Will buried sutures used in DST double eyelid procedure cause irritation to the cornea?

Question

Hello, I'm considering DST for double eyelids however I have some concerns regarding the placement of sutures. Will sutures be buried completely within the eyelid or will there be suture ends on the surface of the conjunctiva? If so, what is the risk of this causing damage to the eye?

Charles S. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

The sutures are buried permanently with the knots being placed under the skin surface as opposed to the conjunctiva. However, there is a small risk that the suture can break into the cornea (although I have never personally had this problem). So there is a small but real risk. You will know you have the problem primarily by the sensation of sand in your eyes, sensitivity to light, tearing. You need immediate medical attention if this were to happen.

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

technically this is a risk and the sutures can extrude towards the cornea through the conjunctiva.  However this fairly rare and I have never seen in my own practice.  if this were to occur and you would simply have to have the sutures removed.  Typically surgeons performing this technique will have the knots facing the skin side or external aspect of the eyelids.  Damage to the eye in general is technically a risk although I don't think this happens very often.  It never happened in my practice and I haven't seen it in any one else's practice.Chase Lay, MD

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

Usually patients do not experience damage to the eye from the sutures but if they do become irritating, patients will experience the feeling of sand and tearing.  Please consult with a board certified specialist who can assist you with achieving the results you seek.

Rondi Kathleen Walker, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question.The sutures placed in the double eyelid procedure are placed just under the skin and attached to the tarsal plate. They are not attached to the conjunctiva. The risk of the suture penetrating through to the conjunctiva is extremely rare.  If this should occur you would experience the feeling of sand in your eye and tearing. This is a condition that needs to be adressed immediately by your surgeon.Good luck with your surgery.

Will buried sutures used in DST double eyelid procedure cause irritation to the cornea?

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Answer: Buried Sutures in the DST Double Eyelid Procedure

Answer: Buried Sutures in the DST Double Eyelid Procedure

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Will buried sutures used in DST double eyelid procedure cause irritation to the cornea?

Answers (4)

Answer: Buried Sutures in the DST Double Eyelid Procedure

Answer: Buried Sutures in the DST Double Eyelid Procedure

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Double Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.