is a procedure that creates an upper eyelid crease using small entry points and buried sutures instead of a full-length incision.

Will there be a visible scar?

Because the procedure does not use a long incision, visible scarring is generally minimal. Small entry-point marks usually become less noticeable during healing.

Are the results permanent?

Results can be long-lasting, but the crease may loosen or disappear over time. The risk depends on eyelid thickness, tissue strength, fixation method, and natural aging.

Who is not suitable for the non-incisional method?

Patients with thick eyelids, significant sagging, excessive eyelid fat, severe ptosis, or extensive scar tissue may require incisional surgery.

Is non-incisional surgery less painful?

The procedure is generally associated with less tissue disruption than incisional surgery. Temporary swelling, tightness, tenderness, or discomfort may still occur.

How long does swelling last?

Noticeable swelling usually improves during the first several days to two weeks. Minor swelling may continue as the crease becomes softer and more natural.

Can uneven double eyelids be corrected?

Yes. Non-incisional surgery may improve an unstable crease, multiple folds, or asymmetry. However, perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed because the eyes and facial structures are naturally different.

Can the crease height be customized?

Yes. The crease height and shape are designed according to the eyelid anatomy, facial proportions, and desired result.

What crease shapes are available?

Common designs include tapered, parallel, and in-out eyelid creases. The most appropriate design depends on the natural eye shape and the relationship between the eyelid and inner corner.

Can ptosis correction be performed at the same time?

Yes, when weak eyelid-opening muscles contribute to a sleepy or uneven appearance. An examination is required to determine whether ptosis correction is necessary.

Can non-incisional double eyelid surgery be revised?

Revision may be possible if the crease is too high, too low, uneven, loose, or unnatural. The revision method depends on the existing sutures and eyelid condition.

How soon can I wear makeup?

The timing depends on swelling and the condition of the small entry points. Patients should follow the clinic’s postoperative instructions before applying eye makeup or contact lenses.

How long should international patients stay in Korea?

The recommended stay depends on the postoperative follow-up schedule. Non-incisional surgery usually requires a shorter stay than more extensive eyelid procedures.

Is an online consultation available?

International patients may submit clear photographs, their age, medical history, previous surgery history, and desired eyelid shape for a preliminary assessment.