What is revision blepharoplasty?
Eyelid tissue is thin and forgiving the first time; the second time it is scarred, and there is less of it. That is why revision work is less about making a new crease and more about undoing what holds the lid in the wrong place — adhesions, over-removed fat, a levator that was stitched too tightly or too loosely.
Common requests include lowering a crease that looks surprised, smoothing a sunken upper lid, evening out two eyes that no longer match, and correcting a lower lid that has pulled down after lower blepharoplasty. Where the lower lid shows white below the iris, lower eyelid retraction surgery techniques are used.
When should you consider eyelid revision?
- A crease that is too high, too deep or has split into two or three lines.
- Hollow or sunken upper lids after too much fat was taken.
- Asymmetry in crease height or lid opening.
- Persistent bags or loose skin after earlier lower-lid surgery.
- Stiff, visible or uneven scars or difficulty closing the eye.
Please bring or send any records from your first surgery. Knowing the technique used helps Dr. Lee plan safely.
Which revision technique fixes which problem?
| Main cause | Typical correction | Downtime | |
| High or multiple crease | Scar adhesion at wrong level | Release and re-fix at a lower line | 10–14 days |
| Sunken upper lid | Fat over-removed | Fat repositioning or grafting | 10–14 days |
| Eyes look sleepy | Ptosis missed or under-corrected | Levator adjustment | 10–14 days |
| Lower lid pulled down | Too much skin removed | Lid support, sometimes grafting | 2–3 weeks |
How is revision eyelid surgery performed?
Before & after
Before
After
Browse further eyelid results in our before & after gallery.
What is recovery like after revision blepharoplasty?
| Day 1–4 | Swelling is usually more than after a first operation; cold compresses, head elevated. |
|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | Stitches removed and early shape checked. |
| Week 2–3 | Bruising gone; most people back at work. |
| Month 3–6 | Scar tissue softens and the crease settles — final judgement waits until then. |
“In revision surgery, the first thing I protect is how the eye closes. Shape comes after that.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the limits and risks?
Revision outcomes are less predictable than primary surgery because scarred tissue heals less evenly. Swelling lasts longer, and a second small adjustment is occasionally needed. A crease that was set very high can often be lowered, but not always to the exact height of an untouched lid. Dr. Lee will tell you plainly what she expects can be improved and what probably cannot.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after my first surgery can I have a revision?
Usually after at least six months, when swelling has gone and scar tissue has matured. Earlier intervention is sometimes needed for problems such as poor eye closure.
Can a crease that is too high be lowered?
Often, yes, by releasing the old fixation and restoring tissue between skin and muscle, although the result depends on how much tissue remains.
Can you fix sunken eyelids?
Hollowness from over-removed fat can be improved by repositioning remaining fat or grafting fat from elsewhere.
Is revision more painful than the first surgery?
Discomfort is usually similar, but swelling tends to last longer.
Will I need my old surgical records?
They are very helpful. Photos from before your first surgery are also useful.
Who performs the revision?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung performs the consultation, surgery and follow-up personally.