Asian double eyelid surgery is a procedure that transforms a single eyelid into a double eyelid. Depending on the characteristics of the eyelid, three different methods can perform the procedure.

Suture method/ no incision:

With the suture method, the surgeon creates small holes or pinprick incisionson the eyelid. In patients with fat and puffy eyelids, fat is removed through one of the small holes to reduce the thickness.

Then a permanent suture is passed between the small holes and into the deeper layer of the eyelid to mimic fibrous attachments that are usually present in a double eyelid.

There are various ways of making the patterns and amount of the sutures, but the more the sutures pass from the holes into the deeper layer of the eyelid, the more the fold will come out stronger.

All the sutures are permanent and are buried deep into the eyelid; therefore, you won’t revisit the surgeon for removal.

Commonly known among the Asians as maibotsu procedure, this method is advantageous in that, it does not leave an incisional scar, it is quick and less expensive than the other procedures. However, it is only ideal for people who do not have excessive skin in their eyelid. It is not strong compared to the incisional method as the fold is prone to unfold in the future.

Full incision method:

This method is suitable for patients with thick skin on the eyelid. The surgeon makes an incision in the eyelid. Then, he/she removes the excess skin and fat as required. Form there he utilizes a suture to mimic the natural fold of a double eyelid then the cut is closed and tightened using a non-permanent suture that will is removable in a week or so.

This full incision technique provides a permanent result. However, the cut is usually throughout the whole length of the crease; therefore, there will be a scar visible when you close the eye. The scar’s visibility is because the suture is in the deep layer of the eyelid, but it can be minimal depending on the surgeon.

Partial incision:

The surgeon makes an incision but partially in the length of the eyelid. The critical thing with this method is to make the cut as short as possible. He/she removes the excess fat through the small cut and then utilizes sutures to close up the lid. The stitches are removed in a week by the doctor.

This method is suitable for patients who have excess fat on their eyelid but without a thick skin. It is also ideal for a patient who has a flat eyelid skin but wants a more durable solution than a suture method.

This procedure results in a minimal scar which is less visible; however, it is a more complicated operation than the other methods.

How to identify the suitable method for your eyelid

The best way of identifying what method is suitable for your eyelid is by consulting the surgeon.

He/she will place a curved wire on your eyelid to form a fold, if the fold stays on for more than a few seconds, the suture method will be suitable or if your eyelid skin is thin.

In comparison, if you have an excessive eyelid skin, the double eyelid will cover-up, and it will appear smaller than usual hence the incision method.