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2025.11.06

Is double eyelid suture surgery difficult for those with thick eyelids or excess fat? Suitability and limitations

藤橋 政尭
Supervising Physician
Masataka Fujihashi

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I have handled numerous cases involving trauma, reconstruction, and congenital conditions, cultivating precise techniques and deep anatomical understanding. Driven by the desire to deliver the transformative power of beauty—where visible change uplifts the spirit—I pursued a career in cosmetic surgery. My areas of expertise include comprehensive eye treatments, injectable therapies, and anti-sagging procedures. Guided by a commitment to sincerely address each patient's aspirations, I provide meticulously crafted treatments focused on achieving beauty.

Hello!

Designing natural beauty with trust.

I am Masataka Fujihashi, a board-certified plastic surgeon.

 

"My eyelids are thick, but can I still get buried suture eyelid surgery?"

"Does having more fat make buried eyelid surgery less likely to succeed?"

The above are questions frequently asked during dual counseling sessions. This time, ”The Relationship Between Eyelid Thickness and Fat Depth and the Double Eyelid Suture MethodI would like to explain in detail about this, including its applications and limitations.

 

 

What is the buried method?

To briefly recap, this method creates a double eyelid line by making tiny pinprick-like holes in the skin or conjunctiva (the inner eyelid surface) and securing the eyelid at several points with fine medical sutures. It's popular due to its short downtime and accessibility, but it's not suitable for everyone.

 

 

Are thick eyelids more prone to buried sutures coming loose?

Indeed, ”The thickness of the eyelids or the amount of fatFactors affecting the longevity of the buried suture methodhighly likelyis.

What is the reason?

The buried suture method is a surgical technique that recreates the natural double eyelid structure by suturing the skin to the tarsal plate and levator muscle. This creates a fold in the skin when the eye is open.Thick eyelids increase the load on the sutures,The line tends to disappear easily or become loose.TendencyThere is.

When pulling heavy and light objects with the same string, the string pulling the heavier object bears a greater load and stretches more easily, right? It's the same principle.

“The thickness of the eyelids depends on the thickness of the skin itself and the thickness of the orbicularis oculi muscle beneath the skin.

Source: 'Facial Plastic Surgery, 1st Edition' (Nihon Iji Shinposha, 2021) p.5, Figure 3, reproduced with modifications

 

 

So does that mean the buried suture method isn't suitable for people with thick eyelids?

In conclusion, having a lot of fat does not necessarily mean you cannot undergo buried suture rhinoplasty.

In reality,How thick should it be? What kind of design do you want?Adaptation varies depending on the individual.

For example,

  ・I want clearly defined double eyelids that are visible from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye.

  ・I want wide, parallel double eyelids.

In such cases, performing the buried method willThe risk of developing ham eyes increases.In many cases, an incision method that can remove excess skin or reduce fat is more suitable.

On the contrary,

  ・Desire for double eyelids with a subtle width

  ・The current situation is also double, but I want to stabilize the line.

In such cases, even if the eyelids are thick,Depending on the design, it may be possible to use the buried method.There are also cases where this happens.

 

 

With some ingenuity, it may be possible to handle it by embedding.

For example,

  ・Perform a brow lift to remove excess skin, followed by a buried suture procedure

  ・Remove orbital fat through a small incision before performing the suture procedure

In some cases, it may be possible to create double eyelids using the buried suture method by combining it with other procedures tailored to the individual's condition.

 

 

When is the incision method appropriate?

In the following cases, considering open surgery from the outset often leads to higher satisfaction.

 ・The buried part has come loose multiple times

 ・Severe skin laxity

 ・Prefer a wide design

 ・Has ptosis

 ・Significant left-right asymmetry

The incision method removes excess skin and fat and provides firm fixation,High line stability and excellent reproducibility of the finished productis a characteristic feature.

 

 

Summary

Having thick eyelids or excess fat does not necessarily mean buried suture surgery is impossible. However,Lines are easily removed / Asymmetry is prone to occurIt is true that such risks increase.

Whether you are suitable for the buried method depends on,

  ・Condition of the eyelids (amount of excess skin, thickness, amount of fat)

  ・Desired double eyelid width

  ・Downtime tolerance

depends on the circumstances.

In counseling,Conduct a detailed diagnosis of the current eyelid condition and accurately determine suitability.We will recommend the best method for you from incision, buried suture, or hybrid techniques. We will never pressure you into treatment, so please feel free to consult with us first.

 

 

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【Profile】

Masataka Fujihashi, MD, Plastic Surgeon

Leveraging expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon, I offer comprehensive facial cosmetic procedures including eyelid and nose surgery, facial liposuction, thread lifts, and hyaluronic acid injections. From incisional surgeries and revision procedures requiring delicate design to minimally invasive injections and lifts with minimal downtime, I strive to provide treatments tailored to each patient's ideal outcome.

We are dedicated to achieving natural results and minimizing downtime, pursuing medical care that leaves you feeling confident in your choice through sincere consultations.

Designing natural beauty with trust.

We cherish that sentiment and apply it to our daily practice.

 

Read other blog posts ▼

https://biancaclinic.jp/author_cat/fujihashi/

 

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【Career】

March 2015: Graduated from the School of Medicine, Showa University

April 2015 Showa University Yokohama Northern Hospital Initial Clinical Training

April 2017 Showa University Hospital Department of Plastic Surgery

October 2017 Maebashi Red Cross Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery

April 2019 Nishio Municipal Hospital Plastic Surgery Department

April 2020 Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital Plastic Surgery Department

November 2020 Ota Nishinouchi Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery

July 2022 Tokyo Rosai Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery  Department Head

July 2022: R.O.clinic (Part-time), Kusano Taro Clinic (Part-time)

April 2024 Deputy Director, Ginza TA Clinic

November 2025 BIANCA CLINIC

 

【Professional Affiliations and Qualifications】

Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (JSAPS)

Member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Surgery (JSAS)

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