Failed Double Eyelid Revision: How to Undo Quickly — Early Correction vs. Buried Suture Removal for Incisional and Non-Incisional Surgeries

EYE REVISION · Eyelid Revision Information

The method to reverse or fix the result depends entirely on the initial surgical technique.

■ The Bottom Line

If you are unsatisfied right after your double eyelid surgery and wish to revert or fix it quickly, your approach will differ completely depending on whether your initial surgery was an incisional method/ptosis correction or a non-incisional (buried suture) method. Surgeries involving significant tissue manipulation require an early correction approach to reassess and adjust during the early recovery phase, whereas procedures involving only inserted sutures, such as the buried method, require suture removal to release the crease.

■ When Early Correction Is Needed

When you are unhappy with the crease or notice asymmetry following an incisional procedure or ptosis correction, re-evaluating and correcting it during the initial recovery phase is referred to as early correction. Because the tissues have not yet fully healed or formed tight adhesions, an earlier reassessment can actually be advantageous.

■ Golden Window for Early Correction

Early correction must generally be performed within 2 to 3 weeks post-surgery. If this period passes, revision can usually only be considered after 6 months.

■ When Suture Removal Is Needed

Because the non-incisional (buried suture) method creates a crease without skin incisions by placing sutures beneath the skin, if you do not like the line or want to remove it, there is no need to reopen tissue extensively. Instead, the approach involves locating and removing the embedded sutures.

You can also watch video footage showing an actual suture removal procedure.

■ Why You Must Not Confuse the Two Methods

Early correction refers to re-evaluating and re-operating on tissues after an incisional or ptosis procedure, whereas buried suture removal is a distinct procedure focused solely on extracting the placed threads. Identifying the initial surgical method accurately is critical to determining the right corrective course.

You can also check actual clinical cases of early correction on video.

There are also cases where patients experienced distress after surgery at another clinic and underwent successful early correction.

■ This Article Is Helpful If You:

- Dislike your crease immediately after surgery and wish to reverse or fix it quickly

- Want to know how to resolve side effects of ptosis correction or fix an unsatisfactory buried suture surgery

- Are unsure whether your first surgery was incisional or non-incisional

- Wonder how much time you have to undo or correct the procedure quickly

■ Recovery Timeline

Surgery Duration: Varies depending on the scope of early correction or suture removal

Anesthesia: Local or conscious sedation (twilight) anesthesia

Clinic Visits: 1–2 times

Stitch Removal: Usually 7–12 days for early correction / 3 days for buried suture removal

Hospitalization: None (same-day discharge)

Return to Daily Life: 3–7 days

■ FAQ

Q1. Within how many days after surgery should I visit the clinic again?

Because reassessment may be necessary before tissues become permanently settled, it is best to seek a consultation as soon as possible if you are dissatisfied with the outcome.

Q2. Does the buried suture method also require early correction?

Releasing a buried suture procedure requires a suture removal procedure. Unlike early correction for ptosis correction, there is no strict limited golden window. However, the closer it is performed to the initial surgery, the less adhesion has formed, making it significantly more likely for the double eyelid line to completely release.

Q3. How is early correction different from standard revision surgery?

The primary difference is that it is performed during the initial recovery phase; the fundamental surgical principles themselves are not drastically different from revision surgery.

Q4. I do not know whether I had an incisional or buried suture surgery.

The most accurate way to verify this is by reviewing your surgical records or undergoing an in-person clinical examination.

■ Approach at Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery

At Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery, Chief Surgeon Choi Dong-il first accurately identifies the original surgical technique, then selects the most appropriate course between early correction and buried suture removal.

Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery adheres to three core principles:

First, an accurate diagnosis of the original surgical technique.

Second, precise timing tailored to the stage of recovery.

Third, a delicate surgical approach designed to minimize tissue trauma.

If you would like to review similar cases, you can check before-and-after photos on the Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery website.

■ Disclaimer

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation for a specific surgery or guarantee particular results. Complications such as bleeding, infection, and inflammation may occur after surgery, and outcomes and recovery periods may vary depending on individual skin characteristics and surgical techniques. An accurate diagnosis and method selection must be made through direct consultation with a board-certified specialist.

The photographs in this post were taken with the prior consent of the patients.

Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery Clinic | Chief Surgeon Choi Dong-il

20 Gangnam-daero 154-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Near Shinbundang Line Sinsa Station, Exit 7)

Weekdays 09:30–18:30 · Saturdays 09:30–16:30 · Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays

+82-2-535-8889

#Gangnam #EarlyCorrection #OvercorrectedPtosis #MultipleFolds #EyelidRevision #GangnamSeoyeonPlasticSurgery #EarlyDoubleEyelidCorrection #FailedDoubleEyelid #BotchedDoubleEyelid

Presentations at Plastic Surgery Academic Conferences in 2021 & 2023

Dr. Choi Dong-il has presented on early correction at medical conferences for many years.

Dr. Choi Dong-il

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Current) Chief Director, Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery (2015–Present)

Former) Director, BK Plastic Surgery (2011–2013)

Former) Director, Regen Plastic Surgery (2013–2015)

Clinical Adjunct Professor of Plastic Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine

Academic Committee Chair, Eyelid Surgery Research Society of KSPRS

Clinical Adjunct Professor of Plastic Surgery, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital

Full Member, Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS)

Full Member, Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (KSAPS)

Full Member, Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association

Member, International Confederation of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS)

Full Member, Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand

Full Member, Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons

Academic Committee Member, Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Specialist Reviewer, Editorial Board of Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Former Finance Director, Current IT Director, Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons

IT & Public Relations Committee Member, Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Full Member, Eyelid Surgery Research Society of KSPRS

Former Secretary General, Eyelid Surgery Research Society of KSPRS

Full Member, Rhinoplasty Research Society of KSPRS

Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery Clinic complies with medical laws. The photographs in this post were taken under identical lighting and settings with prior patient consent. Furthermore, please be advised that complications such as bleeding, infection, and inflammation may occur following aesthetic procedures and surgeries, varying by individual.

Feel free to visit us and consult directly

with a board-certified plastic surgeon 1-on-1 :)

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation,

please leave a comment, message KakaoTalk Plus Friend @강남서연성형외과의원,

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the golden window for early double eyelid correction?

The optimal window is within 2 to 3 weeks following surgery. If this window is missed, you must wait for the tissues to stabilize, making revision feasible around 6 months after surgery.

Does the non-incisional (buried suture) method require early correction?

No. Buried suture cases are addressed via suture removal rather than early surgical tissue revision. While there is no rigid golden window for suture removal, removing sutures as close to the surgery date as possible minimizes scar tissue adhesion and increases the likelihood that the eyelid will return to its natural state.

What is the difference between early correction and standard revision surgery?

The main difference is the recovery stage at which the surgery is performed. Early correction is done in the initial recovery phase before tissue integration and dense scarring occur; the core surgical principles, however, are essentially the same as standard revision surgery.

How long is the recovery period following early correction or suture removal?

Return to everyday activities typically takes about 3 to 7 days. Sutures are removed around 3 days post-op for buried suture removal and 7 to 12 days post-op for early correction. Both procedures allow for same-day discharge.