Ptosis correction (droopy eyelid surgery) is one of the most delicate eye procedures in Korea. When performed correctly, it opens the eyes, improves eyelid strength, and creates a refreshed, natural expression.

However, because ptosis surgery relies on the levator muscle, aponeurosis, and eyelid tension, outcomes can sometimes fall short — leading patients to feel their ptosis surgery has “failed.”

This guide explains what failed ptosis surgery looks like, why it happens, and what options patients commonly seek for revision.

What Is a Failed Ptosis Surgery?

A ptosis surgery is considered unsuccessful when the eyelid height, strength, symmetry, or shape does not meet the intended outcome.

It may involve:

• The eye still appearing small or sleepy
• One eyelid higher or lower than the other
• Eyelid crease looking unnatural
• Difficulty closing the eyes
• Heavy, tight, or uncomfortable eyelid movement

Because the eyelids are highly dynamic, even small differences can be noticeable.

Most Common Signs of Failed Ptosis Surgery

1. Under-Correction (Most Common)

The eyelid does not open enough, still looks sleepy, or feels heavy.
This typically occurs when:

• The levator muscle wasn’t tightened enough
• The aponeurosis wasn’t fully corrected
• The fold was set too low

Under-correction is the #1 reason patients seek revision in Korea.

2. Over-Correction

The eyelid opens too widely, giving a startled or stiff look.
May be caused by excessive tightening or tension imbalance.

Symptoms include:

• Dry eyes
• Difficulty closing eyes fully
• A “pulled open” appearance

3. Asymmetry

One eyelid sits higher or lower than the other, or the creases do not match.

Causes:

• Different muscle tension
• Pre-existing asymmetry not fully corrected
• Uneven swelling masking the true result

4. Unnatural Eyelid Crease

A failed crease may appear:

• Too high
• Too deep
• Harsh or sharp
• Uneven or multi-folded

This can result from incorrect crease design or unstable fixation.

5. Persistent Eyelid Fatigue or Tension

Some patients experience:

• Tired eyelids
• Strain while opening the eyes
• Difficulty keeping eyes open at night
• Headaches or brow tension

This often indicates muscle imbalance or improper levator adjustment.

Why Ptosis Surgery Can Fail

Ptosis correction is one of the most technically complex cosmetic procedures. Reasons for poor outcomes include:

✔ Mild ptosis not fully addressed

Non-incisional double eyelid surgery was done instead of true ptosis correction.

✔ Incorrect levator tension

Too strong or too weak adjustment leads to visible imbalance.

✔ Pre-existing asymmetry

If not fully considered, the result may appear uneven.

✔ Thick eyelid fat or skin

May mask the crease or affect the final shape.

✔ Scar tissue or previous surgeries

Multiple surgeries make the anatomy harder to adjust.

✔ Healing variability

Every patient heals differently; swelling can shift eyelid positioning.

When to Consider Revision Ptosis Surgery

Most surgeons recommend waiting 3–6 months to assess the final result unless the issue is severe (e.g., cannot close eyes).

Revision is recommended if you experience:

• Clear under-correction after healing
• Over-correction causing discomfort
• Strong asymmetry
• Loose or disappearing crease
• Difficulty opening eyes normally
• Heavy or tired eyelid muscles

Revision surgery refines the levator tension, corrects the fold, and restores natural eye function and aesthetics.

What Revision Ptosis Surgery Usually Involves

1. Re-adjusting levator muscle strength

To properly lift the eyelid.

2. Recreating or modifying the crease

To soften harsh lines or correct uneven folds.

3. Removing scar tissue from previous surgeries

Improves mobility and natural movement.

4. Improving symmetry

Adjusting both eyes if needed.

5. Combining with double eyelid correction

For a cleaner, more balanced eye frame.

Revision is more complex than first-time ptosis surgery, so choosing a specialist is essential.

How Korea Approaches Ptosis Revision

Korean clinics are known for:

• Detailed eye measurements
• Fold height design tailored to face shape
• Balanced levator adjustments
• Natural, lightly defined crease styles
• Emphasis on symmetry and eye function

Many patients travel to Seoul specifically for revision eye surgery due to its precision-focused techniques.

