2026-05-29
Removing Sutures from Deep-Fixed Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery
A case study on removing sutures from a non-incisional double eyelid surgery that resulted in a pinched appearance, even 1.5 years post-operation.
Removing Sutures from Deep-Fixed Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery
I will be posting about the removal of sutures from a ‘deep-fixed’ non-incisional (buried) method.
In reality, it is extremely rare for the non-incisional method to remain deeply fixed. Since the non-incisional method literally involves burying the thread, once it is fully embedded, it naturally transitions into a shallow fixation.
However, there are occasional cases where the eyelids appear ‘pinched.’ If the surgery was performed recently, it is necessary to wait up to 6 months. This is because there is a high probability that the sutures will gradually become more deeply embedded and look more natural.
However, if the pinched look persists even after significant time has passed, it is usually not because the fixation is too deep, but rather because the suture did not embed properly. In such cases, I recommend removing the thread and re-doing the procedure.
The patient I operated on today came in because the outer corners of her eyes looked pinched when closed.
The area indicated by the arrow at the end is where it looks pinched.
In this case, it is best to remove the thread and re-operate. However, since it had been a year and a half since the initial surgery, removing the thread was not an easy task.
After identifying the threads in each hole... this case appears to have used a single-knot continuous method for the double eyelid, with ptosis correction added in the center.
You can see the outer corner has been flattened out.
Looking at the before and after immediately following the surgery, the photo on the right is the post-operative result. Even with the swelling, you can see the line has lowered slightly from the previous in-out fold.
Since this patient originally had natural double eyelids, the eyes returned to their original natural line.
The outer part looks slightly angled because skin sutures were applied to ensure it heals flat (the stitches are still present).
The patient mentioned that she had visited many nearby clinics to have the non-incisional sutures removed, but was repeatedly told that only the incisional method was possible. I am glad I could successfully remove the threads for her. If she wishes to change the shape in the future, she can proceed with the incisional method then.