Eyelid ptosis correction surgery

Eyelid Ptosis Correction: Rejuvenate Your Appearance and Vision

Eyelid ptosis correction surgery, also known as age-related blepharoplasty, is frequently sought by patients over the age of 35, though younger individuals also opt for it. The primary goal of this surgery is to eliminate the ‘tired’, half-closed eye appearance and remove excess skin and fatty tissue.

There are several surgical methods, but in South Korea, the classic transcutaneous approach is often preferred. This involves the surgeon making incisions through several layers of the eyelid, removing excesses, and lifting the muscle that opens the upper eyelid, sometimes attaching it to the cartilage.

This type of blepharoplasty is considered the most complex but also the most effective, as it allows for the correction of even the smallest imperfections through the transcutaneous method.

Eyelid ptosis correction is performed under sedation and local anesthesia, requiring patient participation – you will need to open and close your eyes several times and look upwards during the procedure.

Watch our videos on blepharoplasty and Asian eyelid surgery here YouTube.

Brief information about the surgery

  • Duration of Surgery: 40-60 minutes

  • Type of Anesthesia: Sedation and local anesthesia

  • Hospitalization: 1-2 hours

  • Return to Normal Life: The following day

  • Clinic Visits: 2-3 times

  • Removal: On the 7th day

Why patients consider ptosis correction of the eyelids

Patients often contemplate eyelid ptosis correction for various reasons:

  • Congenital absence or underdevelopment of the levator muscle: This condition can make the eyes appear tired and sleepy, even at a young age. Surgeons recommend undergoing surgery soon after reaching adulthood to prevent further drooping of the eyelid.

  • Past Illnesses (stroke, meningitis, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, cerebral abscess, diabetic neuropathy, etc.): In these cases, it’s essential to consult both a plastic surgeon and a neurologist.

  • Facial trauma in adulthood: Injuries and wounds can significantly alter facial appearance. Patients should provide photographs and a detailed medical history to receive accurate consultation regarding treatment.

  • Self-administered or unprofessionally administered botox injections: Incorrectly administered injections can affect the size and function of the orbicularis oculi muscle. The effects of the drug will dissipate after a few months, but the muscle function may be partially lost and require plastic surgery for correction.

  • Age-related changes: As we age, facial muscles and skin weaken and start to sag. This natural process can be halted or slowed down with blepharoplasty.

Who is a good candidate for the surgery?

Eyelid ptosis correction is suitable for individuals whose eyelids are drooping due to muscle weakness or damage. This is often related to aging but can also result from genetic factors or trauma. Candidates typically experience vision difficulties due to partial obstruction of their field of vision by the drooping eyelid and may be concerned about the aesthetic appearance of their eyes. Ideal patients for this surgery should be in overall good health and have no medical contraindications to surgical intervention.

Why South Korea?

South Korea annually performs more cosmetic procedures and surgeries than any other country in the world. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical university graduates can become plastic surgeons here. Korean equipment and medical devices are on par with those from the USA and Germany, placing it in the top 3 countries for the best technical equipment in clinics.

All blepharoplasty surgeries are conducted in accredited clinics, authorized to work with international patients and staffed with in-house anesthesiologists. All surgeons operating on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience, specialize in blepharoplasty, and do not operate on more than two patients per day. Please fill out the form so we can calculate the cost of treatment, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a travel plan to South Korea for your surgery.

Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE to calculate your treatment cost, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a travel plan for surgery in South Korea.

How to prepare for blepharoplasty in South Korea:

  1. Avoid food and water 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

  2. Refrain from taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including Advil or Motrin), and other medications that can increase the risk of severe bleeding for two weeks before the surgery. Tylenol is only prohibited for three days before the operation.

  3. Do not smoke, including hookah and e-cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the tissue healing process. If you smoke, the doctor will recommend quitting before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to operate on smokers due to the high risk of complications. Avoid being around smoking relatives and friends or in public smoking areas.

  4. Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any surgeries you have undergone. Discuss any medications you are taking or have taken recently. Please do not withhold this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

  5. Visit the surgeon for an examination and show them photos of the desired result. Try to choose photos where the eyes are makeup-free, and their natural size and the owner’s nationality are similar to yours.

  6. If you have had tests done less than a month ago, bring them with you. If not, we will conduct all necessary tests in Korea.

  7. Arrange for someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to come by car.

  8. Place items near your bed that may be needed during rest, such as lip balm, water, chocolate, or a mobile phone.

Surgery process

Before the surgery begins, the surgeon will discuss with the patient the desired height of the eyelid fold and make a design – marking lines on the face where incisions will be made.

