How Korean Surgeons Customize Eye Surgery by Face Shape
How Korean Surgeons Customize Eye Surgery by Face Shape
One of the biggest reasons Korea is globally respected for eye plastic surgery is how deeply surgeons customize procedures based on face shape. In Korea, eye surgery is never designed in isolation. Instead, surgeons analyze the entire facial structure to ensure the eyes look natural, balanced, and harmonious.
This face-shape–based approach is what separates refined results from eyes that look “operated on.”
Why Face Shape Matters in Eye Surgery
The same eyelid crease or eye shape can look completely different depending on:
- Face width and length
- Cheekbone prominence
- Jawline shape
- Forehead height
- Brow position
If eye surgery ignores these factors, results may look:
- Too dramatic
- Unbalanced
- Unnatural in motion
- Disconnected from the rest of the face
Korean surgeons start with facial proportion analysis, not just eyelid anatomy.
Step 1: Full Facial Proportion Analysis
Before planning eye surgery, Korean surgeons typically assess:
- Facial length-to-width ratio
- Upper, mid, and lower face balance
- Brow height and slope
- Eye-to-eye distance
- Relationship between eyes, nose, and cheekbones
This analysis determines how much eye opening is appropriate—and just as importantly, how much is too much.
Eye Surgery Design by Face Shape
Round Face
Common characteristics:
- Softer contours
- Fuller cheeks
- Shorter vertical facial length
Customization approach:
- Avoid overly round or high eyelid creases
- Favor natural or slightly elongated eye shapes
- Use subtle horizontal enhancement rather than vertical exaggeration
Goal: prevent the eyes from looking overly cute or childlike.
Long or Oval Face
Common characteristics:
- Longer vertical proportions
- Narrower facial width
Customization approach:
- Moderate crease height to avoid excessive vertical emphasis
- Balance eye openness with horizontal length
- Avoid over-opening the eyes vertically
Goal: maintain elegance and avoid a surprised or harsh look.
Square Face
Common characteristics:
- Strong jawline
- Angular bone structure
Customization approach:
- Softer crease lines
- Gentle eye corner adjustments
- Avoid sharp or aggressive eye angles
Goal: soften facial intensity while preserving strength.
Heart-Shaped Face
Common characteristics:
- Wider forehead
- Narrower jawline
Customization approach:
- Balanced crease height
- Avoid excessive eye enlargement that overemphasizes the upper face
- Focus on symmetry and smooth transitions
Goal: keep the upper face from overpowering the lower face.
Brow Position and Eye Surgery Planning
Face shape alone isn’t enough—brow position is critical.
Korean surgeons evaluate:
- Natural brow height at rest
- Brow movement during expression
- Brow compensation caused by ptosis
A high brow may require:
- Lower crease design
A low brow may require:
- Subtle ptosis correction
Ignoring brow position is a common cause of unnatural results.
Crease Height Is Chosen by Face, Not Trend
In Korea, crease height is not trendy—it’s structural.
Factors influencing crease height:
- Face length
- Brow-to-eye distance
- Eyelid thickness
- Gender and age
This is why Korean surgeons often recommend lower creases than patients initially request—because they age better and suit facial proportions.
Eye Shape Customization Beyond Crease Creation
Korean eye surgery often includes:
- Inner corner (epicanthal) refinement
- Outer corner balance
- Vertical vs horizontal eye exposure planning
Each adjustment is calculated based on face shape so the eyes:
- Match facial width
- Align with cheekbone position
- Flow naturally with the jawline
Eye enlargement is never done blindly.
Dynamic Evaluation: Face in Motion
Another key difference in Korea is evaluating:
- Smiling
- Talking
- Raising eyebrows
- Eye closure and blinking
Eye surgery must look natural in motion, not just in photos. Korean surgeons often adjust plans after observing facial expressions.
Why This Customization Prevents “Overdone” Eyes
Overdone eye surgery usually happens when:
- Crease height is chosen without facial context
- Eye size is increased too aggressively
- Symmetry is forced instead of balanced
By designing surgery around face shape, Korean surgeons:
- Avoid exaggerated eyes
- Preserve identity
- Achieve long-term aesthetic harmony
Final Thoughts
Korean eye surgery is not about copying a standard eye shape—it’s about customizing the eyes to the face.
By analyzing facial proportions, bone structure, brow position, and movement, Korean surgeons design eye surgery that:
- Looks natural
- Ages well
- Enhances balance rather than dominating the face
This face-shape–based customization is one of the biggest reasons Korea remains the global leader in eye plastic surgery.


