Incisional vs Non-Incisional Eyelid Surgery

Eugene Lee • November 16, 2025

Understanding the Two Main Types of Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea

Korea offers two primary techniques for creating double eyelids: the incisional method and the non-incisional (suture) method. Both approaches can produce natural, beautiful creases, but the right choice depends entirely on your eyelid thickness, skin condition, and long-term goals.

This guide explains the differences, pros, cons, recovery time, and who each method is best for — in a simple, easy-to-understand format.

What Is Non-Incisional Eyelid Surgery? (Suture Method)

How It Works

  • Uses tiny micro-holes instead of cutting the skin
  • Sutures link the eyelid skin to the levator muscle
  • A natural crease forms when the eyes open

Best For

  • Younger patients
  • Thin eyelid skin
  • Mild hooding
  • First-time double eyelid surgery
  • Those wanting minimal downtime

Benefits

  • Quick recovery (3–7 days)
  • Very natural crease
  • Minimal bruising
  • No external scar
  • Easy revision if needed

Limitations

  • Not suitable for thick or fatty eyelids
  • Crease may loosen over time
  • Not ideal for significant sagging or asymmetry
  • Does not remove excess skin or fat

What Is Incisional Eyelid Surgery? (Full Incision Method)

How It Works

  • Full incision along the planned eyelid crease
  • Allows removal of excess skin, fat, or muscle
  • Crease is anchored directly to the levator muscle

Best For

  • Thick eyelids
  • Severe hooding
  • Excess skin
  • Revision cases
  • Patients wanting long-lasting results

Benefits

  • Permanent, stable crease
  • Best for creating symmetry
  • Ideal for heavy or thick eyelids
  • Allows precise reshaping of the eyelid structure
  • Can combine with ptosis correction

Limitations

  • Longer recovery (7–14 days)
  • More swelling
  • Visible incision during healing
  • Harder to revise if overcorrected

Partial-Incisional Eyelid Surgery (Hybrid Technique)

How It Works

  • Small incision + sutures
  • Allows light fat removal and stronger fixation

Best For

  • Moderate eyelid thickness
  • Those wanting natural results with stronger hold than sutures
  • Mild hooded eyelids

Why It’s Popular in Korea

Balancing natural results and durability makes it ideal for many eyelid types.

Key Differences: Incisional vs Non-Incisional

Durability

  • Incisional: Most permanent
  • Non-incisional: Can loosen over years, especially on thick lids

Scarring

  • Incisional: Small crease-line scar (fades)
  • Non-incisional: No external scar

Recovery Time

  • Incisional: Longer (7–14 days)
  • Non-incisional: Shorter (3–7 days)

Best for Thick Eyelids

  • Incisional: Yes
  • Non-incisional: Not recommended

Best for Subtle, Natural Folds

  • Both, depending on eyelid anatomy

Ability to Remove Skin/Fat

  • Incisional: Yes
  • Non-incisional: No

Which Method Looks More Natural?

Both can look extremely natural — if chosen correctly based on eyelid anatomy.

Natural for Thick Eyelids → Incisional

Because excess tissue must be addressed.

Natural for Thin Eyelids → Non-Incisional

Soft, subtle crease without over-defining the lid.

Which Method Is Better for Men?

  • Non-incisional: Best for thin male eyelids wanting a low, masculine crease
  • Incisional: Best for men with thick skin or hooding

Korean surgeons often design very low, subtle creases for male patients.

When to Choose Each Method

Choose Non-Incisional If:

  • You want fast recovery
  • Your skin is thin
  • You prefer a low, soft fold
  • You’re young with minimal excess skin

Choose Incisional If:

  • You have excess skin
  • Your eyelids feel heavy
  • You want long-lasting results
  • You need symmetry correction
  • You’ve had failed double eyelid surgery before

Choose Partial-Incision If:

  • You want natural results + durability
  • You have moderate fat or mild hooding

Recovery Comparison

Non-Incisional:

  • Swelling peak: 2–3 days
  • Daily life: 3–5 days
  • Final result: 1–2 months

Incisional:

  • Swelling peak: 3–5 days
  • Daily life: 7–10 days
  • Final result: 2–3 months

Pros and Cons Summary

Incisional Method

Pros: Stable, long-lasting, ideal for thick/heavy lids
Cons: More downtime, scar during healing

Non-Incisional Method

Pros: Fast recovery, no scar, natural crease
Cons: Less durable, not for thick eyelids

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