Botched Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea

Introduction

Korea is globally known for its expertise in double eyelid surgery, but even in top medical hubs, unsatisfactory or botched results can occur. These cases are often the result of poor diagnosis, aggressive techniques, or choosing the wrong surgical approach for a patient’s anatomy.

The good news: most botched double eyelid surgeries are correctable with proper revision planning — but timing and surgeon expertise are critical.

What Is Considered “Botched” Double Eyelid Surgery?

A double eyelid surgery may be considered botched when results are:

• ❌ Unnatural or overly high crease
• ❌ Uneven eyelids (asymmetry)
• ❌ Eyes look hollow, sunken, or harsh
• ❌ Visible or thick scarring
• ❌ Eyelids feel tight or difficult to close
• ❌ Crease disappears or folds incorrectly
• ❌ Eye shape looks smaller after surgery

Botched results are not always dramatic — even subtle imbalance or stiffness can significantly affect facial harmony.

Most Common Causes of Botched Results in Korea

1. Wrong Diagnosis (Most Common Cause)

Many cases occur because the surgeon treated an eyelid problem when the real issue was a low brow or forehead descent.

Result:
➡️ Over-removal of eyelid skin
➡️ Tight, unnatural crease
➡️ Recurrence of sagging

2. Crease Set Too High

High creases may look sharp immediately but often age poorly.

Problems include:

• Harsh or “angry” appearance
• Difficulty closing eyes
• Hollowed upper eyelids over time

This is especially problematic for patients with thin eyelid skin.

3. Excessive Skin or Fat Removal

Over-resection can cause:

• Hollow eyes
• Deep socket appearance
• Functional dryness or irritation

Once tissue is removed, correction becomes more complex.

4. Poor Fixation Technique

Weak or incorrect crease fixation can lead to:

• Crease disappearance
• Fold shifting
• One side loosening faster than the other

This is common in poorly planned non-incisional surgeries.

5. Asymmetry from Muscle Imbalance

If mild ptosis (eyelid muscle weakness) is missed:

• One eye opens wider
• Crease heights differ
• Results worsen over time

6. Visible Scars

Scarring issues arise when:

• Incisions are misplaced
• Sutures are too tight
• Healing is poorly managed

Signs You May Need Revision Surgery

You may be a candidate for revision if you notice:

✔ Uneven eyelid height after swelling subsides
✔ Persistent tightness or pulling sensation
✔ One crease disappears or droops
✔ Eye shape looks smaller than before
✔ Difficulty closing eyes fully
✔ Ongoing discomfort or dryness

When Can Revision Be Done?

Timing matters.
Most Korean specialists recommend waiting:

• ⏳ 6–12 months after the initial surgery
  This allows swelling, scar tissue, and eyelid tension to fully stabilize.

⚠️ Early revision may worsen scarring unless there’s a functional emergency.

How Revision Double Eyelid Surgery Works

Revision surgery is more complex than primary surgery and requires advanced planning.

Common Revision Techniques

• Lowering or redefining the crease
• Scar tissue release
• Fat grafting to restore volume
• Ptosis correction
• Switching from non-incisional to incisional technique
• Combining with sub-brow lift or brow lift if brow descent is the root cause

Each revision plan is highly individualized.

Why Revision Surgery Costs More

Revision surgery in Korea typically costs more than first-time surgery because:

• Scar tissue complicates dissection
• Tissue has already been altered
• Results must be more conservative and precise
• Requires highly experienced eyelid surgeons

How to Avoid a Botched Outcome

Before Surgery

✔ Proper evaluation of brow position, eyelid skin, and muscle strength
✔ Conservative crease height planning
✔ Avoid “trend-based” crease designs
✔ Confirm whether ptosis correction is needed

Choosing the Right Surgeon

✔ Specializes in revision eyelid surgery
✔ Shows real before-after cases (not edited)
✔ Explains limitations honestly
✔ Does not rush surgery decisions

Is Korea Still Safe for Double Eyelid Surgery?

Yes — when done correctly.
Most botched cases stem from:

• Factory-style clinics
• Over-standardized crease designs
• Rushed consultations

Korea also has some of the best revision eyelid surgeons in the world, making it a leading destination for correcting poor outcomes from both local and overseas surgeries.

Final Thoughts

A botched double eyelid surgery can be emotionally and physically distressing — but it is often fixable with the right approach and timing.

The key lessons:

• Diagnosis matters more than technique
• Conservative planning ages better
• Revision surgery requires patience and expertise