Ptosis Correction
Restore Brighter, More Alert & Naturally Beautiful Eyes
Do people often ask if you’re tired, sleepy, or upset—even when you feel perfectly fine?
In many cases, the problem isn’t fatigue at all. It may be a condition known as Ptosis, where the upper eyelids droop because the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelids are weak or stretched. Ptosis can make the eyes appear smaller, heavier, and less expressive while creating a constantly tired appearance.
At Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea, we specialize in Ptosis Correction Surgery, a procedure that restores proper eyelid function while creating brighter, more open, and naturally youthful-looking eyes. By strengthening the eyelid-opening muscles, our surgeons improve both the appearance and function of the eyes without compromising your natural facial expressions.
What is Ptosis?
Ptosis is a condition in which one or both upper eyelids droop because the levator palpebrae superioris (levator) muscle, the primary muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid, is weakened or does not function properly.
When the eyelids cannot open fully, many patients unconsciously compensate by constantly raising their eyebrows or tightening their forehead muscles. Over time, this repeated movement may contribute to forehead wrinkles, brow fatigue, and headaches in some individuals.
Depending on its severity, ptosis may affect only appearance or may partially obstruct the upper field of vision.
What Causes Ptosis?
Ptosis can develop for several reasons, including:
- Natural aging that stretches or weakens the levator muscle and its supporting tissues
- Congenital ptosis (present from birth)
- Previous eye surgery or trauma
- Injury to the eyelid muscles or tendons
- Certain neurological or neuromuscular conditions
- Long-term contact lens use in some individuals
- Age-related weakening of the eyelid support structures
Regardless of the cause, a thorough examination is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Signs & Symptoms of Ptosis
Patients with ptosis commonly experience:
- Sleepy or tired-looking eyes
- Drooping upper eyelids
- Smaller-looking eyes
- Difficulty fully opening the eyes
- Frequently raising the eyebrows to see more clearly
- Forehead wrinkles caused by overusing the forehead muscles
- Eye fatigue after reading or prolonged screen use
- Reduced upper visual field in more advanced cases
If left untreated, severe ptosis may continue to affect both vision and facial appearance.
What is Ptosis Correction Surgery?
Ptosis Correction Surgery is a functional and cosmetic procedure designed to improve the position of the upper eyelids by strengthening or repositioning the muscles responsible for lifting them.
The procedure restores a more natural eyelid height, allowing the eyes to open more comfortably while creating a brighter, more refreshed appearance.
Unlike Upper Blepharoplasty, which removes excess skin, Ptosis Correction addresses the underlying muscle responsible for eyelid elevation. Many patients benefit from combining both procedures to achieve the most balanced and natural-looking result.
Types of Ptosis Correction at Sketch Plastic Surgery
At Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea, the most appropriate surgical technique is selected after carefully evaluating your eyelid anatomy, muscle strength, skin quality, and degree of ptosis.
Incisional Ptosis Correction is the most commonly recommended technique because it allows the surgeon to directly access the levator muscle and make precise adjustments.
A carefully concealed incision is made along the natural upper eyelid crease. The levator muscle is identified, tightened or advanced as necessary, and securely repositioned to improve eyelid elevation. When appropriate, excess skin, muscle, or fat may also be removed to create a smoother and more youthful eyelid contour.
This technique provides excellent precision and is generally recommended for patients with moderate to severe ptosis, excess upper eyelid skin, or age-related eyelid changes. It also allows the creation or refinement of a natural-looking double eyelid crease when indicated.
Benefits
- Precise correction of the levator muscle
- Long-lasting results
- Suitable for moderate to severe ptosis
- Can be combined with Upper Blepharoplasty or Double Eyelid Surgery
- Improves both eyelid function and appearance
For carefully selected patients with mild ptosis, a non-incisional approach may be an option.
Instead of making a full incision, the surgeon uses small puncture points and specialized suturing techniques to strengthen and elevate the eyelid. This method minimizes tissue disruption and generally offers a faster initial recovery.
However, because it is not suitable for every patient and offers more limited correction, an in-person evaluation is essential to determine whether this technique is appropriate.
At Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea, our surgeons often recommend the incisional approach when greater precision, stronger correction, or longer-lasting results are needed.
Benefits
- No full external incision
- Faster recovery in suitable candidates
- Minimal scarring
- Effective for selected cases of mild ptosis
The Sketch Plastic Surgery Approach
Successful ptosis correction requires more than simply lifting the eyelids. At Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea, our surgeons carefully evaluate the relationship between the eyelids, eyebrows, forehead, and overall facial proportions before developing a personalized treatment plan.
Our goal is to restore comfortable eyelid function while creating eyes that appear naturally brighter, more symmetrical, and youthful. Every procedure is individually tailored to preserve natural facial expressions and avoid an overcorrected appearance.
Depending on your needs, Ptosis Correction may be combined with:
- Double Eyelid Surgery
- Upper Blepharoplasty
- Sub-Brow Lift
- Forehead Lift
- Facial Fat Grafting
Surgery Time & Anesthesia
Procedure Time
- Approximately 60–90 minutes
Ptosis Correction is typically performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sleep sedation, allowing patients to remain comfortable throughout the procedure. General anesthesia may be recommended when combined with multiple facial procedures.
Following surgery, patients recover in our observation area before being discharged on the same day with detailed aftercare instructions and prescribed medication.
Recovery Timeline
First Week
Mild swelling and bruising are expected.
Cold compresses help minimize swelling during the first 48 hours.
5–7 Days
Sutures are usually removed (for incisional procedures).
