Before/after review of non-incisional buried-suture double eyelid surgery at To Be Plastic Surgery (Director Kim Do-hoon) for a man in his late 20s, day 1.
This was a surgery I had thought about a lot for a long time before going through with it.
To start with the conclusion, it is only day 1, but I got a result I am so satisfied with that I regret not doing it sooner.
I had monolids and thick eyelids, so my upper eyelashes hung downward like curtains, and when I tried to open my eyes wide, the roots of my eyelashes would roll inward and poke my eyes, making them feel uncomfortable.
Because of that, I always went around with my eyes only slightly open, and my eyes usually looked weak and unfocused.
Then recently, my dry eye syndrome and astigmatism got worse, and I learned that the eyelashes poking my eyes could also be a contributing factor.
After much thought, I decided, “Let’s at least get a consultation,” and after the consultation I ended up going through with the surgery.
Other men may feel the same way, but my biggest worry was whether getting double eyelids would make my impression change in an overly strong or burdensome way.
My goal was “to create an inner double eyelid that is as invisible as possible, so my impression would not change, while preventing my eyelashes from poking my eyes and allowing me to open my eyes wider for clearer-looking eyes.”
I had consultations at a total of three clinics to see whether I could achieve that goal through double eyelid surgery, and in the end I had the surgery at To Be Plastic Surgery.
To Be Plastic Surgery was a clinic I found out about through an acquaintance’s recommendation. I heard that they had been satisfied with every step from consultation to surgery, and also with the result, so I went there.
To Be Plastic Surgery was the third clinic where I had a consultation, and after the consultation I liked it so much that I booked the surgery right away and canceled all the other consultation appointments I had scheduled afterward.
The consultation process starts with discussing the areas you want surgery on and your concerns with the consultant. Then you have a consultation with the director, where you receive a diagnosis of your eye condition and discuss the surgical method that can address your concerns, as well as the general surgical process. After the consultation with the director, you finally receive guidance from the consultant about precautions and preparations before and after surgery, and are also informed of the surgery cost.
The director and consultant were really kind, and the consultation was detailed and thorough. They accurately understood the concerns and goals I described above and recommended only the surgery I needed.
The acquaintance who recommended To Be Plastic Surgery also carefully checked the director’s credentials for me. Director Kim Do-hoon graduated from Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine / Graduate School and also had extensive experience at large hospitals, so I felt he was someone I could trust and leave it to.
Surgical process - preoperative instructions
Because the surgery is performed under sedation anesthesia + local anesthesia, there are things you need to follow before surgery.
There were medications and supplements I was told not to take starting 1-2 weeks before surgery, and for the 6 hours immediately before surgery I had to fast from all food and drink, including water.
One week before surgery, I had to start taking a medication, so I took a photo of the medication packet and asked through the KakaoTalk channel chat. I received an immediate reply saying it was a medication I could take until the day before surgery.
Still, because I felt anxious, I stopped taking all medications by 5 days before surgery, and stopped taking supplements starting 2 weeks before surgery.
Surgical process - preparation on the day of surgery
You need to arrive at the clinic at least 30 minutes before surgery. When you arrive, you change into surgical clothing and wash your face + gargle. Facial cleanser, mouthwash, and a face towel are provided.
After finishing preparations, facial photos are taken from different angles, and the final consultation is held. The final consultation proceeds from consultation with the consultant -> consultation with the director.
The consultant checked the preoperative items once more, and then the consultation with the director took place. Looking at the photos taken in advance and at my face directly, he designed and confirmed the double eyelid line with me. Finally, the double eyelid line that had been set was marked with a blue pen, and the last preoperative consultation ended.
Surgical process - surgery and immediately after surgery
The surgery was performed under sedation anesthesia + local anesthesia to the eyes. The surgery took about 15 minutes, and there was almost no pain during the procedure.
After surgery, I was moved to the recovery room and had cold compresses applied to my eyes for about 20 minutes. I was told this was to prevent bleeding and swelling.
Because it is right after sedation anesthesia, you should not fall asleep, but since you are under the influence of the medication and have your eyes closed while doing the cold compress, you may get sleepy. If possible, I recommend going with a guardian and talking with them during that time.
Surgical process - going home and remaining steps
When going home, you receive instructions about postoperative precautions. Face washing is possible from the day after stitch removal, and exercise, drinking alcohol, and similar activities are possible after 4 weeks.
When going home, I received a cold compress pack and cotton swabs, and was prescribed eye ointment plus 3 days’ worth of antibiotics / painkillers. I was told to do cold compresses for 3 days after surgery, then warm compresses for the next 3 days. (Cold compresses during the period when swelling is increasing, warm compresses during the period when swelling is going down.)
The stitches are scheduled to be removed on day 3 after surgery. Immediately after surgery, there are stitches at the end of the double eyelid line. (They are not visible when the eyes are open.) I was also told that I will visit once more at 2-3 months after surgery to meet the director and check the progress.
Review on the day of surgery
I thought my eyes would look intense because of swelling immediately after surgery, but the swelling was not as bad as I expected.
My eyes, which had felt stuffy, became much more open, and more than anything, I was so satisfied that no matter how wide I opened my eyes, my eyelashes no longer poked my eyes.
The part I had worried about, that my impression might change, actually turned out better than expected because my eyes became clearer. I actually regretted not doing it earlier because I had spent so much time worrying.
Immediately after surgery, there may be a foreign-body sensation in the eyelids, and opening the eyes may feel a bit more difficult. I was told this improves after the stitches are removed and the swelling goes down.
I was told that practicing opening the eyes wide helps the double eyelids settle well, so I am intentionally trying to open my eyes wide.
I think I will be much more satisfied once the swelling goes down, the surgical marks fade, and everything settles. I am hoping that when the swelling goes down, the double eyelids will sit a bit more inward and become more natural.
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