3-point double eyelid suturing vs. minimally invasive surgery: What are the differences and advantages/disadvantages of each?

Today, there are various double eyelid surgery techniques available, especially popular techniques such as the 3-point suture double eyelid technique and the small-incision technique, which are often compared with each other. However, many people may still not fully understand the real differences between them. This article will provide a detailed explanation to help you decide which technique is most suitable for your eyes.

3-Point Suture Double Eyelid Technique

The 3-point suture double eyelid technique is a method of creating an eyelid crease without making a long incision. Instead, very small openings are made at 3 points on the eyelid according to the designed positions. The ophthalmologist then uses special sutures passed through these openings to tie and hide the suture knots beneath the skin, creating a crease that mimics a natural double eyelid. This technique is popular among those who want a natural-looking result and a shorter recovery time.

Advantages of the 3-Point Suture Technique

• Very small wounds that are barely visible Since they are only tiny puncture openings, once fully healed, they usually leave almost no visible scars.
• Short recovery time There is less swelling and bruising compared to techniques that require incisions, allowing you to return to daily life faster.
• Natural-looking eyelid crease The resulting eyelid crease is not too deep or overly defined, giving a natural look as if you were born with double eyelids.
• Easy to revise  If the result is not satisfactory or you want to return to a monolid appearance, it can be done by removing the sutures, allowing the eyelid to return to its original condition.

Disadvantages of the 3-Point Suture Technique

• The eyelid crease may loosen Because the eyelid crease is created by tying suture knots beneath the skin, the knots may loosen or come undone over time, causing the eyelid crease to fade or disappear.
• Excess fat or eyelid skin cannot be removed This technique is suitable for people with little eyelid fat and no drooping eyelid problem, because it cannot remove fat or trim excess eyelid skin.
• Not suitable for complex eye concerns This technique cannot be used to correct ptosis.

Small-Incision Double Eyelid Technique

The small-incision double eyelid technique is a surgical method developed to reduce the limitations of the suture technique. An eye surgery clinic will make a small incision of approximately 3-5 millimeters in the middle of the eyelid. This incision size is sufficient for the doctor to remove some excess fat. The eyelid crease is then created with sutures to make it more permanent and more defined. This method is considered a middle ground between the suture technique and the long-incision technique.

Advantages of the Small-Incision Technique

• More defined and longer-lasting eyelid crease This method creates adhesion between the skin and eyelid muscles, making the eyelid crease last longer than the suture technique.
• Eyelid fat can be removed Accumulated fat around the eyelids can be removed, helping the eyelid crease look beautiful without appearing swollen or thick.
• Small incision scar Although it involves an incision, the wound is very small and is usually hidden within the eyelid crease, making it difficult to see once fully healed.

Disadvantages of the Small-Incision Technique

• Excess eyelid skin cannot be removed This technique is not suitable for people with drooping eyelids or significant skin sagging because the small incision size does not allow for eyelid skin trimming.
• More swelling and bruising than the suture technique Because an incision is made and some fat may be removed, there is a higher chance of swelling and bruising, and the recovery time may be slightly longer.
• Future eye correction is more difficult If revision is needed in the future, it will be more complex than the suture technique because the internal structure has already been altered.

Who Is Each Double Eyelid Surgery Technique Suitable For?

Choosing the right double eyelid surgery technique does not depend on popularity alone. The most important factors are each person’s eye characteristics and specific concerns. An evaluation by a specialized ophthalmologist is therefore necessary to achieve the best results.

Who Is the 3-Point Suture Technique Suitable For?

The 3-point suture double eyelid technique is designed for people who already have relatively good eye structure but want to add an eyelid crease for aesthetic purposes, making the eyes look brighter and more dimensional.

• People who are young and have firm eyelid skin
• People with monolids or hidden double eyelids, but with little eyelid fat and no drooping eyelids
• People who want a natural-looking eyelid crease that is not overly defined
• People who do not have much recovery time and want to return to daily life quickly

Who Is the Small-Incision Technique Suitable For?

The small-incision technique is suitable for people who have accumulated fat around the eyelids but do not yet have significant sagging eyelid skin. It directly addresses the problem and provides long-lasting results.

• People with monolids and relatively more eyelid fat, making the eyes look puffy
• People who previously had the suture technique but experienced loosened sutures
• People who want a more permanent and clearly defined eyelid crease
• People who do not have drooping or sagging eyelids that obstruct vision

Article Summary

The 3-point suture double eyelid technique and the small-incision technique differ in both procedure and results. The best technique is the one that suits each person’s eye structure and specific concerns. Those who are interested can consult the specialized ophthalmologists at Sky Clinic, who have expertise in double eyelid surgery, inner corner eye opening, ptosis correction, hidden-scar under-brow surgery, and under-eye fat removal, to receive an evaluation and recommendations tailored specifically to your concerns.