How Long Do Double Eyelid Surgery Results Last?

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, tarsus, orbicularis, etc) to precisely place sutures.  It allows the surgeon to address any ptosis and any needed skin and/or fat excision.  It is the most "permanent" way to create the fold.

The non-incision/minimal incision method does not allow the surgeon to have access in the same way.  The procedure is designed to "trade" the scar and exposure for slghtly faster recovery and minimal scar.   In certain individuals, this procedure is adequate; but in others, skin, fat, levator, etc need to be addressed and the non incision method may not even be the right option for you.

It is important to see a plastic surgeon with significant expertise in Asian eyelid surgery before you embark on this face-altering path.

Dear Piper1,Results from double eyelid surgery can last a lifetime.  However, as people age, the fold can be covered up by overhanging skin.  This can be corrected with skin removal or sometimes a browlift may be necessary.Aloha,Shim Ching, MD

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 of 4-5 years. Although the crease does not fail, it does fade out. Finally, patients in the younger 20's without ptosis do best. Older patients or those with preoperatively asymmetry are not candidates.

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 surgeon has more control to remove extra skin and fat (useful when the patient has eyelids that are ageing or puffy), and design the crease height and shape (inside fold, outside fold, etc).

Sincerely,

Dr. Buonassisi

In theory, forever. A few things about it though.
Non-incision method relies on the suture to keep the crease there and less scarring (which in some cases a better thing) means that there are less forces acting on to stop it from coming undone. This is why non-incisional technique is said to have higher rate of needing a revision (because it can come undone) but I don't personally find that to be the case. The reason probably is that the patients chosen to do an open incisional technique are the ones that- 
1) Have thicker skin so an incision is needed to define the crease better
2) Need something else done for instance reduction of eyelid fat or repositioning of the eyelid due to ptosis.
So the patient selection is vital and each techniques needs to be carefully selected for that individual so that you give it the best chance of achieving the result whichever technique is used.
Wishing you the best in your journey.
Dr Leo Kim, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney