Acquired Ptosis Surgery in Korea |
Adult Ptosis Correction by Dr. Ahn Sung Min
Acquired ptosis surgery in Korea corrects droopy eyelids that develop later in life due to aging, weakened eyelid muscles, contact lens use, trauma, or previous eye surgery. At Ahn Sung Min Plastic Surgery Clinic, Dr. Ahn Sung Min customizes each procedure based on muscle function, eyelid anatomy, and the underlying cause of ptosis. The goal is to restore comfortable eyelid opening while maintaining natural-looking results.
Acquired Ptosis Surgery in Korea
Acquired ptosis refers to drooping of the upper eyelid that develops after birth.
Unlike congenital ptosis, which is present from birth, acquired ptosis usually occurs in adulthood as the eyelid-lifting muscles gradually weaken or stretch over time.
Comprehensive Evaluation by Dr. Ahn Sung Min
Before recommending surgery, Dr. Ahn Sung Min performs a detailed evaluation of eyelid function and anatomy.
The assessment includes:
- Levator muscle function
- Eyelid-opening strength
- Degree of eyelid drooping
- Eye symmetry
- Brow position
- Upper eyelid skin
- Previous eye or eyelid surgery
- Contact lens history
- Overall facial balance
Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient's specific condition and surgical goals.
Common Causes of Acquired Ptosis
Acquired ptosis may develop because of:
- Natural aging
- Stretching of the levator tendon
- Long-term contact lens wear
- Previous eyelid or cataract surgery
- Eye trauma
- Neurological disorders
- Muscle disorders
- Chronic eyelid rubbing
Identifying the underlying cause helps determine the most appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of Acquired Ptosis
Patients with acquired ptosis may notice:
- Drooping upper eyelids
- Tired or sleepy-looking eyes
- Reduced upper visual field
- One eyelid lower than the other
- Difficulty keeping the eyes open
- Forehead strain from raising the eyebrows
- Smaller-looking eyes
- Progressive worsening over time
How Acquired Ptosis Surgery Is Performed
Acquired ptosis surgery strengthens or repositions the eyelid-opening muscles to restore normal eyelid height.
The surgical technique depends on the degree of muscle weakness, eyelid anatomy, and the underlying cause of the ptosis. Some patients require simple levator advancement, while others may need more advanced correction.
The final treatment plan is confirmed during the consultation.
Acquired Ptosis Surgery with Double Eyelid Surgery
Many patients choose to combine acquired ptosis correction with double eyelid surgery.
Correcting eyelid function while creating or refining a natural eyelid crease can improve eye symmetry, facial balance, and overall appearance.
The eyelid crease is designed to complement each patient's facial features.
Benefits of Acquired Ptosis Surgery
Acquired ptosis correction may help:
- Improve eyelid-opening function
- Reduce visual obstruction
- Improve eye symmetry
- Brighten tired-looking eyes
- Reduce forehead muscle strain
- Restore a youthful appearance
- Improve overall facial harmony
The objective is to restore both function and natural aesthetics.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Acquired ptosis surgery may be appropriate for patients who have:
- Age-related droopy eyelids
- Weak eyelid-opening muscles
- Eyelid drooping after eye surgery
- Ptosis related to long-term contact lens use
- Progressive eyelid drooping
- Reduced upper visual field
- Persistent forehead strain
- Previous incomplete ptosis correction
A comprehensive examination is required to determine the most appropriate surgical technique.
Revision Acquired Ptosis Surgery
Revision surgery may be considered for patients with:
- Residual eyelid drooping
- Recurrent ptosis
- Under-correction
- Over-correction
- Eyelid asymmetry
- Unsatisfactory previous surgery
Revision procedures require careful planning because previous surgery may have altered eyelid anatomy.
Recovery After Acquired Ptosis Surgery
Recovery depends on the surgical technique and severity of the condition.
Most swelling and bruising improve within one to two weeks, while eyelid position and symmetry continue to stabilize over the following months.
Patients should attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
International Patients
International patients may request an online consultation before traveling to Korea.
Recommended photographs include:
- Eyes open naturally
- Eyes gently closed
- Looking upward
- Looking straight ahead
- Front view
- Side or three-quarter view
Patients should also provide previous eye surgery history, contact lens history, medical conditions, and current medications.
The final diagnosis and surgical plan are confirmed during the in-person consultation.
Why Choose Ahn Sung Min Plastic Surgery Clinic?
Ahn Sung Min Plastic Surgery Clinic specializes in functional and aesthetic eyelid surgery tailored to each patient's needs.
The clinic emphasizes:
- Specialized ptosis surgery
- Customized acquired ptosis correction
- Comprehensive functional assessment
- Personalized surgical planning
- Natural-looking results
- Primary and revision ptosis surgery
- Careful symmetry evaluation
- International patient support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acquired ptosis?
Acquired ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid that develops later in life rather than being present at birth.
What causes acquired ptosis?
Common causes include aging, stretching of the levator muscle or tendon, long-term contact lens use, previous eye surgery, trauma, and certain neurological or muscle disorders.
How is acquired ptosis different from congenital ptosis?
Congenital ptosis is present from birth because the eyelid muscle is underdeveloped, while acquired ptosis develops later due to aging or other medical conditions.
Can aging cause ptosis?
Yes. Age-related stretching of the levator tendon is one of the most common causes of acquired ptosis.
Can cataract surgery cause ptosis?
Yes. Some patients develop temporary or permanent ptosis after cataract or other eye surgeries because of changes affecting the eyelid muscles or tendons.
Can long-term contact lens use cause ptosis?
Yes. Prolonged use of contact lenses, particularly hard lenses, may contribute to stretching of the eyelid-lifting structures in some patients.
Can acquired ptosis affect vision?
Yes. Moderate to severe ptosis can partially block the upper visual field and make daily activities more difficult.
Can acquired ptosis surgery be combined with double eyelid surgery?
Yes. Many patients combine both procedures to improve eyelid function, symmetry, and cosmetic appearance.
Will the results look natural?
The goal is to restore normal eyelid height while maintaining balanced, natural facial expressions.
How long does recovery take?
Most swelling improves within one to two weeks, while final eyelid position continues to refine over several months.
How long should international patients stay in Korea?
The recommended stay depends on the surgical technique and postoperative follow-up schedule.
Is an online consultation available?
Yes. International patients may submit photographs, medical history, previous eye surgery details, and their concerns for a preliminary assessment before traveling to Korea.
