Quick Overview

• What it treats: White of the eye showing (scleral show), lower-lid pulling down, upper-lid pulled too high, dryness/irritation, rounding at the outer corner
• Common causes: Post-blepharoplasty scarring, aging/lid laxity, previous canthoplasty, thyroid eye disease (stable stage), trauma
• Procedures: Lower-lid retractor recession, spacer grafts (hard-palate mucosa/ear cartilage/dermis-fat), lateral tarsal strip, canthopexy/canthoplasty, midface/SOOF lift, upper-lid levator/Müller recession, scar release with grafting
• Anesthesia: Local with sedation (case-by-case)
• Time: ~60–150 minutes (by scope)
• Downtime: Stitches out ~5–7 days; social downtime ~10–14 days (complex revisions may swell longer)
• Goal: Restore comfortable lid height/contour and protect the ocular surface with a natural look

Why Choose Sinsa L

• Periorbital focus: We address muscle, tendon, canthus, fat, skin, and midface support as one unit—function and aesthetics.
• Measurement-led planning: MRD1/MRD2, palpebral fissure height, snap-back/distraction tests, canthal tilt, lagophthalmos, tear-film health.
• Structure-preserving techniques: Prioritize recession and support over excessive resection; add volume/length with grafts only when needed.
• Safety first: Ocular-surface protection (lubricants, taping as needed), realistic goals, and staged solutions when appropriate.
• International-friendly: English support, photo consults, transparent quotes, travel-aware scheduling near Sinsa Station (Exit 3).

What Is Eyelid Retraction?

“Retraction” means the lid margin sits too high (upper) or too low (lower), exposing extra sclera. Symptoms include dryness, burning, tearing, light sensitivity, and an unnatural eye shape. Causes range from scarring after surgery to laxity and stable thyroid eye disease (TED). If TED is active, we coordinate timing with ophthalmology/endocrinology.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

• Visible scleral show or rounded outer corners after prior eyelid/corner surgery
• Dry eye symptoms from poor lid coverage
• Lower-lid laxity or “pulled down” look when smiling
• Stable general/thyroid status (no active inflammation)
• Willing to follow aftercare and allow 1–2 weeks of social downtime

Lower-Lid Retraction: Techniques We Use

• Retractor Recession (Scar Release): Frees tight lower-lid retractors to let the lid rise.
• Spacer Grafts (add length): Hard-palate mucosa, auricular (ear) cartilage, or dermis-fat to restore vertical height and support in cicatricial or severe cases.
• Lateral Tarsal Strip / Canthopexy: Tightens and supports the lid to prevent rounding/ectropion; often essential in revisions.
• SOOF/Midface Lift (when indicated): Elevates midface support to smooth the lid–cheek junction and reduce downward pull.
• Subciliary Skin-Pinch/Scar Revision: Fine-tunes skin excess and surface scarring without over-tightening.

Upper-Lid Retraction: Techniques We Use

• Levator/Müller Muscle Recession: Lowers an over-elevated lid margin for better coverage (especially post-ptosis over-correction or stable TED).
• Fat/Spacer Augmentation (select cases): Gentle volume restoration to soften a tight, high crease or hollowing.
• Crease Redesign/Adhesiolysis: Releases tethers and resets fixation points when scarring distorts the crease.

Your Treatment Journey

1. Consultation & Imaging – Measurements (MRD1/MRD2), lid tone tests, ocular-surface exam, photo analysis; review prior op notes if available.
2. Plan & Consent – Define scope (upper, lower, or both), need for spacer grafts/support, and whether a staged approach is safest.
3. Surgery Day – Precise release/recession, add support (strip/pexy), and grafting as planned; same-day discharge in most cases.
4. Aftercare & Checks – Lubricants, head elevation, cool compresses; stitches out ~5–7 days; scheduled visits for symmetry and comfort.

Recovery Timeline (Typical)

• Days 1–3: Peak swelling/tightness; lubrication as instructed
• Days 4–7: Stitches removed; continued ocular-surface care
• Week 2: Bruising improves; comfortable socially
• Weeks 3–8: Swelling refines; lid height and corner position settle
• Months 3–6: Final contour; grafts fully integrate

Aftercare Tips

• Use lubricating drops/ointment as directed (especially at night)
• Sleep with head elevated 1–2 weeks
• Avoid heavy exercise, saunas, alcohol ~2 weeks
• UV protection and scar care per instructions
• Report increasing redness, pain, or exposure symptoms promptly

Risks & Considerations

Swelling/bruising, dryness, transient over/under-correction, asymmetry, graft visibility or resorption (rare), persistent rounding, infection, need for staged refinement or revision. We tailor risk-reduction (adequate support, gentle recession, proper graft choice) to your anatomy.

Pricing (Guide)

• Lower-Lid Retractor Recession ± Canthopexy: ₩2.2M–₩4.0M
• Spacer Graft (hard-palate/cartilage/dermis-fat): ₩3.0M–₩6.0M
• Lateral Tarsal Strip (add-on): ₩1.0M–₩2.0M
• Upper-Lid Levator/Müller Recession: ₩2.0M–₩4.0M
• SOOF/Midface Support (when indicated): ₩2.5M–₩5.0M
• Complex/Revision Cases: ₩4.0M–₩8.0M
  Exact fees depend on severity, graft choice, and scope; final quote after in-person evaluation.

FAQs

Is this cosmetic or functional?
Often both—we restore natural appearance and improve comfort/eye protection. Documentation may reflect functional indications.

Will one surgery fix everything?
Many cases improve substantially in one stage. Severe scarring or TED-related changes may require staged refinement.

Do grafts show or feel hard?
We select graft type/placement to keep lids soft and natural. Visibility is uncommon with proper technique and healing.

What if I have thyroid eye disease?
Surgery is best when stable/inactive. We coordinate timing with your medical team.

Can retraction after canthoplasty be corrected?
Frequently yes—using adhesiolysis, tarsal strip/canthopexy, and (if needed) spacer graft and midface support.

Visit Sinsa L Plastic Surgery (Sinsa, Gangnam)

• Address: 3F–4F, 598 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Road name)
  Lot address: 17-4 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu
• Subway: Line 3 Sinsa Station, Exit 3 → ~1 minute walk
• Hours: Weekdays 10:00–19:00 | Saturday 10:00–17:00 | Sun/Holidays Closed
• Tel: 02-517-7410

Book a Consultation

Send front/45°/side photos (neutral gaze, gentle close, and smile) and note dryness, light sensitivity, or prior surgeries. We’ll map the cause of retraction and design a safe, natural repair—recession, support, and grafting only as needed.