Natural Adhesion Double Eyelid Surgery vs. Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery: Differences and Which Surgical Method Is Right for Me?
hello! Chief Director Choo Sung-cheol of D-Day Plastic Surgery Clinic no see.
During double eyelid surgery consultations, I frequently receive the question, "Which method is more natural and lasts longer, the natural adhesion method or the incision method?"
Recently, many people come in after looking into natural adhesion surgery to minimize the burden of scarring and swelling, while those with thick or sagging eyelids are sometimes recommended the incisional method. 👁️✨
However, to start with the conclusion, It cannot be concluded that one surgical method is unconditionally superior to the other.
Today, I will easily summarize the principles of the two surgical methods that those considering double eyelid surgery are most curious about, as well as the criteria for choosing the perfect fit for you! 📌
1️⃣ How are double eyelids originally formed?
The key is that the skin and deep tissues naturally connect and fold when you open your eyes.
When we open our eyes, the internal structures that lift the eyelids move along with them. 👁️
When this movement is properly transmitted to the skin, the skin naturally folds inward during the process of opening the eyes, creating a double eyelid crease.
Therefore, the key to double eyelid surgery is not simply creating a line on the surface of the skin.
Between the eyelid skin and the deep tissues involved in opening the eye Forming appropriate connections This is the most important thing. ✨
🔹 Core principles
Formation of a natural connection between the anterior eyelid tissue and the structures that open the eye
🔸 Actual example
The principle of how wrinkles naturally form when opening the eyes
📌 Understanding the anatomical structure of your eyes comes before considering the surgical method!
2️⃣ What is natural adhesion double eyelid surgery?
It is a method that reduces tissue burden through minimal incisions and induces natural connections.
'Natural adhesion' is a method of manipulating tissue through small holes or minimal incisions, unlike traditional incision methods that create long incision lines. 🌿
It induces the formation of natural adhesions between the eyelid skin and the deep tissues.
The key is not simply "surgery to tie with thread," but rather how fixation is created between specific tissues.
The advantage is that there is minimal tissue damage, resulting in less scarring and relatively faster recovery. We have it! 👍
(※ The 2023 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery systematic review also reported that the minimally invasive method is relatively safe and reduces recovery time.)
3️⃣ How is incisional double eyelid surgery different, and is it really unnatural?
You can directly inspect and precisely control various tissues, such as skin, fat, and muscle.
Incisional double eyelid surgery is a surgical method in which the skin is incised along a planned line, and the necessary skin, muscle, and fat tissues are appropriately adjusted and the internal structures are fixed.
Many people mistakenly believe that "if you have an incision, it will definitely be dark and noticeable." Whether or not an incision is made does not determine unnaturalness. ⚠️
An unnatural appearance occurs when the height of the double eyelid crease, the amount of tissue removed, or the fixation position is excessive; however, if the surgery is tailored to the eye structure, a very soft and natural line can be created even with the incisional method. 🌸
🔹 merit
Removal of excess skin, precise control of thick fat and soft tissue
🔸 Points to note
If a non-surgical approach is applied excessively to eyes with sagging skin or excess fat, there is a possibility that the line may weaken or loosen.
4️⃣ Natural Adhesion vs. Incision Method: What Are the Selection Criteria?
You must make a comprehensive assessment of five anatomical factors, not just the recovery period or swelling.
When considering a surgical method, be sure to check the 5 criteria below! 📌
| Check criteria | Judgment point |
| 1. Eyelid skin thickness and sagging | Natural adhesion if thin with minimal sagging, incision method if there is a lot of excess skin |
| 2. Amount of fat and soft tissue | If the tissue volume is large, control through incision is effective. |
| 3. The power to open one's eyes | Evaluation of whether to perform concurrent procedures such as eye shape correction based on eye-opening function |
| 4. Desired line height and shape | Incorporating design elements such as inline, in-outline, and outline |
| 5. Previous surgery | In the case of revision surgery, the existing scar and adhesion status must be considered. |
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is natural adhesion double eyelid surgery a different procedure from the standard buried suture method?
A. While specific surgical techniques may vary by medical institution, natural adhesion generally refers to a method of forming a natural connection between the skin and the eyelid tissue through micro-holes or minimal incisions. How and which tissues are fixed is more important than simple ligation.
Q2. Do natural adhesions resolve more easily than the incision method?
A. It cannot be definitively stated that no surgical method will ever come 100% unravel. While the minimally invasive method can maintain a stable line through proper fixation, it may weaken over time if applied improperly to the eyelid tissue conditions, so an accurate diagnosis is essential.
Q3. Is natural adhesion completely impossible if the eyelids are thick?
A. It is not necessarily impossible. We need to analyze whether the cause of the thick appearance is the skin itself, fat/muscle, or an issue with the strength of the eyelid opening. In some cases, fat removal alone is sufficient, but an incisional method may be more suitable when comprehensive tissue adjustment is required.
🎯 Conclusion
Ultimately, the most important thing is not "natural adhesion versus incision," but, What is the most suitable method for my eye condition? It is. 💡
If the skin is thin and there is minimal sagging, there is no need for excessive incisions; conversely, for eyes with a large amount of tissue to adjust, it is not advisable to insist on natural adhesion solely for the sake of quick recovery. 😊
If you are considering double eyelid surgery, instead of asking "Which method is better?", try asking, "Considering the skin, fat, and eye-opening strength of my eyes, which method is most suitable?"
That is where the plan to create the perfect eye look for you begins. 💖
D-Day Plastic Surgery Clinic
Chief Director Chu Seong-cheol
Plastic surgeon at Catholic University Seoul St. Mary's Hospital
Former Director of Soon Plus Plastic Surgery Clinic
Former Director of Wonjin Plastic Surgery Clinic
Former Director of Iwell Plastic Surgery Clinic
Former Director of Ruby Plastic Surgery Clinic
Current Chief Director of D-Day Plastic Surgery Clinic
Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Member of the Korean Society of Craniofacial Plastic Surgeons
Member of the Korean Society of Microsurgery
Member of the Korean Society of Hand Surgery
Member of the Eye Surgery Research Group of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Member of the Rhinoplasty Research Group of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Member of the Liposuction Research Group of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
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