How Long Do Double Eyelid Surgery Results Last?

There are variations when it comes to the incisional and suture techniques when it comes to 1) the final appearance of the fold 2) the final apperance of the upper eyelids in general 3) how long the fold lasts and 4) the recovery period. To answer your question, the incisional technique should last longer, but also has a longer recovery period. The longer recovery associated with the incisional technique is often acceptible to patients since the results are more permanent and the... more

Double eyelid surgery for Asian patients typically last several years with the incision technique, if not permanent. Even though it may be less invasive, the non-incision or suture method is not commonly utilized in the United States, since the results are typically shorter lasting. Speak to an eyelid plastic surgeon to help determine the appropriate option for you.

The incision technique gives a longer lasting and more reliable result than a non incision technique in most hands. When done correctly the results should last 10-15 years or longer. Essentially most results should be indefinite and be there permanently. There are ways to make sure that the crease stays. One method that I employ is the orbicularis-levator fixation technique which entails using internal sutures that attach the eye muscle that closes the eye (orbicularis) with the muscle and... more

There are several types of suture techniques. The longest-lasting techniques involve interlocking the sutures to the firm cartilage structures of the eyelid. A published study of this technique (DST) shows a 98% success rate at 7 years. This study was from Japan, and in my experience japanese eyelid anatomy seems particularly optimal for the DST (thin skin, minimal fat, symmetric eyes). For eyelids with thicker skin or fat, the suture method does not seem to last as long - more in the range... more

The non-incision or suture technique of Asian eyelid surgery can be life-long but there are a couple of things to know. 1. If the sutures are placed with absolutely no deep (but narrow) cutting then those tend to pull out since there is little to no scar tissue formed to aid the sutures. 2. If you wear contacts and place them by pulling up your upper eyelid everyday you can loosen the sutures hold over time. 3. As Dr. Kim said, the aging process will continue... more

This is a very good question as it means you probably already know the 2 main types of surgery for the "double eyelid" procedure. Regardless of technique, we would want the procedure to last your lifetime, but this does not always hold true as we cannot stop the aging process or external events outside our control. The incisional method is still the "gold standard" as it allows the surgeon to have full control and access to the anatomy (levator,... more

This is a very tricky question because there are several variables that go into the longevity of an Asian Blepharoplasty (Double Eyelid Surgery). For the most part, Incisional techiques are thought to be more permanent due to the fact that if done properly, you are exactly creating the attachments from the levator muscle to the eyelid skin by the way of sutures and its subsequent scarring. In the instance of the suture/folding technique, you are relying on more of the integrity of the... more

Dear piper1, There are pros and cons to both techniques of Asian eyelid fold creation. The advantage of the suture technique is that it is quicker to do, and there are no incisions made. The disadvantages are: longer healing time (swelling),  less reliable (higher rate of early fold loss), and a less long lasting result. The advantage of the incision technique are: more predictable result, less recovery time, and usually permanent result.  The disadvantages... more

That is a very good and difficult question.  The reason for that is that although the lid crease that is made may last a long time and perhaps forever, eyelid aging occurs which blunts the eyelid crease and the patient may think that the surgery is failing.  Often skin removal or brow lift is needed at that point..  In general if the procedure is done well, there is no reason to think that the eyelid crease formation won't last for many years in most people. more

Double eyelid surgery, though a commonly performed procedure, requires the utmost precision and technical expertise to perform correctly. While the incision technique allows for the surgeon to have better visualization of the important structures, recent studies have demonstrated that the stitch technique has similar long-term results. It is important that your surgeon, if performing the stitch technique, take the time and care to precisely identify the tissues necessary to create the fold.... more

The stitch technique results can be lifelong but it probably has a higher failure rate than the incision technique. The goal is that the stitch will create scar tissue to adhere the skin to the underlying tissue. Sometimes that happens well othertimes not. An incision technique should almost guarantee lifetime results.

Non-incisional eyelid surgery should last as long as incisional eyelid surgery if it is done appropriately. The problem is when patient undergo non-incisional eyelid surgery, the resulting folds are usually smaller due to the absence of any skin removal. With aging, the patients usually develope more loose skin on the eyelids as well and sagging of the eyebrow which cause the appearance of the folds to be smaller and smaller with time. Because of this, the patients may get the... more

Double eyelid surgery can last many years depending on the technique and the surgeon.  Most of these techniques should last several years if not longer.  The suture technique  is simpler so may not last as long as an open technique.