Eye Revision Surgery, Including Double Eyelids: Delicate Planning and Postoperative Care Increase Success Rate

[Medical Today = Reporter Ko Dong-hyun] As the eyes are a facial feature that greatly influences one's first impression, double eyelid surgery is one of the most popular procedures among various plastic surgeries. The purposes of double eyelid surgery are diverse, such as making small, stuffy eyes look clear and enlarged, or creating a cuter, more youthful impression.

As such, because individuals have different goals and preferences for double eyelid surgery, dissatisfaction after the procedure is also relatively common. This is because the overall impression can change entirely even if the outcome differs only slightly from one's personal preference.

Of course, eye revision surgeries are sometimes performed due to side effects—such as asymmetry caused by improper double eyelid surgery or difficulty closing the eyes—but in most cases, revisions are sought due to dissatisfaction with the shape.

Let us look into the key considerations to keep in mind if double eyelid revision surgery becomes inevitable.

First, a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's skin, fat, and muscle conditions around the eyes must serve as the foundation. Opening the eyes excessively in all directions—up, down, inward, and outward—just to make them bigger can impair the eye-closing function. Damage to the muscles or nerves responsible for closing the eyes can lead to side effects where one cannot close the eyes properly, as well as unnatural facial expressions.

In addition, rather than simply choosing between the non-incisional (buried suture) method and the incisional method, one must plan the optimal surgical method that can improve the shortcomings of the previous surgery. The notion that revision surgery must always be done via the incisional method because double eyelids created with the buried suture method unravel more easily is also incorrect.

▲ Director Kim Sung-hoon (Photo provided by SH Plastic Surgery)

Changes in the tissue around the eyes that occur after eye surgery must also be taken into account. When double eyelid revision is performed in conjunction with other eye procedures, correlated phenomena, such as eyebrows drooping downward, may occur.

The recovery period after double eyelid surgery may also differ from that of the initial surgery. A revision does not necessarily entail a longer or shorter recovery period; the procedure should be approached with realistic expectations of an adequate healing time. Furthermore, taking the procedure lightly under the assumption that eye surgery has become commonplace—or neglecting postoperative care—often leads to unnatural double eyelid lines even long after surgery, failing to achieve the desired result.

Lastly, double eyelid revision surgery should not be performed immediately after an issue arises; it is advisable to make a decision and proceed only after the tissues damaged from the previous surgery have stabilized. Therefore, it is necessary to receive a consultation at least six months later, assess feasibility according to the appropriate timing, and proceed accordingly.

Dr. Kim Sung-hoon, Director of SH Plastic Surgery, advised, "Since eye revision surgery is more difficult and requires more delicate technical skills than the primary surgery, it must be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience and proven expertise." He added, "Safe and satisfying results can be achieved through a postoperative care system that reduces swelling quickly, minimizes scarring, and enables rapid stabilization of the tissues."

[Press Report] Eye Revision Surgery, Including Double Eyelids: Delicate Planning and Postoperative Care Increase Success Rate

Source: Medical Today https://mdtoday.co.kr/news/view/1065580498526720