Although both types of double eyelid surgeries produce the same eventual result of a double eyelid, their methods are very different.

Incisional double eyelid surgery

• Also known as the ‘cutting method’
• The site is carefully measured and marked
• Local anaesthesia is administered
• Small incisions are made at the site
• Excess skin, fat, and muscle are surgically removed to create a crease
• Wound is closed using skin glue or sutures

This method is best for individuals with excess skin, fat, and muscle to remove. It is a permanent, non-reversible procedure.

Non-incisional double eyelid surgery

• Also known as the buried suture technique
• The site is carefully measured and marked
• Local anaesthesia is administered
• Small punctures are made along the marked area
• Sutures are weaved through the punctures and tightened
• Once the desired crease is formed, the sutures will remain there for life

This method is best for individuals with no excess skin, fat, and muscle to remove. It is not permanent and can be reversed by removing the sutures.

Besides aesthetic purposes, double eyelid surgery can correct a number of issues such as:

• Asymmetrical eyelids
• Excess skin on the eyelids that result in impaired vision
• Puffy eyelids making you appear tired
• Saggy or drooping eyelids
• Baggy eyelids
• Trichiasis or inward turning eyelashes

Immediately after the surgery, you may experience some issues with your eyes such as:

• Blurred or double vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Mild pain and discomfort
• Numbness in your eyelids
• Swelling
• Bruising

These should subside with time as you recover.

You should also avoid strenuous activities, exercising, sun and wind exposure, and activities that dry your eyes such as reading, watching tv, or using your computer and mobile phone. Most importantly, do not rub your eyes as your sutures could tear. You may be administered antibiotics to prevent an infection.

Once you have recovered, you can expect an incisional double eyelid surgery to last a lifetime as it is permanent while a non-incisional double eyelid surgery can last for 10 years.