Mini-Incision Blepharoplasty — Mini Line
Partial-incision double eyelid surgery (Mini Line) is a technique that creates a double eyelid crease through an incision approximately 2/3 the length of the eyelid, excises a moderate amount of excess skin, and anchors the crease to the levator muscle. The results are longer-lasting than non-incisional eyelid surgery (eyelid stitching) due to the skin removal, while being less invasive than a full-incision blepharoplasty.
Medically reviewed by BS.Ths.CKII Nguyễn Xuân Vũ — BonBoz Clinic
Mechanism of Action
A short incision is placed precisely along the pre-designed crease line, typically at the middle-to-outer portion of the eyelid where skin laxity is most prominent. Through this incision, the surgeon excises a moderate strip of skin and anchors the skin-orbicularis oculi layer to the levator aponeurosis to create a stable, well-defined crease. Because excess skin is excised, the new crease is not hooded over as often seen in non-incisional blepharoplasty; because the incision is short, swelling is minimal and recovery is faster compared to a full-incisional approach.
Mini Line vs. Other Options
Compared to non-incisional (suture) blepharoplasty: It offers longer-lasting results and can address mild excess skin, but it leaves a short scar concealed within the crease and requires a few extra days of recovery. Compared to full-incisional blepharoplasty: It is less invasive with reduced swelling, but it only removes a limited amount of skin and does not address excess fat—making it unsuitable for puffy eyelids or significant skin laxity at the inner and outer corners. Surgeons select the appropriate technique based on anatomical tissue volume (skin and fat), not the patient's fear of surgery.
Indications
Young individuals with single eyelids (monolids) or poorly defined creases, mild skin excess concentrated in the central eyelid, minimal fat, and a desire for a more durable crease than non-incisional methods can provide. It is also suitable for patients whose previous suture blepharoplasty has loosened, provided there is no significant excess skin.
Potential Risks to Consider
A short, pink scar within the crease that fades over 1–3 months, asymmetry, a discontinued crease contour in the unincised areas (if skin laxity is greater than anticipated), swelling, bruising, minor hematoma, and infection (rare). If skin laxity is underestimated, a revision converting to a full-incisional blepharoplasty may be required later.
At BonBoz
Our plastic surgeons precisely measure skin laxity and fat volume, assess eyelid thickness, and simulate the expected crease using a surgical probe. Mini Line is recommended only when skin and fat excess are minimal; if there is significant fat or skin laxity extending to the inner and outer corners, our surgeons will advise a full-incisional blepharoplasty to avoid the need for a secondary procedure. The consulting physician is the operating surgeon; details regarding incision length, swelling timeline, and follow-up schedules are thoroughly explained in advance.
Technique variants
1
Một đường rạch ngắn
Hợp khi da dư ít, mỡ mỏng.
2
Hai–ba đường rạch nhỏ
Khi cần xử lý rải theo chiều dài mí.
3
Chuyển sang cắt mí toàn phần
Khi khám thấy da dư hoặc mỡ nhiều hơn giới hạn của đường rạch ngắn.
When should you see a doctor?
- Da mí dư nhiều hoặc mỡ dày — đường rạch ngắn không đủ để lấy hết.
- Mí đã từng cắt, còn sẹo cũ hoặc nếp mí không đều.
- Có sụp mi thật kèm theo.
- Bạn kỳ vọng kết quả y hệt cắt mí toàn phần — hai kỹ thuật có giới hạn khác nhau.
How is it performed?
Local anesthesia is administered. The doctor marks the new crease line and the strip of skin to be excised along approximately two-thirds of the eyelid length. An incision is made along the markings, a narrow strip of skin is removed, and the skin-orbicularis oculi muscle is anchored to the levator aponeurosis at several points to define the crease. The incision is then closed with fine sutures. The procedure takes 45–60 minutes, with same-day discharge.
Before the procedure
Eyelid assessment and measurement, standardized clinical photography, crease simulation; discontinue anticoagulants, alcohol, and smoking as instructed; have a light meal and avoid eye makeup on the day of surgery.