Most patients return to work or normal daily activities.
2–4 Weeks
Swelling continues to improve.
The eyelids begin to appear more natural and symmetrical.
1–3 Months
Most residual swelling resolves.
Eyelid movement continues to improve.
3–6 Months
Final results become fully visible as healing is completed.
Recovery varies depending on the surgical technique and individual healing response.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While Ptosis Correction improves the appearance of the eyes, it is also a functional procedure that restores proper eyelid movement and may improve the upper field of vision in appropriate patients.
Many patients naturally stop overusing their forehead muscles after ptosis correction, which can soften the strained appearance of the forehead. Existing deep wrinkles, however, may require additional treatments such as Botox or other rejuvenation procedures.
Yes. It is very common to combine Ptosis Correction with Double Eyelid Surgery or Upper Blepharoplasty to improve both eyelid function and aesthetics while creating harmonious, natural-looking eyes.
Absolutely. At Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea, our philosophy is to enhance your natural beauty rather than dramatically change your appearance. The goal is brighter, more refreshed eyes that still look uniquely yours
Open Your Eyes to a Brighter, More Confident You
Whether your ptosis is caused by aging, genetics, or a previous injury, Ptosis Correction Surgery at Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea can restore comfortable eyelid function while creating a more youthful, alert, and refreshed appearance.
From your initial consultation to your final follow-up, our experienced team is committed to delivering personalized care, advanced surgical expertise, and natural-looking results that enhance both your confidence and your quality of life.
If you look sleepy even if you are not sleepy or tired, that is not because of your body condition, rather that is because of a permanent problem called the Ptosis Condition. It is a condition in which the upper eyelids are droopy because the eye opening muscles called the Levator Palpebrae Superioris are weaker. This also causes you to use your forehead muscles more to open your eyes and that ultimately causes wrinkles in the forehead.
The Ptosis Condition could happen because of multiple reasons. One possible reason could be weakness in the Levator muscles or the Levator muscles could be extra stretched with natural aging or injury. Another possible reason could be Congenital Defects and people are born with it. Another possible reason could be because of a Nerve Damage or Neuromuscular Issue.
Whatever the reason is, it could be treated at Sketch Plastic Surgery with Non-incisional Ptosis Correction or Incisional Ptosis Correction surgeries. Usually our surgeons prefer Incisional Ptosis Correction Surgery because that gives better and longer lasting results.
PTOSIS CORRECTION SURGERY
There are basically two options to fix the Ptosis Condition as mentioned above. One is the Incisional Ptosis Correction Surgery and the other is the Non-Incisional Ptosis Correction Surgery. Both surgeries are Levator Resection Surgery to strengthen the eye-opening muscles.
Incisional Ptosis Correction Surgery
In this surgery, an incision is made across the upper lid along the natural crease. The surgeon locates the Levator muscle first and then shortens or tightens it as per needed after analysing the actual condition of the muscles. It is just like tightening a stretched slack rubber band. Once the muscle is shortened or tightened, it is reattached to the tarsal plate using stitches.
In this procedure, a small amount of skin and/or fat is removed too to create a new distinct crease, while strengthening the eye opening muscle to restore proper functionality. This will also prevent excessive use of brow and forehead muscles, therefore, preventing deep forehead wrinkles in the future.
Non-Incisional Ptosis Correction Surgery
In some cases, ptosis can be corrected with stitching only with some puncture points on the droopy upper lid. Not everyone qualifies for this procedure and in person assessment is necessary. The purpose of this procedure is also for strengthening the eye opening muscle to restore proper functionality just like what we do in the incisional procedure as discussed above. This will also prevent excessive use of brow and forehead muscles, therefore, preventing deep forehead wrinkles in the future. However the effect of the non-incisional procedure is usually weaker as compared to the incisional procedure and that is why, our surgeons prefer the Incisional Procedure at Sketch Plastic Surgery.
Anesthesia
At Sketch Plastic Surgery, the Ptosis Correction Surgery is done with Sleep Sedation along with some amount of local anesthesia. You will be in a deep sleep and once you wake up, you will be moved to the recovery room and kept there for as long as you take to completely recover from the anesthesia. Usually it takes around 45-60 minutes to feel completely fine and be discharged from the hospital. Our staff will put you in a taxi after explaining all post-surgery instructions and handing over the purchased medication.
Downtime:
Just like any other surgery, you will experience some swelling and bruising which will peak on the 2nd or 3rd day and then from the 4th day on, the swelling and bruising will start settling down. We usually recommend a debruise and deswelling cream that helps too. We also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication for 5 days. Also we recommend Recovery IVs during the surgery that helps in faster recovery too. In terms of Pain, you will not feel much pain on the eyes but we will prescribe Pain Killer medication for 5 days. Also we recommend a Pain Control IV right after the surgery which is quite helpful too.
Medication
After the surgery, the patient has to take medications for 5 days. The medications will include antibiotics to avoid any infection, anti-inflammatory, pain-killer, and stomach control medications. These medications must be taken 20 minutes after each meal. With the antibiotic medicines, the patient’s stomach could be upset, so avoiding spicy food for the first 5 days would be recommended by our surgeon. If any patient has an allergy with certain medicines, our surgeon will make adjustments accordingly.
If you are someone with a droopy eyelid and look sleepy and tired, please visit Sketch Plastic Surgery and get it fixed by our top tier surgeons. Our team of surgeons, nurses, consultants and translators will make it a great experience and change the way you look. We are looking forward to seeing you soon at Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea.
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