2026-05-29
Swelling After the Double-Line Technique (feat. Fine Wrinkles Caused by Swelling)
A guide to post-operative swelling and temporary fine wrinkles following the double-line eyelid revision technique, featuring a case study of a patient 10 days post-surgery.
Swelling After the Double-Line Technique (feat. Fine Wrinkles Caused by Swelling)
This post addresses concerns regarding the recovery process after eyelid revision.
We are looking at a patient who underwent surgery during this past Chuseok holiday, about a week and a few days ago.
The patient contacted us through the office manager expressing some anxiety, so I would like to explain the situation by looking at similar cases to provide reassurance.
Looking at the pre-operative state, there was severe depressed scarring, the eyelid line had a ‘sausage’ appearance, and the mucous membrane was significantly everted (tarsal show).
The surgical plan was as follows:
- Lower the eyelid line.
- Perform the procedure without skin excision, ensuring adhesions are thoroughly released.
- Reinforce the depressed scar area with surrounding tissue to alleviate the scarring (to the maximum extent possible, though complete scar removal cannot be guaranteed).
- Improve the mucosal eversion (to a point where there are no functional issues).
This is the appearance approximately 10 days after surgery.
In the video provided by the patient, there are fine wrinkles visible above the double eyelid line.
This is not the typical ‘multiple folds’ that can occur after the double-line technique. Rather, it happens because the swelling above the incision line subsides faster than the swelling below it. This will improve over time. Please refer to the link below for a similar case.
https://blog.naver.com/medicdoctor/222157893648
For reference, here is what a truly problematic triple fold looks like.
This is a case where I performed early revision for a patient who had a failed double-line surgery at another clinic.
Early Re-correction After Failed Double-Line Technique (feat. Triple Folds... : Naver Blog
There is no need to worry! It will improve significantly as time passes.
Additionally, temporary lagophthalmos (inability to close the eyes fully) occurs because the muscles used for closing the eyes are often already weakened in patients who have undergone multiple surgeries. It takes time for this to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
After double eyelid surgery, I developed fine wrinkles above the double eyelid line. Is this a side effect?
No, it is a temporary phenomenon. This is a natural process that occurs because the swelling above the incision line subsides faster than the swelling below it, and it will gradually improve over time, so you don't need to worry too much.
Are fine wrinkles due to swelling after surgery different from double folds due to failure?
Yes, these two symptoms have completely different causes and courses. Fine wrinkles due to swelling differences are a temporary phenomenon that naturally improves as the swelling subsides. On the other hand, problematic double folds are caused by surgical failure and may require early correction.
Can existing sunken scars be completely removed during double eyelid surgery?
No, it is difficult to guarantee complete scar removal. However, during surgery, the tissue around the sunken scar is augmented to alleviate the scar as much as possible, leading to improved results compared to before.
Can lagophthalmos, where the eyes do not close completely, occur after eye reoperation?
Yes, it can occur temporarily. This symptom appears because the muscles that close the eyes are already weakened, especially in patients who have undergone multiple surgeries, and it will naturally improve after a certain period of recovery.