Quick answer: Ptosis correction tightens or shortens the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid, so the lid sits higher over the iris and the eyes look more open. It suits people whose lids cover part of the pupil or who lift their brows to see. In Korea it is often paired with double eyelid surgery. Expect about two weeks of visible swelling and several months for final settling.
What is ptosis, and how is it different from heavy eyelids?
Ptosis (blepharoptosis) means the upper eyelid margin itself sits too low because the levator muscle or its tendon is weak, stretched or poorly developed. Heavy or hooded lids are different: the lid margin is in a normal position, but extra skin or fat hangs over it. The distinction matters because removing skin alone does not fix true ptosis, and tightening muscle does not remove a hood. Many people have some of both.
Who needs ptosis correction?
Signs that suggest ptosis rather than just a low crease include:
- The upper lid covers part of the pupil, or more of the iris than on the other side
- You raise your eyebrows or tilt your chin up to see, leading to forehead lines or headaches
- Others say you look tired or sleepy when you are not
- One eye looks visibly smaller than the other
Causes include age-related stretching of the tendon, long-term hard contact lens use, eye rubbing, previous eye surgery and, less often, congenital weakness. Rarely, a droop is a sign of a nerve or muscle condition. Sudden or one-sided ptosis, double vision or a droop that worsens through the day should be assessed by an ophthalmologist or neurologist before any cosmetic surgery.
Functional vs "cosmetic" ptosis surgery in Korea
Korean clinics often market "eye-opening" or "nunmae (eye shape) correction" surgery to people with mild ptosis who want larger-looking eyes. Medically significant ptosis that blocks vision is treated as a functional problem; mild cases are treated as aesthetic. For visitors without Korean national health insurance, either way you pay the full fee, and aesthetic procedures are uninsured for everyone. Check whether the quote includes 10% VAT, as the VAT refund for foreign cosmetic patients ended on 31 December 2025.
What are the surgical methods?
- Incisional levator advancement: through an eyelid-crease incision, the levator tendon is reattached or shortened. The most common approach for moderate ptosis, and it allows a double eyelid crease to be set at the same time.
- Non-incisional (suture) correction: stitches through small openings tighten the muscle. Shorter downtime but suited only to mild ptosis and can relax over time.
- Müller muscle approach (from inside the lid): used for some mild cases with a good response to test drops, leaving no skin scar.
- Frontalis sling: for very weak levator function, the lid is linked to the forehead muscle. This is a specialist procedure, mostly for congenital cases.
The right option depends on measured levator function, not on how dramatic a change you want.
What changes after surgery?
When the operation is planned well, the lid margin sits about 1 to 2 mm below the top of the iris, more of the iris shows, and the eyes look more alert. Many people find they no longer strain their forehead, so brow position may drop slightly. The change is about openness and symmetry, not a different eye shape. Over-correction can make the eyes look startled, which is why careful surgeons prefer a natural lift.
Recovery timeline
- First week: swelling, bruising and tightness; difficulty closing the eyes fully is common at first. Stitches out around day 5 to 7.
- Weeks 2-4: most bruising resolves, and asymmetry from uneven swelling usually improves.
- Months 1-3: lid height and crease continue to settle.
- Around 6 months: close to final result.
Plan to stay in Seoul for at least 7 to 10 days, ideally two weeks, so the surgeon can check lid height after the initial swelling.
What are the risks?
- Under- or over-correction, or asymmetry needing revision
- Dry eye and incomplete eyelid closure (lagophthalmos), usually temporary
- Unnatural crease shape or contour peaks
- Infection, bleeding and scarring
People with dry eye disease, thyroid eye disease or previous eyelid surgery need a particularly careful assessment.
How to choose a surgeon
Ptosis surgery is technically more demanding than a standard double eyelid procedure. Ask whether the doctor measures levator function and marginal reflex distance, how they handle revisions, and who performs the operation. Both plastic surgeons and oculoplastic ophthalmologists perform it. You can compare
plastic surgery and
ophthalmology clinics in the area, and read how crease creation works in our
double eyelid surgery guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can ptosis come back?
Yes, partly. Suture methods can loosen, and aging continues to stretch tissue, so some people need a touch-up years later. Incisional repairs are generally more durable.
Can I have ptosis correction and double eyelid surgery together?
Yes, this is very common in Korea, because both are done through the same crease incision. Recovery is similar to incisional double eyelid surgery, sometimes with slightly longer swelling.
Is ptosis correction done under general anesthesia?
Usually not. Local anesthesia with light sedation is preferred, because the surgeon may ask you to open your eyes during the operation to check lid height.
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Last reviewed: October 2026.