Next, the patient receives sedative anesthesia intravenously and local anesthetic injections are administered to the eyelids. The surgeon then commences the operation – removing excess skin and fat beneath the eyelids, followed by adjusting the position of the muscle that opens and closes the eye, and suturing each tissue layer.

During the surgery, the patient is momentarily awakened and asked to open and close their eyes several times. This allows the surgeon to remove the necessary amount of tissue and ensure symmetry of both eyes. After the surgery and the final external sutures are in place, the patient is awakened and escorted to the recovery room.

Post-surgery expectations

After the surgery, a translator and nurses will awaken you and assist you to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment, feeling as if they woke up in a warm bed – a common effect of anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after awakening, you may experience chills, which will quickly subside. A warming mattress is placed on your bed to enhance comfort during this period. You will feel minimal pain due to the analgesics used during surgery. However, you will feel your eyelids swelling – a sign of the body’s regeneration process. Medical plasters are fixed on your face; do not touch or remove them to see the results – this is strictly prohibited.

Soon after awakening, you will be given a cold compress to place over your eyes. Frequent use of the compress in the first week post-surgery helps reduce swelling more rapidly.

You remain in the clinic for another 1-2 hours post-surgery, with a catheter in your arm administering medication. After the IV drip is completed and the catheter removed, the coordinator and nurses will check your condition. If you do not exhibit symptoms like dizziness or nausea, you can prepare for discharge: changing clothes, collecting medications, and receiving post-operative instructions.

In the evening before sleep, use several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take prescribed pain medication. Apply a cold compress every few minutes. Tears may secrete from your eyes; gently wipe them with a tissue.

Expect swelling to increase over the next three days, potentially affecting the eyelids and even the forehead, along with the appearance of bruises and hematoma. Do not be alarmed; continue to use the cold compress and follow rehabilitation guidelines. After the sutures are removed by the surgeon, the swelling begins to subside, and nurses will treat the surgical area, remove any crusts, and you will be discharged without bandages or plasters.

Book a Consultation Today!

Schedule a consultation with a clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today. Book your appointment by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us via any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Blepharoplasty recovery process: a step-by-step guide

Immediately after the procedure: In the initial hours post-surgery, patients typically experience minimal pain. It’s common to have tearful eyes and a slight bleeding. You can leave the clinic 2-3 hours after the surgery, provided you don’t experience nausea, weakness, or dizziness.

Days 1-2: Frequently apply a cold compress and try to sleep with your head elevated. Swelling and bruising at the surgery site are normal, as is the feeling of grit in your eyes. Fatigue in the eyes by evening is also common. Patience is key during this phase.

Days 3-7: Swelling begins to subside but may move down the face, causing puffy cheeks and jawline. Avoid sports and activities requiring you to bend over. On day 7, the surgeon will examine you and remove stitches. Nurses will treat the wounds and gently remove any crusts.

Days 7-14: You’ll notice reduced swelling and fading bruises, and a gradual return to normal life. Regular, lengthy walks are advised for quicker recovery. Continue applying healing ointment to help with stitch absorption, making the surgery nearly unnoticeable soon.

Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. Intense workouts and physical exercises should still be avoided. Stitches start to fade and can be easily concealed with makeup.

Days 21-30: Some morning swelling in the eyes may persist. Eyelids might appear different and asymmetrical each day, depending on your sleeping position. This is normal and temporary.

Days 31-60: Remaining swelling gradually diminishes, symmetry is restored, and eyelids settle into their permanent shape and position.

Days 60-90: Swimming in the sea and sunbathing are now possible, but avoid diving and rubbing your eyes to protect the healing tissues. Always apply sunscreen.

1 year post-operation: Complete end of the rehabilitation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

We inform our patients about the total cost, which includes postoperative care, anesthesia, hospital stay, medications, and even VAT (which can be refunded as tax-free). The cost of surgery ranges from 2,500,000 to 6,000,000 won, depending on the clinic and the exact type of surgery or combination of surgeries. Accredited plastic surgeons in Korea, who work with international patients, warn that the price may change after a personal examination and information about whether it is your first or revision surgery.

Before & After

Patient results may vary. Please remember that to provide you with detailed information about treatment and your trip, you need to fill out a QUESTIONNAIRE, describe your desired results in detail, and attach your photos. The information provided on the website does not guarantee that this procedure is suitable for you.