Quantitative Assessment of Buried Suture Length in Asian Double Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Double eyelid blepharoplasty, a procedure to create a supratarsal fold in the upper eyelid, is among the most frequently performed aesthetic surgeries in East Asian populations. The buried suture technique is often preferred due to its ability to produce natural-appearing results with minimal scarring, procedural simplicity, and reversibility. A continuous variation of this technique has recently gained popularity due to its reversibility; however, the optimal suture length required for this method has not been previously established. This study aimed to identify the optimal suture length for the continuous buried suture technique in double eyelid blepharoplasty, with the aim of enhancing procedural precision, reducing the learning curve, minimizing postoperative complications, and improving patient satisfaction.

A total of 74 patients who underwent double eyelid blepharoplasty using the continuous buried suture technique between March and August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The effective suture length used was calculated by subtracting the lengths of the residual and excised tail segments from the original suture length.

The required suture length varied across individuals, with the majority ranging between 60 and 70 mm. The mean suture length was 66.9±1.7 mm for the left upper eyelid and 69.5±1.9 mm for the right, with a statistical significant difference between the 2 sides ( P <0.05), indicating a longer length requirement on the right.

This study addresses a previously unexamined aspect of the continuous buried suture technique by providing quantitative data on optimal suture length. The findings provide practical guidance for surgeons, potentially reducing procedural variability, shortening the learning curve, and improving surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.