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Surgery · 눈매교정

Ptosis Correction for Droopy or Sleepy Eyes

Surgery that shortens or tightens the eyelid-lifting muscle so more of the iris shows and the eyes look less tired.

Quick facts
  • Korean name: 눈매교정
  • Procedure time: 60 to 90 minutes
  • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with light sedation, so you can open your eyes on request
  • Sessions: 1
  • Downtime: 10 to 14 days of swelling
  • Results: Eye height judged at about 1 month; final shape at 3 to 6 months
  • Lasts: Long-lasting; some patients drop slightly over years
  • Typical price: ₩650,000–₩1,500,000 (per surgery, both eyes, ptosis part only)

What is Ptosis Correction (Eye Opening Correction)?

In Korea, eye-opening correction (눈매교정) is the cosmetic version of ptosis surgery. It strengthens the levator muscle so the upper lid sits higher and covers less of the dark part of the eye.

A normal upper lid covers about 1 to 2 mm of the iris. If yours covers more, a double eyelid alone will often look heavy, which is why the two procedures are frequently done together.

How it works

Through an incision in the crease line (or small punctures in the non-incisional version), the surgeon folds or advances the levator aponeurosis or Muller muscle and fixes it to the tarsal plate. You are asked to open your eyes during surgery so the height can be matched on both sides.

Medically significant ptosis that blocks vision can be covered by Korean national insurance, but only for people enrolled in it. Most international patients pay the cosmetic price.

Who it suits

  • Lids that cover more than 2 mm of the iris
  • A habit of raising the eyebrows to open the eyes
  • Tired or sleepy appearance
  • Uneven eye opening between sides

Who should skip it or wait

  • Droopy brows rather than droopy lids
  • Ptosis caused by nerve or muscle disease, which needs an oculoplastic workup
  • Severe dry eye

Side effects and risks

  • Over- or under-correction
  • Asymmetric eye opening
  • Incomplete lid closure and dry eye in the first weeks
  • Need for a revision

Aftercare

  • Use lubricating eye drops, especially at night
  • Sleep with the head raised for 1 week
  • Avoid screens for long stretches in the first few days
  • Return for height check before flying

Planning around your trip

Stay 7 to 10 days: stitches come out on day 5 to 7, and the surgeon will want to check eye height before you fly.

Plastic Surgery clinics near Apgujeong

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

Ptosis Correction (Eye Opening Correction) price in Apgujeong

₩650,000–₩1,500,000
per surgery, both eyes, ptosis part only

Typical range at clinics around Apgujeong, Sinsa and Cheongdam, checked 2026-10. Source: Banksalad, ptosis surgery cost and insurance (2026-04). Cosmetic treatments in Korea carry 10% VAT; ask whether a quote includes it.

Full Ptosis Correction (Eye Opening Correction) price breakdown →

Ptosis Correction (Eye Opening Correction) questions

How do I know if I need eye-opening correction and not just a double eyelid?

The surgeon measures the distance from the pupil centre to the lid edge (MRD1). If it is under about 3 mm, a crease alone will usually look heavy.

Why do I have to open my eyes during surgery?

The muscle is tightened in small steps, and your active opening shows the surgeon when both sides match. Sedation is kept light for this reason.

My eyes don't close fully after surgery. Is that normal?

A small gap during sleep is common for 1 to 3 weeks. Use the prescribed gel at night and tell the clinic if it lasts longer than a month.

Does the price include the double eyelid?

Usually not. Many Gangnam clinics price eye-opening correction as an add-on to incisional double eyelid surgery, so check whether the quote is combined.

Can it be done without an incision?

Yes, a suture-based version exists for mild ptosis. It recovers faster but is less precise and can relapse.

Will my brows drop afterwards?

Often slightly, because you no longer need to lift them to see. Some patients notice more upper lid skin as a result.

Plan your visit

Get a quote before you fly

Send the treatment, your dates and any past procedures. We reply in English with options, prices and clinic locations near Apgujeong Station.