Ptosis Correction (Eye Ptosis Surgery) in Korea
“What Is Ptosis Correction?”
Ptosis (eyelid drooping) is a condition where the upper eyelid margin falls below its normal position, covering part of the pupil and making eyes look sleepy, dull, or uneven. Ptosis correction is a specialized functional-cosmetic surgery that tightens the weak levator palpebrae superioris muscle (eyelid lifting muscle) to restore normal eyelid position, brighten eyes, and improve vision blocked by droopy lids.
Unlike simple double eyelid surgery, ptosis correction targets the root cause (weak eyelid muscle) – not just creating a crease. It solves both functional issues (impaired vision, eye strain) and cosmetic concerns (sleepy eyes, facial asymmetry) for natural, alert, and symmetrical eyes.
Doctor’s Message
“Many patients mistake ptosis for ‘small eyes’ and get double eyelid surgery alone – this only creates a crease without fixing the droopy muscle, leaving eyes still looking sleepy. True ptosis correction requires precise diagnosis of muscle weakness and customized tightening: levator shortening for mild-moderate ptosis, frontalis sling for severe cases. Our goal is to create alert, symmetrical eyes that function normally and match your facial proportions – no over-correction, just natural, refreshed results.”
Operation Information
- Surgery Time : 1 - 2 Hours (Depends on ptosis severity)
- Anesthesia Type : Local Anesthesia + IV Sedation
- Hospitalization : Same Day (No overnight stay)
- Stitch Removal : 5 - 7 Days
- Swelling Peak : 2 - 3 Days Post-Op
- Recovery Time : 2 - 3 Weeks (Daily activities)
- Full Recovery : 1 - 2 Months (Natural eyelid movement)
Types of Eyelid Ptosis
Mild Ptosis: Eyelid covers 1-2mm of pupil → Looks sleepy, minor asymmetry
Moderate Ptosis: Eyelid covers 2-4mm of pupil → Noticeable drooping, eye strain
Severe Ptosis: Eyelid covers >4mm of pupil → Vision impairment, heavy eyelid feeling
Unilateral Ptosis: Drooping in one eye → Severe facial asymmetry
Acquired Ptosis: Caused by aging, injury, or previous eye surgery
VIP Ptosis Correction Surgical Methods
01. Levator Muscle Shortening (Incision)
Standard method for mild-moderate ptosis: Incise along the double eyelid line, shorten/tighten the weak levator muscle, and fix it to the tarsal plate. Creates a natural double eyelid while correcting drooping.
- Best For: Mild/moderate congenital/acquired ptosis
- Benefits: Permanent results, combined with double eyelid
- Scar: Hidden in double eyelid crease
02. Frontalis Sling Surgery (Severe Ptosis)
Advanced method for severe ptosis (non-functional levator muscle): Use autologous fascia or medical thread to connect the eyelid to the frontalis muscle (forehead muscle), using forehead strength to lift the eyelid.
- Best For: Severe/congenital ptosis, failed previous ptosis surgery
- Benefits: Restores full eyelid lift, improves vision
- Incisions: Minimal hidden incisions (eyelid + forehead)
Ptosis Correction Surgical Process
Step 1: Precise Ptosis Diagnosis
Measure levator muscle strength and pupil coverage to classify ptosis severity (mild/moderate/severe) and select the optimal surgical method.
Step 2: Customized Design
Design symmetrical eyelid crease and lift height, ensuring balanced results for both eyes (critical for unilateral ptosis).
Step 3: Anesthesia & Incision
Local anesthesia + sedation for comfort. Minimal incisions (hidden in crease) to access the levator/frontalis muscle.
Step 4: Muscle Tightening/Lifting
Precision shortening of levator muscle (mild-moderate) or frontalis sling fixation (severe) to restore ideal eyelid position.
Step 5: Suturing & Recovery
Fine suturing for minimal scarring. Soft dressing applied, with detailed post-op care instructions for fast healing.
Ideal Candidates for Ptosis Correction
- Patients with droopy upper eyelids covering the pupil (sleepy eyes)
- Patients with unilateral/bilateral eyelid asymmetry
- Patients experiencing eye strain, headaches, or vision block from ptosis
- Patients unsatisfied with previous double eyelid surgery (still sleepy eyes)
- Aging patients with acquired (age-related) eyelid drooping
- Patients with congenital ptosis (since childhood)
- Patients wanting alert, bright eyes without a tired appearance
VIP Ptosis Correction Core Advantages
- Precise muscle diagnosis (customized method for mild/moderate/severe ptosis)
- Dual function + cosmetic correction (fixes vision + brightens eyes)
- Hidden incisions (scars invisible in natural eyelid crease)
- Symmetry guarantee (balanced results for unilateral/bilateral cases)
- Minimal swelling (micro-surgical techniques for fast recovery)
- Permanent results (long-lasting muscle fixation, no re-drooping)
- Combined with double eyelid (optional, for complete eye refinement)
Before & After
* Temporary side effects include swelling, bruising, mild tightness, or dry eyes (resolves in 1-2 weeks). Over-correction (eyelid gap) is rare and adjustable in follow-up. Results vary by muscle condition, age, and healing speed. Avoid rubbing eyes during recovery to prevent suture loosening. Please discuss all risks with your surgeon before surgery.
Post-Operative Care
- Apply cold compresses for 2-3 days to reduce swelling/bruising
- Sleep with head elevated (2-3 pillows) for 1 week
- Avoid rubbing, pressing, or stretching eyelids for 1 month
- No eye makeup, contact lenses, or swimming for 3 weeks
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and spicy food for 4 weeks
- Use prescribed eye drops for dryness (as directed by surgeon)
FAQ
Start your free online consultation today!
Our ptosis correction specialists will diagnose your eyelid muscle strength and classify ptosis severity to recommend the optimal customized method (levator shortening/frontalis sling). We fix the root cause of droopy eyes for alert, symmetrical, and functional eyes – no more sleepy or tired-looking eyes. Free online consultations via WhatsApp for international patients – share your eye photos, and we will provide a detailed personalized plan.