Eyelid Retraction Repair in Seoul, Korea
Functional and cosmetic repair of eyelids that sit too high or too low — restoring comfortable lid position, protecting the eye surface and bringing back a natural eye shape after previous surgery, laxity or stable thyroid eye disease.
- Board-certified plastic surgeon
- Eye & under-eye specialist clinic
- English support · remote photo consults
What is eyelid retraction and how is it repaired?
Eyelid retraction means the lid margin sits too high (upper lid) or too low (lower lid), exposing extra white of the eye (scleral show) and often causing dryness and irritation. Repair releases tight scar or retractor tissue, adds support with a canthopexy or lateral tarsal strip and, when vertical length is missing, uses a spacer graft such as hard-palate mucosa or ear cartilage. Surgery takes about 60–150 minutes, stitches come out at day 5–7 and social downtime is about 10–14 days.
Why choose Sinsa L for eyelid retraction repair
- Function and aesthetics together — muscle, tendon, canthus, fat, skin and midface support are treated as one unit.
- Measurement-led planning — MRD1/MRD2, lid tone tests, canthal tilt, lagophthalmos and tear-film health.
- Structure-preserving — release and support first; grafts only when length is truly missing.
- Safety first — eye-surface protection and staged plans when that is safer.
- International-friendly — English support, remote photo consults, transparent quotes and travel-aware scheduling near Sinsa Station.
Who is a good candidate?
- Visible scleral show or rounded outer corners after eyelid surgery
- Dry, gritty or watery eyes from poor lid coverage
- Lower-lid laxity or a pulled-down look when smiling
- Stable general and thyroid status (no active inflammation)
- Able to allow 1–2 weeks of social downtime
Techniques we offer
Lower-lid retractor recession
Releases tight retractors and scar so the lower lid can rise.
Spacer grafts
Hard-palate mucosa, ear cartilage or dermis-fat add vertical length and support in scarred or severe cases.
Lateral tarsal strip / canthopexy
Tightens and supports the lid to prevent rounding. Canthopexy →
Upper-lid levator / Müller recession
Lowers an over-elevated upper lid, e.g. after ptosis over-correction or stable thyroid eye disease.
Revision lower eyelid result
This revision case corrected an unsatisfactory previous lower-lid surgery, restoring a smoother contour and better lid support.
Retraction repair is individual; some cases improve in one stage, others are safer staged.
Your treatment journey
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Consultation & imaging
Lid measurements, tone tests, eye-surface exam and review of previous operation notes.
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Plan & quote
Technique selection, combination options, recovery timeline and a clear quote.
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Surgery day
Precise technique under local anesthesia with sedation; usually same-day discharge.
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Aftercare & checks
Cooling, head elevation, stitch removal at day 5–7 if applicable and scheduled follow-ups.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1–3: peak swelling and tightness; lubricate as instructed
- Days 4–7: stitches removed
- Week 2: bruising improves; socially comfortable
- Weeks 3–8: lid height and corner position settle
- Months 3–6: final contour; grafts integrate
Aftercare tips
- Use lubricating drops and ointment as directed, especially at night
- Sleep with your head elevated for 1–2 weeks
- Avoid heavy exercise, saunas and alcohol for about 2 weeks
- Report increasing redness, pain or exposure symptoms promptly
Risks & considerations
Swelling and bruising, dryness, temporary over- or under-correction, asymmetry, graft visibility or resorption (rare), persistent rounding, infection and the possible need for staged refinement or revision.
Eyelid Retraction Repair cost in Seoul (guide)
| Procedure | Price range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| 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 anatomy and plan; a final quote follows in-person evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Is eyelid retraction repair cosmetic or functional?
Usually both — it restores a natural appearance and improves comfort and eye protection.
Will one surgery fix everything?
Many cases improve substantially in one stage; severe scarring or thyroid-related changes may need staged refinement.
Do grafts show or feel hard?
Graft type and placement are chosen to keep lids soft and natural; visibility is uncommon.
What if I have thyroid eye disease?
Surgery is best when the disease is stable and inactive; timing is coordinated with your medical team.
Can retraction after canthoplasty be corrected?
Often yes, with scar release, tarsal strip or canthopexy and, if needed, a spacer graft and midface support.
Dr. Lee Young-geun, MD
Board-certified plastic & reconstructive surgeon, founder and sole surgeon of Sinsa L Plastic Surgery. Adjunct clinical professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, Korea University; full member of the Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (KSAPS) and member of IPRAS. 15+ years in plastic surgery.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · About our clinicBook your eyelid retraction repair consultation
Send front and oblique photos with your concerns. Dr. Lee will review them and suggest the most suitable plan, with recovery and pricing tailored to your schedule.
Sinsa L Plastic Surgery · 3F–4F, 598 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Sinsa Station (Line 3) Exit 3, 1-minute walk · Tel 02-517-7410