After the procedure
**Post-Operative Care Instructions:** * **Cold & Warm Compresses:** Apply cold compresses during the first 48 hours (days 1–2: 10–15 minutes per session, 1 hour apart). Switch to warm compresses starting on day 3. * **Wound Care & Hygiene:** Keep the incision area clean and dry. Cleanse the eyes gently with saline solution. Take all medications exactly as prescribed. * **Suture Removal & Follow-ups:** Visit the clinic for suture removal on day 7. Attend scheduled follow-up visits on day 7, at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. * **Recovery Timeline:** Swelling typically peaks during the first 3 days; the eyelid crease will gradually soften and look more natural after 2–4 weeks. * **Dietary & Activity Restrictions (Avoid for 1 month):** * Foods to avoid: seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, and stimulants. * Activities to avoid: applying eye makeup, wearing contact lenses, and rubbing or touching the eyes. **When to Contact Your Doctor Immediately:** Seek immediate medical attention if you experience: * Abnormal or excessive swelling * Purulent discharge or persistent heavy bleeding * Fever above 38.5°C * Spreading redness around the surgical site * Inability to close the eyes completely after 1 week
Possible risks — your doctor explains them before treatment
- Short, pink scar within the crease for 1–3 months
- Asymmetry
- Discontinuous crease in the non-incised area if there is significant excess skin
- Swelling, bruising, or minor hematoma
- Infection (rare)
Who should NOT have this?
- Thick eyelid fat, puffy eyelids
- Excess skin at both the inner and outer corners of the eyes
- Ptosis caused by weak levator muscles
- Active periocular infection
- Uncontrolled underlying medical conditions
How BonBoz uses it
Cắt da dư mí dưới
Cắt da dư mí dưới xử lý phần da chùng, nhăn dưới mắt do lão hoá qua đường rạch sát bờ mi dưới, có thể kèm xử lý túi mỡ. Dành cho người da dư là vấn đề chính, thường 45–70 tuổi.
Learn about this method →Cắt mí toàn phần xử lý da và mỡ thừa
Cắt mí toàn phần dùng đường rạch theo chiều dài nếp mí để lấy da thừa, xử lý mỡ và tạo nếp ổn định. Là kỹ thuật nền cho mí trên lão hoá và mí bụp — không phải kỹ thuật 'làm mắt to'.
Learn about this method →Tái định vị mỡ mí dưới (Eyelid Fat)
Tái định vị mỡ chuyển túi mỡ mí dưới đang lồi thành bọng xuống lấp rãnh lệ trũng bên dưới, thay vì cắt bỏ. Giải quyết đồng thời phần thừa và phần thiếu quanh mắt bằng mô của chính bạn.
Learn about this method →Dịch vụ vùng mắt: cat mi mini line
Trang dịch vụ: bác sỹ chuyên khoa thăm khám, chọn phương án phù hợp và báo chi phí trước khi bạn quyết định.
Want a cost range for your own case?
Estimate the cost →Cost guidance
Chi phí phụ thuộc tình trạng da và mỡ mí, một bên hay hai bên, và việc bạn có cần thêm thao tác khác trong cùng buổi hay không.
The final price follows the doctor’s recommendation after an in-person exam. A confirmed quote has no hidden extras.
Inside the BonBoz clinic
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Choose a date, time slot and doctor — the clinic calls to confirm within 5 minutes during opening hours. Free consultation, no commitment.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mini Line leave a scar?
How long does the swelling last?
Can Mini Line remove excess fat?
Does the crease loosen or unravel like with non-incisional eyelid surgery?
How is Mini Line different from full-incision blepharoplasty?
How soon can I wear makeup and contact lenses?
Can I get Mini Line if I previously had non-incisional eyelid surgery (eyelid stitching)?
Does the result look natural?
Related topics
- Full-Incision Blepharoplasty for Excess Skin and Fat Removal: Procedure, Indications for Aging Eyelids, and Essential Risks to Know
- Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery (Suture Method): Procedure, Ideal Candidates, Longevity, and When to Choose Incisional Blepharoplasty Instead
- Small, Short Eyes with Epicanthic Folds: When to Perform Epicanthoplasty vs. When Double Eyelid Surgery Alone Is Enough
- Monolids vs. Hidden Double Eyelids: What’s the Difference, and Who Should Choose Non-Incisional vs. Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery?
- Age-Related Upper Eyelid Laxity: Should You Get Blepharoplasty, and How to Distinguish It from Ptosis and Brow Ptosis?
- Ptosis: How It Differs from Cosmetic Blepharoplasty and When Treatment Is Needed
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