Eyelid Dynamics and Supratarsal Crease Appearance After Double Eyelid Surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although double eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries among Asians, there are few reports to confirm the physiology of eye blinking after such surgeries. This study analyzed eyelid dynamics and supratarsal crease appearance after double eyelid surgery using a high-speed digital camera to provide precise movement detection. METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers and 15 patients who underwent double eyelid surgery with tarsodermal fixation were studied. Using the slow-motion replay setting of a high-speed digital camera, the patients' spontaneous eye blinking was analyzed for (1) blink duration, (2) peak eyelid velocity, (3) blink rate, and (4) supratarsal crease appearance. RESULTS: After double eyelid surgery, there were no significant differences in blink duration, peak eyelid velocity, or blink rate compared with the control group. Regarding supratarsal crease appearance, dynamic creases were created in 6 of 15 patients, whereas 9 patients showed static creases. CONCLUSIONS: Double eyelid surgery with tarsodermal fixation does not alter lid dynamics of spontaneous eye blinking. Furthermore, the tarsodermal fixation method, which is known to create a static crease, could also lead to the development of a dynamic crease.