Here is the most important point to start with: revision eyelid surgery begins with understanding the first surgery, not with designing a new crease. The tissue has already been operated on, so what is possible depends on what is there now — and the more history you bring, the clearer the plan can be.
Hello, this is SM Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul. Contacting a clinic about revision eyelid surgery can feel harder than asking about your first eyelid surgery. You may be unhappy with a result, unsure what was done, or worried about going through it again.
Here is the most important point to start with: revision eyelid surgery begins with understanding the first surgery, not with designing a new crease. The tissue has already been operated on, so what is possible depends on what is there now — and the more history you bring, the clearer the plan can be.
What makes revision eyelid surgery different from the first operation?
In a first surgery, the eyelid tissue has not been changed. In a revision, there can be adhesions and scar tissue from the earlier operation, and these can limit how far the result can be adjusted. Swelling and bruising may also last longer than they did the first time. These factors are assessed for each person before deciding whether, when and how revision is done, which is why revision needs its own planning.
Revision eyelid surgery is one of the main fields in which Dr. Lee Moo-young, the medical director, practises, together with natural adhesion double eyelid surgery (the clinic's term for one of its techniques). He handles your care directly from consultation to surgery, so the person who examines your previous result is the one who plans and performs the revision.
What kinds of concerns does revision eyelid surgery address?
| Concern people describe | Related area at the clinic |
|---|---|
| The crease line looks wrong in height or shape | Revision of the double eyelid crease |
| The crease has faded or come undone | Revision to re-form a faded crease |
| A visible scar from the earlier surgery | Revision of eyelid surgery scars |
| The eyes still look tired or heavy | Assessed for ptosis (how far the eyelid lifts) and its correction |
Which approach applies is decided only after examination. The same complaint can have different causes in different eyelids.
Why does my surgical history matter so much?
Because the plan is built on top of it. A crease created with a non-incisional (suture) technique behaves differently from one created by incision, and the amount of skin or fat already removed changes what can be done next. Dr. Lee spoke about patients who arrive after problematic procedures elsewhere in a 2014 magazine interview:
"When I see people who come in after receiving illegal procedures elsewhere that went wrong, I feel very sorry. If they come in when a problem has already occurred, the risk of complications also becomes higher."
— Dr. Lee Moo-young, Weekly People vol.895, 11 April 2014 (excerpt, translated from Korean)
The general lesson for anyone considering surgery abroad: who performed the earlier procedure, and how, is part of your medical information. It is worth collecting before you travel.
What should I prepare before a consultation from abroad?
- The name of the clinic where the first surgery was done, and the approximate date
- The method, if you know it — incisional, non-incisional (suture), ptosis correction, or eye-corner surgery such as epicanthoplasty
- Any records or notes you can request from that clinic
- Photos of your eyes before the first surgery, if you have them, and current photos with eyes at rest and fully open
If some of these are missing, the examination starts from what can be seen and confirmed.
How long should I plan to stay for eye revision?
If an incision is closed with stitches that need removing, timing matters. At SM Plastic Surgery, stitches are usually removed at around one week; removal can be as early as day 5 or as late as two weeks. Because swelling after revision may last longer than after a first surgery, allow extra days in your plans and discuss your travel dates at the consultation before booking a return flight.
Frequently asked questions
Q1) My first eyelid surgery was done outside Korea. Can I have revision here?
A1) Revision after surgery done abroad can be considered. Whether it suits you is decided after examination, so bring whatever information you have about the first surgery.
Q2) Can a revision always achieve the crease I want?
A2) Not always. Adhesions and scar tissue from the earlier surgery can limit what is possible. What can and cannot be done for your eyelid is explained after examination.
Q3) When are stitches removed after revision eyelid surgery?
A3) Usually at around one week, and they may be removed as early as day 5 or as late as two weeks.
Q4) Who performs revision eyelid surgery at SM Plastic Surgery?
A4) Dr. Lee Moo-young, a plastic surgeon in Korea, handles your care directly from consultation to surgery.
Results and recovery differ between individuals. Please make decisions after a full consultation with a plastic surgeon.
In revision eyelid surgery, adhesions and scar tissue from previous surgery may limit how far the desired result can be achieved, and swelling and bruising may last longer than after the first surgery. Bleeding, infection, asymmetry, recurrence of the crease problem, under- or over-correction, dry eyes, and discomfort when closing the eyes may occur, and additional surgery may be needed. Results depend on the condition left by previous surgery and are not guaranteed.