Eyes · Sinsa, Gangnam · Seoul

Eye Widening Surgery in Seoul

For eyes that look small, narrow or hooded even when you are wide awake. Dr. Lee Yoo-jung works out which direction is limiting your eye — upper lid, inner corner, outer corner or lower lid — and treats only those.

Free consultation on WhatsApp → See before & after
Larger, brighter-looking eyes after eye widening surgery at UE Plastic Surgery, Gangnam
1–2 hrs depending on combination
5–7 days until stitches out
7–10 days recommended stay in Seoul
14 yrs Dr. Lee as a board-certified surgeon

The short answer

Eye widening surgery is an umbrella term for procedures that make the eye opening look larger. Depending on the cause, it may combine eye-opening (ptosis) correction to raise the upper lid, epicanthoplasty at the inner corner, lateral canthoplasty at the outer corner, or lower-lid lowering. Most combinations need about a week before stitches are out and two to four weeks for swelling to settle.

Dr. Lee Yoo-jung, board-certified plastic surgeon
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lee Yoo-jung , board-certified plastic surgeon · M.D., Ajou University · former director, Banobagi
Last reviewed
i.

What is eye widening surgery?

Eyes can look small for different reasons: an upper lid that covers too much iris, a skin fold hiding the inner corner, a short outer corner, or a lower lid that sits high. Each needs a different fix, and doing all of them when only one is needed rarely looks better.

Eye widening surgery therefore means a tailored combination. The most effective single step is usually eye-opening (ptosis) correction, which shows more of the iris. Horizontal width comes from epicanthoplasty at the inner corner and, more modestly, outer-corner work like almond eye surgery.

ii.

Who is eye widening surgery for?

  • Eyes that look sleepy with the upper lid covering part of the iris.
  • Inner corners hidden by a fold making the eyes look close-set.
  • A short or rounded outer corner with little horizontal length.
  • A lower lid that sits high covering the bottom edge of the iris.
  • Healthy eyes and a wish for brighter, not dramatically different, eyes.

Eye widening cannot change the size of the eyeball itself. It changes how much of the eye is visible, which is why careful, proportionate planning matters.

iii.

Which eye widening technique do I need?

Eye-opening correction Inner-corner (epicanthoplasty) Outer-corner / lower-lid
Direction Vertical Horizontal (inward) Horizontal / downward
Visible change Often the largest Moderate Subtle
Scar In the crease Small, at inner corner At outer corner or inside lid
Swelling 2–3 weeks 2–4 weeks 2–4 weeks
Main caution Asymmetry Overly exposed pink corner Relapse, lid pull-down
iv.

How is eye widening surgery planned and done?

01 Four-direction analysis Dr. Lee measures lid height, inner-corner distance, eye length and lower-lid position, then explains which ones are worth changing.
02 Anaesthesia Local anaesthesia with IV sedation for most combinations.
03 Vertical first If needed, the eye-opening muscle is adjusted and the crease set, since this changes the eye most.
04 Corners last Inner or outer corner work is done in measured millimetres, checking balance with you sitting up.
v.

Before & after

Before and after upper eyelid surgery: more open, brighter eyes with greater visible iris Before After
Case by Dr. Lee Yoo-jung at UE Plastic Surgery. Shared with the patient's written consent. Individual results vary.

Browse more eye cases in our before & after gallery.

vi.

What is the recovery after eye widening surgery?

Day 1–3 Swelling, tightness and mild bruising; cold packs and rest.
Day 5–7 Stitches removed from crease and corners.
Week 2–4 Corners look pink but presentable; light make-up allowed.
Month 3–6 Corner scars mature and the eye shape settles.

“Bigger is not always better. I widen the eye until it suits the face, and then I stop.”

Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief Director
vii.

What are the risks of eye widening surgery?

Each component carries its own risks: asymmetry of lid height, over-exposed or reddened inner corners, visible corner scars, partial relapse of outer-corner changes and, with lower-lid work, pull-down or dryness. Combining several steps adds swelling time. Dr. Lee often recommends fewer steps done well. If a previous widening procedure has left the lower lid low, see lower eyelid retraction surgery.

viii.

Frequently asked questions

How much bigger will my eyes look?

It depends on what is limiting them. Raising a low upper lid usually gives the most visible change; corner work adds a few millimetres.

Do I need all four directions?

Rarely. Most patients benefit from one or two steps, and Dr. Lee will tell you if extra steps would add little.

Is eye widening the same as double eyelid surgery?

Not quite. A crease alone defines the lid; widening also changes how much of the eye is exposed.

Will the corner scars show?

They are pink for a few months and usually become faint, though inner-corner scars need careful aftercare.

Can it be reversed?

Some changes can be partly revised, but none are simply reversible, which is why conservative planning matters.

How long should I stay in Seoul?

Seven to ten days is usually enough for stitch removal and a review.

Continue reading

Related procedures.

i. Ptosis Correction Raising a low upper lid. ii. Epicanthoplasty Inner-corner widening. iii. Almond Eye Surgery A longer outer corner. iv. Cat Eye Surgery A lifted outer corner. v. Double Eyelid Surgery A defined crease. vi. Asian Eyelid Surgery Design for East Asian lids.

Free consultation · English-speaking

Let’s talk.

Send Dr. Lee a straight-on photo of your eyes on WhatsApp and she will explain which direction is holding them back.

WhatsApp us → +82 2 516 6160
Address
16F, 616 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Sinsa Station Exit 6
Hours
Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 · Sat 09:30–15:30
Surgeon
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung, board-certified plastic surgeon

This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. Results and recovery differ between individuals.