How to Choose Between Suture vs. Incision Double Eyelid Surgery
Choosing between suture (non-incisional) and incisional double eyelid surgery depends on your eyelid anatomy, skin thickness, fat distribution, age, and aesthetic goals. Korea uses highly advanced techniques for both methods, but the best choice varies for each individual. Below is a clear, clinic-style guide to help determine which option suits different eyelid types.
What Is Suture (Non-Incisional) Double Eyelid Surgery?
The suture method creates a crease using micro-sutures without cutting the skin.
Best For:
- Young patients
- Thin eyelid skin
- Minimal fat
- Mild asymmetry
- Monolid eyes without sagging
- Desire for fast recovery
Key Advantages:
- Minimal swelling
- Quick recovery
- No visible incision
- Reversible or adjustable
Limitations:
- Not ideal for thick, heavy, or fatty eyelids
- Crease may loosen over time
- Cannot remove excess skin or fat
What Is Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery?
The incisional technique uses a small incision along the crease to reshape tissue and secure a permanent fold.
Best For:
- Thick or heavy eyelids
- Excess fat or skin
- Hidden or unstable creases
- Revision surgery
- Patients wanting long-lasting results
Key Advantages:
- Most stable, permanent crease
- Can remove fat and tighten skin
- Suitable for all ages
- Better control over final shape
Limitations:
- Longer recovery
- Mild scarring (usually fades well)
- Not reversible
How to Choose: Key Factors to Consider
1. Skin Thickness
- Thin eyelids → Suture method works well
- Thick or heavy eyelids → Incision is usually necessary
Thicker skin needs more structural adjustment to support a crease.
2. Amount of Fat or Muscle
- Minimal fat → Suture method is fine
- Excess fat → Incision method is preferred
The incision allows fat removal for a cleaner crease line.
3. Eyelid Laxity (Loose Skin)
- Young, tight eyelid skin → Suture method
- Loose, sagging skin → Incisional method
Suture alone cannot eliminate loose skin.
4. Longevity Expectations
- Short-term or adjustable results → Suture
- Permanent, stable crease → Incision
If you never want the crease to fade, incision offers the best stability.
5. Recovery Time
- Need fast recovery → Suture
- Can tolerate downtime → Incision
Non-incisional swelling resolves much faster.
6. Risk of Loosening
- Suture method has a higher chance of crease loosening
- Incision provides long-term reliability
Those with active lifestyle or oily skin may experience quicker loosening with sutures.
7. Previous Eyelid Surgery
- If you had previous double eyelid surgery that faded → Incision is recommended
Sutures alone cannot fix a weak or collapsed crease.
Quick Comparison Table (Text-Only)
(No visual table, just clear formatting for easy copy-paste.)
Suture Method (Non-Incisional)
- Best for: thin skin, minimal fat, fast recovery
- Pros: reversible, low swelling
- Cons: crease may loosen, not for heavy eyelids
Incisional Method
- Best for: thick skin, fat removal, long-term stability
- Pros: permanent results, highly customizable
- Cons: longer downtime
Which Method Is Best in Korea?
In Korea, surgeons recommend:
- Suture method for young patients with clean monolids and thin eyelids
- Incision method for thick eyelids, revision cases, uneven creases, and those wanting lasting results
- Hybrid techniques for patients needing partial incision or mild ptosis correction
The decision is always based on
anatomy, not preference alone.
