Revision blepharoplasty

If your first eyelid surgery didn’t yield the desired results, it’s recommended to wait for 6-12 months before considering a revision procedure. Patience is key as you wait for swelling to subside and tissues to heal completely.

Short surgery information

  • Duration: 40-60 minutes

  • Anesthesia: Sedation and local anesthesia

  • Hospitalization: 1-2 hours

  • Return to normal life: The next day

  • Clinic visits: 2-3 times

  • Stitches removal: 7th day

Why are patients considering revision blepharoplasty

  • Asymmetry: Asymmetry after blepharoplasty can result from various factors, including surgical errors, non-compliance with post-op instructions, or the patient’s individual anatomical features.

  • Eversion of the lower lid: This can lead to discomfort such as a feeling of grittiness in the eyes or excessive dryness. Correcting the lid’s position is a simple, short procedure taking 15-20 minutes.

  • Prominent scarring: Some patients opt for revision surgery because even after 6-12 months, scars remain visible on the skin. In such cases, it’s possible to remove part of the scarred skin and reattach the tissues, but this requires meticulous post-operative care, including scar-reducing creams and silicone patches.

Candidates for surgery

Revision blepharoplasty is typically suitable for those who are dissatisfied with the results of their previous surgery or have encountered age-related changes after the initial procedure. Candidates may experience issues such as eyelid asymmetry, inadequate or excessive tissue removal, or the development of noticeable irregularities and scars over time. It may also be recommended for patients whose aesthetic preferences have changed or who have experienced new health issues affecting their eyelid appearance. Realistic expectations and an understanding of potential risks are essential for candidates considering a revision surgery.

Why South Korea?

South Korea is renowned for conducting the highest number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries worldwide. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates become plastic surgeons. Korea’s medical equipment and technology are on par with the USA and Germany, placing it among the top three countries with the best-equipped clinics.

All blepharoplasty procedures are performed in accredited clinics authorized to treat foreign patients, with in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons operating on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience specializing in blepharoplasty and operate on no more than two patients per day.

How to prepare for repeat blepharoplasty in South Korea

  • Fasting: Refrain from eating or drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

  • Medication: Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding for 2 weeks before the surgery. Tylenol should only be avoided for 3 days before the surgery.

  • Smoking: Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the tissue healing process. If you are a smoker, the doctor may recommend quitting before the surgery. Some surgeons may refuse to perform the surgery on smoking patients due to the high risk of complications. Avoid being around smokers, whether family or friends, and in public smoking areas.

  • Medical history: Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

  • Consultation with the surgeon: Visit the surgeon for a consultation and show them photos of your desired results. Try to choose photos where the eyes are without makeup, and their natural size and ethnicity are similar to yours.

  • Medical tests: If you had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, all necessary tests will be done in Korea.

  • Transportation: Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.

  • Prepare for recovery: Place items near your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone.

The process of repeat blepharoplasty

Repeat blepharoplasty can be performed in various ways, depending on the specific issue you have consulted the plastic surgeon for. The standard process includes discussing the operation details, designing, local and sedative anesthesia, and stitching after the surgeon’s work is completed.

What to expect after surgery

After the surgery, a translator and medical nurses will wake you up and help you move to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment, and it may seem like they woke up in a warm bed, thanks to the anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel a chill; however, it will quickly pass. There is a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There will be minimal pain, as it is alleviated with pain-relieving injections and medications used during the surgery. You may feel some swelling in the upper eyelids as the regeneration process begins. Medical patches will be applied to your face; do not touch them with your hands or remove them to see the result – it is strictly prohibited.

A cold compress will be brought to you shortly after waking up, which you should place on your eyes. The more often you use the compress during the first week after surgery, the faster the swelling will subside.

You will remain in the clinic for 1-2 hours after the operation. A catheter will be in your arm, and medications will be administered intravenously. After the drip and catheter removal, the coordinator and medical nurses will check your condition. If you do not experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change clothes, pick up medications, and receive post-operative instructions.

Before going to bed, put several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the prescribed pain medication, which contains a pain reliever. Apply a cold compress every few minutes. Tears may come from your eyes; gently wipe them with a tissue.

Over the next three days, swelling may increase, and the upper eyelids and even the forehead may become swollen, bruises and blood spots may appear. Do not be alarmed and continue to apply a cold compress and follow the rehabilitation rules. After the surgeon removes the stitches on the 5th-7th day after the operation, the swelling will start to subside, and the nurses will treat the surgical area, remove scabs, and let you go home without bandages and patches.

Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!

You can book a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or by contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Blepharoplasty recovery process

Immediately after the procedure: Pain is minimal in the first few hours after the surgery. Tears and slight bleeding from the eyes may occur. You can leave the clinic within 1-3 hours after the operation if you don’t experience symptoms like nausea, weakness, or dizziness.

Days 1-2: Apply cold compresses as often as possible. Sleep in an elevated position. Facial swelling begins, and there may be bruises and swelling at the surgery site. You may experience a gritty feeling in the eyes. By evening, your eyes may feel tired.

Days 3-7: Swelling starts to subside, but it may move downward, making cheeks and cheeks appear swollen. Avoid activities that involve bending the head downward. On the 7th day, the surgeon examines and removes stitches, and nurses treat wounds and gently remove scabs.

Days 7-14: Swelling reduces, and any remaining bruises disappear. Return to normal daily activities. Regular extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Apply healing ointment to help dissolve stitches, making the surgery less noticeable.

Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities comfortably. Continue to avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. Stitches begin to fade and can be easily concealed with makeup.

Days 21-30: Eyes may still be swollen, especially in the mornings. Eyelids may appear different and asymmetrical each day, depending on your sleeping position. This is normal and will resolve soon.

Days 31-60: Residual swelling gradually subsides. Symmetry is restored, and eyelids assume a constant position and shape.

Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and sunbathe, but avoid diving and rubbing your eyes to avoid harming healing tissues. Always use sunscreen.

1 year after the operation: Full recovery is achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide our patients with the final cost, which includes post-operative care, anesthesia, hospital stay, medications, and even VAT (which can be refunded as tax-free). To estimate the cost of revision blepharoplasty, add 500,000 – 1,000,000 KRW to the cost of your planned surgery. On average, this amounts to 2,200,000 – 4,500,000 KRW. Accredited plastic surgeons in Korea working with foreign patients caution that the surgery cost may change after a personal examination and more information about the planned procedure.

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.