Mini-Incision Double Eyelid Surgery — Mini Line

Mini Line double eyelid surgery (partial incision blepharoplasty) is a technique that creates a double eyelid crease through an incision approximately 2/3 the length of the eyelid. A moderate amount of excess skin is removed, and the crease is then anchored to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. The results are more durable than non-incisional eyelid taping or suturing due to the skin excision, while being less invasive than a full-incision blepharoplasty.

Medically reviewed by BS.Ths.CKII Nguyễn Xuân Vũ — BonBoz Clinic

Mechanism

A short incision is placed precisely along the pre-designed crease line, typically in the mid-to-lateral section of the upper eyelid where skin laxity is most prominent. Through this incision, the surgeon removes a moderate, narrow strip of skin and anchors the skin–orbicularis oculi muscle layer to the levator aponeurosis to create a stable, long-lasting crease. Because excess skin is excised, the new crease will not be weighed down by sagging skin as seen in non-incisional (suture) double eyelid surgery; because the incision is minimal, swelling and recovery times are significantly shorter than with a full incisional blepharoplasty.

Mini Line vs. Other Options

Compared to non-incisional double eyelid surgery (suture technique): It offers longer-lasting results and can address mild excess skin, though it leaves a small scar concealed within the crease and requires a few extra days of recovery. Compared to full incisional blepharoplasty: It is less invasive with reduced postoperative swelling, but it only removes a limited amount of skin and does not address fat deposits—making it unsuitable for puffy eyelids or significant skin excess at the inner and outer corners of the eyes. The surgical technique is chosen based on the actual amount of skin and fat, not on a patient's fear of surgical interventions.

Indications

Young individuals with single eyelids or hidden/faint creases, mild skin excess concentrated in the mid-eyelid area, minimal orbital fat, and a desire for a more defined, permanent crease than non-incisional methods can offer. It is also suitable for patients whose previous suture blepharoplasty has loosened, provided there is no significant skin excess.

Potential Risks

A small scar hidden within the natural crease that remains pink for 1–3 months, asymmetry between both eyes, an incomplete or disjointed crease in the unincised areas (if the excess skin was underestimated), swelling, bruising, minor hematoma, and infection (rare). If the initial assessment is inaccurate and significant excess skin is present, a revision to full incisional blepharoplasty may be required later.

At BonBoz

A plastic surgery specialist accurately measures the amount of skin and fat, evaluates eyelid thickness, and simulates the anticipated crease using a specialized probe. Mini Line is indicated only when there is minimal excess skin and fat; if excessive fat or skin laxity extends across the inner and outer corners, the surgeon will advise a full incisional blepharoplasty to prevent the need for secondary procedures. The consulting physician is the operating surgeon; incision lines, expected downtime, and follow-up schedules are thoroughly discussed in advance.

How is it performed?

Local anesthesia. The doctor marks the crease line and delineates the narrow strip of skin to be removed along approximately 2/3 of the eyelid length, makes an incision along the marked line, excises the skin strip, anchors the skin and orbicularis oculi muscle to the levator aponeurosis at several points to create the crease, and closes the incision with fine sutures. Duration: 45–60 minutes, same-day discharge.

Before the procedure

Eyelid examination and measurement, standardized clinical photography, and 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

Apply cold compresses for the first 48 hours, keep the area clean and dry, and take prescribed medications as directed; suture removal is on days 5–7; swelling peaks during the first 3 days, and the fold will gradually soften after 2–4 weeks; follow-up visits are scheduled for day 7, month 1, and month 3.

Possible risks — your doctor explains them before treatment

  • Short, pinkish scar within the crease for 1–3 months
  • Asymmetry between both sides
  • Discontinuous crease in non-incised areas if there is significant excess skin
  • Swelling, bruising, minor hematoma
  • Infection (rare)

Who should NOT have this?

  • Excess eyelid fat, puffy eyelids
  • Excess skin at both the inner and outer corners of the eyes
  • Ptosis due to weak levator muscles
  • Active infection in the eye area
  • Uncontrolled medical conditions
Chân dung BS.Ths.CKII Nguyễn Xuân Vũ

BS.Ths.CKII Nguyễn Xuân Vũ

Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

  • Master of Medicine and Pharmacy — Specialist Level I Surgical Resident, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy (2014–2017)
  • Specialist Level II Doctor in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
  • Specialist Level I in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery — Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine; Specialist Level II in Healthcare Management — University of Public Health
  • Specialty Certificate in Orthopedics and Traumatology and Certificate in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery (2017)
  • Medical Practice License No.: 007827/ĐL-CCHN — Issued by Dak Lak Province Department of Health on 04/12/2017
  • Over 15 years of experience, more than 20,000 surgeries
  • Specialist Level II Doctor in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology (2020–present); previously Lead surgeon for major and minor procedures at Sao Han Hospital (2018–2020)
  • Member of international humanitarian organizations Operation Smile and ReSurge International — performing pro bono reconstructive surgeries for patients with congenital deformities, cleft lip, cleft palate, and ptosis (2022–present)
  • Affiliated with Alcon Pharmaceutical (USA)
  • Member of the Korean College of Cosmetic Surgery (KCCS)
  • Medical Director of BonBoz Clinic
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Frequently asked questions

Does the Mini Line technique leave scars?

There is a short incision scar concealed within the natural eyelid crease, which remains hidden when your eyes are open. The scar may appear pink for the first 1–3 months and will gradually fade over 6–12 months.

How long does the swelling last?

Swelling peaks during the first 3 days, subsides significantly after 1 week, and the crease looks natural within 2–4 weeks; final results fully settle at 3 months.

Can Mini Line remove excess fat?

No, or only a minimal amount. If puffy eyelids are caused by excess fat, full incisional blepharoplasty is required to address it.

Can the crease come undone like non-incisional eyelid surgery?

It is far less likely because excess skin is excised and the crease is securely anchored to the levator aponeurosis; however, natural aging and skin laxity over time may cause the crease to gradually lower.

How does Mini Line differ from full incisional blepharoplasty?

It involves a shorter incision, minimal skin excision, no fat removal, and less swelling. Full incisional blepharoplasty is designed for cases with significant excess skin and thick fat pads.

How soon can I wear makeup and contact lenses?

Eye makeup can be applied 7–10 days after suture removal; contact lenses can be worn after 2 weeks once the swelling has resolved.

Can this procedure be performed if I have previously had non-incisional eyelid surgery?

Yes. The surgeon will remove the old sutures through the incision and redesign the eyelid crease.

Will the results look natural?

The crease is customized based on the distance between your eyelid margin and brow, as well as your skin thickness; the goal is a moderate, defined, and symmetrical crease, not an excessively wide one.

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