2026-05-29
Double Eyelid Surgery for the Hearing Impaired: Experiences with Incisional Ptosis Correction
A guide on how double eyelid surgery and ptosis correction are performed for hearing-impaired patients, focusing on communication and surgical coordination.
It happens from time to time.
Occasionally, hearing-impaired patients visit the clinic for double eyelid surgery.
They often undergo ptosis correction simultaneously.
In the past, I even had a situation where several hearing-impaired patients came in one after another. ^^;;
At that time, I proceeded with the surgeries using simple sign language.
In reality, because they cannot hear, there are some difficulties regarding the instructions to open and close their eyes during the procedure.
Let’s look at how the surgery is conducted.
1. First, for the initial consultation, the patient should be accompanied by someone who is proficient in sign language and can speak. (P.S. Just to clarify, those with severe hearing impairment may have difficulty with verbal speech.)
This is necessary to have a detailed consultation about the eye shape and to achieve the desired look.
2. Before the surgery, we coordinate how the procedure will be carried out. We pre-arrange signals for when to open the eyes or for other specific requests I might have during the operation.
3. We establish a method for the patient to notify me if they feel any discomfort.
This is crucial because if they need to tell me something during surgery, they must not suddenly move their hands toward their face, which has been sterilized for the procedure.
Depending on the patient’s preference, we can create an ‘outline’ as shown above, or an ‘in-out line’ double eyelid as shown below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people with hearing impairments undergo double eyelid surgery and ptosis correction?
Yes, it is possible. Patients with hearing impairments can undergo double eyelid surgery and incisional ptosis correction, just like general patients. However, since it may be difficult to hear instructions to open and close the eyes during surgery, communication methods will be thoroughly coordinated with the medical staff in advance to ensure a safe procedure.
What should be prepared for the first consultation for double eyelid surgery for people with hearing impairments?
It is recommended to come with a companion who can both use sign language and speak. Smooth communication is essential for accurate consultation on eye shape and to precisely understand the patient's desired design. This allows for a satisfactory surgical plan to be made.
How are instructions to open and close the eyes conveyed during surgery?
Instructions are conveyed through pre-arranged signals between the medical staff and the patient. Since the patient cannot hear, the surgeon's requests and the timing for opening the eyes during surgery are coordinated in advance, so that the patient can follow instructions smoothly without being flustered in the operating room.
How should I communicate if I experience discomfort during surgery?
You should inform the medical staff using a safe method coordinated in advance. It is absolutely forbidden to suddenly raise unsterilized hands to the face during surgery due to the risk of infection. Therefore, before surgery, hand signals or methods to express discomfort without using hands are determined in advance.
Can people with hearing impairments get the double eyelid line they want?
Yes, surgery can create the line the patient desires. Through sufficient prior consultation and communication, patients can choose their preferred shape, such as an out-line double eyelid or an in-out-line double eyelid, just like in general surgery, to achieve satisfactory results.