Botched Eyelid Lift Surgery in Korea

Eugene Lee • November 16, 2025

Eyelid lift surgery is one of the most commonly performed facial procedures in Korea, thanks to its natural-looking results and advanced surgical techniques. But like all delicate eyelid procedures, outcomes can vary. When an eyelid lift heals poorly or produces an unnatural look, patients may describe the result as a “botched eyelid lift” or “failed eyelid lift surgery.”

This guide explains what causes a botched eyelid lift, how to recognize the signs, and what revision solutions are available in Korea.

What Is a Botched Eyelid Lift?

A botched eyelid lift (upper blepharoplasty or lower blepharoplasty) occurs when the results do not match the intended design, create functional issues, or cause cosmetic abnormalities.

Common Types of Botched Outcomes

• Uneven eyelid height

One eyelid appears higher, lower, or more hollow than the other.

• Excessive skin removal

Leads to difficulty closing eyes or incomplete blinking.

• Hollowness or sunken eyes

Often caused by aggressive fat removal.

• Harsh or unnatural eyelid crease

A sharply defined or overly high fold that does not suit the face.

• Lower eyelid pulled down (ectropion)

A downward-slanted or droopy under-eye.

• Asymmetrical eye shape or round-eye deformity

Changes the natural eye contour.

• Persistent swelling or scarring

May distort the final shape.

Why Eyelid Lift Surgery Fails in the First Place

Even in Korea — a global leader in eye surgery — poor outcomes can occur due to complex anatomy or healing differences.

1. Incorrect Surgical Design

The crease height or skin removal plan wasn’t appropriate for your eye anatomy, brow position, or skin type.

2. Over- or Under-Correction

Too much adjustment can cause stiffness; too little can leave drooping or heaviness.

3. Aggressive Fat Removal

Removing too much fat creates a hollow, aged, or skeletal look.

4. Scar Tissue Formation

Scar tension may distort the crease or eye shape as healing progresses.

5. Ignored Ptosis (Droopy Muscle)

If true ptosis wasn’t corrected, results appear heavy or uneven.

6. Downward Pulling on Lower Eyelid

A lower blepharoplasty complication that can cause “sad-eye” deformity.

Signs Your Eyelid Lift May Be Botched

Visible Asymmetry

Differences in crease height, volume, symmetry, or eye size.

Trouble Closing Eyes

Red flag for excessive skin removal or muscle disruption.

Round or Pulled-Down Eye Shape

Common in over-tightened lower eyelid lifts.

Sunken Upper Eyelids (Hollowness)

Gives a tired or aged appearance.

Harsh, High, or Unnatural Crease

A fold that is too high or too sharp.

Persistent Puffiness

Indicates uneven fat removal or internal scarring.

Revision Options for Botched Eyelid Lift Surgery

Revision surgery is often highly successful in Korea because Korean surgeons specialize in delicate eyelid reconstruction.

1. Crease Redesign & Re-Fixation

Creates a softer, more natural fold.

2. Ptosis Correction

Improves muscle strength, opens the eyes, and corrects asymmetry.

3. Fat Grafting or Fat Repositioning

Restores volume in hollow or sunken eyelids.

4. Skin Grafting for Overly Tight Eyelids

Reverses excessive skin removal.

5. Lower Eyelid Tightening / Lateral Canthoplasty

Corrects downward-pulled or rounded lower eyelids.

6. Scar Revision & Tissue Release

Addresses internal adhesions that distort the eye shape.

Revision eyelid surgery should only be performed by experienced eye specialists due to its complexity.

When Should You Seek Revision?

Most revision surgeries are recommended 3–6 months after the initial procedure unless:

  • You cannot close your eyes
  • You experience discomfort or dryness
  • The eye shape is severely distorted
  • Vision is affected

In such cases, early correction may be necessary.

Why Korea Is a Leading Destination for Eyelid Revision

Korea is known for its refined upper and lower eyelid techniques:

  • Precision crease design
  • Expertise in Asian eyelid anatomy
  • Natural aesthetic style (no over-corrected look)
  • Advanced scar-control and fat-repositioning methods
  • High success rate for revision eye surgery

Many international patients choose Korea specifically for botched eyelid correction.

How to Avoid a Botched Eyelid Lift in the Future

Choose an Eye-Focused Clinic

Look for clinics specializing in eyelid & periorbital surgery — not general plastic surgery.

Avoid Dramatic Crease Heights

Overly high folds often lead to regret or unnatural results.

Discuss Asymmetry & Ptosis During Consultation

Ignoring these factors is a common cause of poor outcomes.

Follow Post-Op Instructions Carefully

Healing plays a major role in the final result.

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