What is the difference between double eyelid surgery and eye shape correction? Distinguishing the incisional method

With the prolonged wearing of masks, the frequency of eye exposure has increased these days. Naturally, interest in eye appearance has grown, leading to a rise in the number of people deciding to undergo eye surgery. Particularly in Korea, where single eyelids are common, eye surgery is frequently performed to correct ptosis or increase the degree of pupil exposure. Double eyelid surgery and eye shape correction are representative procedures and well-known surgical methods. However, despite their popularity, it seems rare for people to clearly understand the characteristics and differences between each method. Questions arise such as: Is eye shape correction mandatory if double eyelid surgery is performed? Does eye shape correction require the incisional method of double eyelid surgery? Is eye shape correction not possible with the non-incisional method? Furthermore, there are quite a few cases of people experiencing confusion and deliberation regarding the various surgical methods, including double eyelid surgery versus eye shape correction, incisional versus non-incisional, and full or partial incision.

How are double eyelid surgery and eye shape correction different?

Double eyelid surgery and eye shape correction are distinctly different cosmetic procedures. While double eyelid surgery creates a horizontal line by folding the eyelid skin into two layers when the eyes open, eye shape correction is a procedure that strengthens the eyelid's basic function of opening the eyes to create a more distinct and sharp eye shape. Double eyelid surgery is performed on flat-looking single eyelids or double eyelids with multiple folds, and is generally classified into incisional and non-incisional methods. If there is a lot of fat in the eyelids and the skin is thick, the incisional method is suitable for removing the fat; however, if the skin is thin and there is little fat, the non-incisional method can be used to create a double eyelid line. Non-incisional double eyelid surgery has primarily utilized the buried suture method, but recently, there has been an increasing trend of cases using the natural adhesion method, which allows the eyelid skin to adhere naturally. Natural adhesion is effective in creating a natural-looking double eyelid without relying on sutures. Furthermore, by applying the advantages of the buried suture method, it offers the benefit of rapid recovery without making skin incisions (leaving scars).

Even within the same 'eye surgery,' the surgical method and expected results differ depending on the approach.

What is eye shape correction performed in conjunction with double eyelid surgery? Eyelid correction is primarily applied to cases where eyes appear sleepy due to ptosis, where the eyes look unusually small due to insufficient pupil exposure, or where the eyes appear half-closed. In particular, ptosis can cause functional side effects, such as a dull gaze and decreased vision because the upper part of the pupil is obscured, and forehead wrinkles can form because the forehead muscles lift the eyelids, making eyelid correction surgery necessary. Eyelid correction can be performed using incisional or non-incisional methods and is often combined with double eyelid surgery. If the symptoms of ptosis are severe, incisional eyelid correction is used; however, if the ptosis is mild and the eyelids are thin, the eye shape can be improved through non-incisional correction that creates an inner double eyelid line.

You must choose a method suitable for your personal characteristics and image. There are various types of eye surgery beyond just double eyelid surgery and eye shape correction. Middle-aged and older patients can undergo 'brow lifts' to lift sagging eyelids from the eyebrow area, while 'upper blepharoplasty' can adjust the muscles responsible for opening the eyes to improve sagging skin and wrinkles around the eyes. Additionally, there are procedures such as 'lower blepharoplasty' to improve sagging skin and fat under the eyes, and 'under-eye fat repositioning' to brighten the under-eye area by redistributing fat. For successful eye surgery, it is essential to identify and diagnose the optimal line for the individual's face, image, and the harmony of their features. Rather than categorizing a method as better or worse, it is recommended to select surgery based on whether it is a good fit for the patient's specific eye condition.

Written by Director Do Eon-rok (Plastic Surgeon)