Ptosis Correction with Double Eyelid Surgery
Ptosis Correction with Double Eyelid Surgery
Ptosis correction is often performed together with double eyelid surgery in Korea, especially when eyelid drooping affects eye opening, symmetry, or overall facial balance. While double eyelid surgery focuses on creating a crease, ptosis correction addresses eyelid muscle weakness, making it a functional as well as aesthetic procedure.
Understanding how these two procedures work together is essential for achieving natural and stable results.
What Is Ptosis?
Ptosis refers to drooping of the upper eyelid, caused by weakness or dysfunction of the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid (levator muscle). It can affect one or both eyes and may be present from birth or develop over time.
Common signs of ptosis include:
- Eyes that appear sleepy or tired
- Uneven eye opening
- Eyelids covering part of the pupil
- Compensatory forehead lifting or eyebrow strain
In some cases, ptosis affects vision as well as appearance.
Why Ptosis Correction Is Often Combined with Double Eyelid Surgery
Creating a double eyelid crease alone does not correct eyelid drooping. In fact, performing double eyelid surgery without addressing ptosis can lead to:
- Low or unstable creases
- Persistent tired appearance
- Early loosening of the fold
Combining ptosis correction with double eyelid surgery allows the surgeon to:
- Improve eye opening
- Create a more stable and natural crease
- Balance both eyes more accurately
This combination is very common in Korea due to detailed preoperative eye evaluation.
Types of Ptosis Addressed During Eyelid Surgery
Mild Ptosis
Often subtle and sometimes overlooked. Patients may still open their eyes relatively well but lack brightness or symmetry. Mild ptosis is frequently corrected during double eyelid surgery.
Moderate to Severe Ptosis
More noticeable drooping that affects eye opening and facial expression. These cases require direct levator muscle adjustment in addition to crease creation.
How Ptosis Correction Is Performed with Double Eyelid Surgery
During combined surgery:
- The surgeon accesses the eyelid through the double eyelid incision
- The levator muscle is adjusted to improve lifting strength
- The double eyelid crease is designed based on the new eyelid position
This approach allows precise control of:
- Eye opening height
- Crease position
- Symmetry between both eyes
Both incisional and partial-incisional techniques may be used depending on severity.
Benefits of Combining the Procedures
- Brighter, more open-looking eyes
- Improved symmetry
- More stable double eyelid crease
- Reduced forehead and eyebrow strain
- Both functional and aesthetic improvement
When performed correctly, results appear natural rather than “wide-eyed” or overcorrected.
Recovery and Healing
Recovery time is generally slightly longer than double eyelid surgery alone due to muscle adjustment.
Typical recovery expectations:
- Swelling peaks within the first 1–2 weeks
- Gradual softening over several weeks
- Final results stabilize over 2–3 months
Temporary tightness or asymmetry during healing is common and usually resolves with time.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Not all patients who want larger or brighter eyes actually need ptosis correction. Overcorrection can lead to:
- Eye dryness
- Difficulty closing eyes fully
- Unnatural appearance
An experienced surgeon evaluates:
- Eyelid muscle strength
- Eye-opening measurements
- Brow compensation habits
This ensures ptosis correction is performed only when truly necessary.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ptosis correction with double eyelid surgery may be suitable for:
- Patients with droopy or sleepy-looking eyes
- Individuals with uneven eye opening
- Patients whose double eyelids repeatedly loosen
- Revision surgery cases
A thorough in-person evaluation is essential.
Final Thoughts
Ptosis correction combined with double eyelid surgery is a highly refined procedure in Korea, offering both functional improvement and aesthetic balance. When properly diagnosed and performed, it enhances eye openness while maintaining natural expression.
Choosing an experienced surgeon who understands eyelid mechanics—not just crease creation—is critical for safe and long-lasting results.