Ptosis correction (droopy eyelid surgery) is one of the most delicate eye procedures in Korea. When performed correctly, it opens the eyes, improves eyelid strength, and creates a refreshed, natural expression.

However, because ptosis surgery relies on the levator muscle, aponeurosis, and eyelid tension, outcomes can sometimes fall short — leading patients to feel their ptosis surgery has “failed.”

This guide explains what failed ptosis surgery looks like, why it happens, and what options patients commonly seek for revision.

What Is a Failed Ptosis Surgery?

A ptosis surgery is considered unsuccessful when the eyelid height, strength, symmetry, or shape does not meet the intended outcome.

It may involve:

• The eye still appearing small or sleepy
• One eyelid higher or lower than the other
• Eyelid crease looking unnatural
• Difficulty closing the eyes
• Heavy, tight, or uncomfortable eyelid movement

Because the eyelids are highly dynamic, even small differences can be noticeable.

Most Common Signs of Failed Ptosis Surgery

1. Under-Correction (Most Common)

The eyelid does not open enough, still looks sleepy, or feels heavy.
This typically occurs when:

• The levator muscle wasn’t tightened enough
• The aponeurosis wasn’t fully corrected
• The fold was set too low

Under-correction is the #1 reason patients seek revision in Korea.

2. Over-Correction

The eyelid opens too widely, giving a startled or stiff look.
May be caused by excessive tightening or tension imbalance.

Symptoms include:

• Dry eyes
• Difficulty closing eyes fully
• A “pulled open” appearance

3. Asymmetry

One eyelid sits higher or lower than the other, or the creases do not match.

Causes:

• Different muscle tension
• Pre-existing asymmetry not fully corrected
• Uneven swelling masking the true result

4. Unnatural Eyelid Crease

A failed crease may appear:

• Too high
• Too deep
• Harsh or sharp
• Uneven or multi-folded

This can result from incorrect crease design or unstable fixation.

5. Persistent Eyelid Fatigue or Tension

Some patients experience:

• Tired eyelids
• Strain while opening the eyes
• Difficulty keeping eyes open at night
• Headaches or brow tension

This often indicates muscle imbalance or improper levator adjustment.

Why Ptosis Surgery Can Fail

Ptosis correction is one of the most technically complex cosmetic procedures. Reasons for poor outcomes include:

✔ Mild ptosis not fully addressed

Non-incisional double eyelid surgery was done instead of true ptosis correction.

✔ Incorrect levator tension

Too strong or too weak adjustment leads to visible imbalance.

✔ Pre-existing asymmetry

If not fully considered, the result may appear uneven.

✔ Thick eyelid fat or skin

May mask the crease or affect the final shape.

✔ Scar tissue or previous surgeries

Multiple surgeries make the anatomy harder to adjust.

✔ Healing variability

Every patient heals differently; swelling can shift eyelid positioning.

When to Consider Revision Ptosis Surgery

Most surgeons recommend waiting 3–6 months to assess the final result unless the issue is severe (e.g., cannot close eyes).

Revision is recommended if you experience:

• Clear under-correction after healing
• Over-correction causing discomfort
• Strong asymmetry
• Loose or disappearing crease
• Difficulty opening eyes normally
• Heavy or tired eyelid muscles

Revision surgery refines the levator tension, corrects the fold, and restores natural eye function and aesthetics.

What Revision Ptosis Surgery Usually Involves

1. Re-adjusting levator muscle strength

To properly lift the eyelid.

2. Recreating or modifying the crease

To soften harsh lines or correct uneven folds.

3. Removing scar tissue from previous surgeries

Improves mobility and natural movement.

4. Improving symmetry

Adjusting both eyes if needed.

5. Combining with double eyelid correction

For a cleaner, more balanced eye frame.

Revision is more complex than first-time ptosis surgery, so choosing a specialist is essential.

How Korea Approaches Ptosis Revision

Korean clinics are known for:

• Detailed eye measurements
• Fold height design tailored to face shape
• Balanced levator adjustments
• Natural, lightly defined crease styles
• Emphasis on symmetry and eye function

Many patients travel to Seoul specifically for revision eye surgery due to its precision-focused techniques.