In ophthalmology, the professional term is "upper eyelid fold". From an aesthetic perspective, double eyelids are commonly known as "double eyelid folds". The presence of double eyelids enhances emotional expression and makes the eyes appear more radiant. In contrast, single eyelids often give a feeling of monotony, puffiness, and lack of vitality. This has led to the development of surgical methods to create double eyelids.
Double eyelid surgery (double eyelid blepharoplasty) is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic eye surgeries. Common techniques include suture ligation, buried suture, and incision methods.
It is easy to perform. In many beauty advertisements, non-surgical "one stitch" double eyelid procedures often fall into this category. When the effect of the suture ligation method is unsatisfactory, it is suitable for individuals with large palpebral fissures, thin eyelids, little fat, and no loose upper eyelid skin. The operation process of the suture ligation method is simple and can be corrected using the incision method if necessary. For those satisfied with the double eyelid shape, the original single eyelid appearance can be restored within a few days after surgery by cutting the sutures. Post-surgery swelling is mild, and there are no obvious incision scars. However, the disadvantage is that when adhesion between the eyelid and tarsus becomes loose, the upper eyelid fold may become shallower or even disappear. Additionally, this method cannot remove loose upper eyelid skin or excess orbital fat simultaneously. Its application is limited to younger individuals with thin eyelid skin and not much orbicularis oculi or orbital septum fat. Moreover, the formed double eyelid disappears quickly.
For cases where the orbital septum fat is not prominent, the buried suture method involves burying the knot between the dermis and the tarsus. This method is suitable for individuals with relatively thin subcutaneous tissue on the upper eyelid. It can permanently remain, providing a stronger adhesion than the suture ligation method, but requires correct anatomical layering. The disadvantage is that the buried suture knot can easily loosen, causing the double eyelid to disappear, though it can be re-buried to form a firm adhesion.
The incision method creates a double eyelid that is anatomically similar to natural double eyelids. This method is applicable to any candidate. The double eyelid created will not disappear. For older candidates or those with loose skin, multiple wrinkles, or protruding orbital septum fat, a small amount of skin and some orbital septum fat can be removed during the procedure to alleviate symptoms of loose and puffy upper eyelids. The disadvantages include significant postoperative swelling, longer recovery time for some candidates, and early fine incision scars.