Botched Ptosis Correction in Korea: Causes, Signs & How to Fix It

Ptosis correction (눈매교정) is one of the most delicate and technically demanding eyelid surgeries performed in Korea. When done correctly, it brightens the eyes, improves symmetry, and creates a more youthful and alert expression.

But when ptosis correction is botched, it often results in asymmetry, difficulty closing the eyes, unnatural staring, weak eyelid opening, or discomfort. Because the levator muscle is involved, even small errors can significantly affect both function and appearance.

Korea is considered one of the global leaders in ptosis revision surgery, and most failed outcomes can be corrected with specialized techniques.

Common Causes of Botched Ptosis Correction

Botched ptosis correction usually results from incorrect muscle adjustment, poor surgical planning, or improper diagnosis of the eyelid anatomy.

✔ Under-correction (insufficient tightening)

Eyes still look sleepy or uneven; eyelid opening is weak.

✔ Over-correction (excessive tightening)

Eyes look too wide, overly alert, or “surprised.” May cause dry eyes.

✔ Asymmetrical correction

One eye opens more than the other due to unequal levator tightening.

✔ Incorrect crease formation

Crease disappears, looks uneven, or appears artificially sharp.

✔ Scarring or adhesion problems

Scar tissue can pull the eyelid in the wrong direction.

✔ Weak or damaged levator muscle

Over-aggressive manipulation can weaken the muscle.

✔ Excessive skin removal

Can cause difficulty closing eyes (lagophthalmos).

✔ Failure to diagnose anatomical differences

Variations in levator strength or fat distribution may be ignored.

Signs Your Ptosis Correction Was Botched

You may be experiencing a botched ptosis surgery if you notice:

• One eyelid opens more than the other
• Sleepy eye appearance persists (under-correction)
• “Staring” or overly wide eyes (over-correction)
• Difficulty closing eyes fully
• Eye dryness or irritation
• Hollow or sunken upper eyelids
• Visible crease asymmetry
• Eyelid feels tight, heavy, or uncomfortable
• Crease fades or disappears quickly
• Eyelid shape looks unnatural compared to the other side

If symptoms remain 3–6 months after surgery, revision may be necessary.

How Korea Fixes Botched Ptosis Surgery (Revision Methods)

Korean eyelid specialists are known for extremely refined revision techniques, often restoring both functionality and aesthetic balance.

1. Revision for Under-Correction (Weak Lift)

When the lid still looks droopy:

Techniques include:

• Additional levator tightening
• Tarsal fixation reinforcement
• Re-anchoring the levator to the cartilage
• Addressing hidden ptosis not corrected initially

This restores stronger eyelid opening and symmetry.

2. Revision for Over-Correction (Over-Lifted Eyelids)

If the eyelid opens too widely or causes dryness:

Revision involves:

• Loosening the levator muscle
• Releasing excessive tension
• Lengthening or repositioning tissue
• Adding volume (fat graft or filler) if hollow

This softens the harsh “staring” look.

3. Asymmetry Correction

Uneven eyelid height is one of the most common reasons for revision.

Options depend on the cause:

• Adjust levator strength on one side
• Revise crease height
• Remove scar tissue pulling one side differently
• Fix unrelated issues like brow compensation

Goal: matching height and shape between eyes.

4. Scar Tissue Release & Re-Adhesion

Scarring can cause unnatural folds or lid movement restrictions.

Fixing involves:

• Removing adhesions
• Smoothing the tissue plane
• Creating a clean attachment between skin & tarsal plate
• Rebuilding a natural eyelid fold

5. Hollow Upper Eyelid Correction

If the eyelids appear sunken or hollow:

Treatments include:

• Micro-fat grafting
• Nano-fat smoothing
• Soft tissue augmentation
• Adjusting levator positioning to restore volume

This helps soften the harsh, overly skeletal appearance.

6. Fixing Difficulty Closing Eyes (Lagophthalmos)

This is one of the most serious complications.

Correction may involve:

• Tissue grafting
• Fat grafting
• Reducing tension on the levator
• Skin grafts (in severe cases)

Improvement in comfort and moisture retention is usually significant.

7. Rebuilding a Natural Eyelid Crease

If the crease looks unnatural, too high, uneven, or disappears:

Revision techniques include:

• Adjusting crease height
• Reinforcing adhesion
• Using partial incision
• Recreating a natural, tapered fold

When to Consider Ptosis Revision in Korea

Revision may be needed if:

• More than 3–6 months have passed with no improvement
• The two eyes look uneven
• You experience dryness, discomfort, or exposure
• The lid looks too open or too droopy
• The crease disappears or is harsh
• The eyelid shape worsened after surgery
• You feel difficulty blinking normally

Severe complications, such as exposure keratitis or infection, require earlier intervention.

Why Korea Is a Top Choice for Ptosis Revision

✔ Extremely skilled in Asian eyelid anatomy

✔ High volume of revision cases

✔ Top-tier expertise in levator adjustment

✔ Natural, balanced crease creation

✔ Gentle techniques with minimal extra scarring

✔ Advanced scar and adhesion management

Korea is known for correcting difficult revision cases from overseas clinics.

How to Avoid Botched Ptosis Surgery in the Future

✔ Choose surgeons specialized in eyes, not general plastic surgery

✔ Avoid overly dramatic eye-opening

✔ Correct ptosis before doing aesthetic crease design

✔ Review real before/after ptosis cases

✔ Ask if you need internal or external ptosis correction

✔ Avoid factory-style, low-cost clinics

A successful ptosis correction must look natural, symmetrical, and functional.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Botched ptosis correction can affect both appearance and eye comfort — but Korea offers some of the most advanced and precise revision techniques in the world. Whether the issue is under-correction, over-correction, asymmetry, or scarring, a skilled Korean ptosis specialist can often restore a natural, balanced eyelid.