Asymmetry Correction - SM Plastic Surgery

The degree of opening, line height and fat volume are compared for each side to diagnose the cause of asymmetry, and adjustment follows. Complete symmetry can be difficult for any individual, so the aim is to reduce noticeable difference and create a harmonious impression.

Causes vary: ptosis on one side making eye opening differ, a difference in crease height, differences in fat or swelling, or asymmetry of the face itself. The approach — adjusting the strength of eye opening or the line — follows from the cause.

Where the cause lies on one side, that side alone may be adjusted; for balance, both are sometimes treated together. Which is better is judged at detailed assessment and explained.

Because a face is naturally slightly uneven, complete symmetry cannot be promised. Revision aims to reduce noticeable asymmetry and move closer to a natural balance.

It differs with the extent of adjustment. Where adhesion release is involved, swelling can be a little greater, and how long it takes to subside varies considerably.

Even when the two sides naturally differ in lid-opening strength or eyelid thickness, we separate the causes in the diagnosis and adjust accordingly. Asymmetry arising from the facial bone structure or the position of the eyes themselves can only be reduced within limits, so we explain what is achievable before proceeding.

When one side has weaker lid-opening strength and the eyelid does not rise fully, that eye can look sleepy. A difference in crease height or in fat volume can create a similar impression, so we separate the causes first and then decide whether to adjust the lifting strength or the crease.

When the levator muscle on one side works weakly, we adjust the lifting strength itself so that both eyes open to a similar degree. The amount of adjustment is set while checking how the eye opens during surgery, which is a different approach from working on the crease alone.

When the brows sit at different heights or the face differs noticeably from side to side, making the eyes symmetrical alone can still leave a visible difference in the overall impression. We therefore look beyond the eyes at the distance from the crease to the brow and at the proportions of the whole face to decide how far to match them.

The angle of the face, the lighting and the expression at the moment of the shot can all make the difference between the two sides look larger than it is. In the examination we check both the resting front-facing position and the movement of opening and closing the eyes to judge the actual degree of difference.

During recovery the swelling subsides at a different pace on each side, so a difference can be visible for a while. Even after the tissue settles, eyelid thickness and habits in opening the eyes can bring changes over time, so we keep checking the condition as you heal.

While only the treated side is swollen, the difference can appear larger than before. Whether to work on one side alone or adjust both is decided with this in mind, and in some cases lightly refining the opposite side gives better balance.

Right after surgery the swelling often subsides at different speeds on each side, which frequently makes the eyes look temporarily uneven. Time is needed for the tissue to settle, so we check the condition at your follow-up visits and only then judge whether further correction is required.

We compare lid-opening strength, the height of the double eyelid crease, differences in fat volume and puffiness, and the distance from the start of the crease to the brow. Because the item that differs determines what needs adjusting, each is checked separately.

Adjusting everything in a single operation is the usual approach, but depending on the tissue condition it can be better to address the cause on one side first and reassess once it has settled. Director Lee Muyoung decides which sequence suits your case after a detailed examination.