Levator resection
Shortens and strengthens the lifting muscle for reliable correction of moderate to severe ptosis.
StrengthReliableScopeModerate–severe
Eye Surgery
Ptosis Correction
눈매교정
For eyes that look sleepy no matter how rested you are — we correct the muscle, not just the crease.
Duration50–80 min
AnesthesiaLocal / sedation
Recovery1–2 weeks
Overview
Ptosis is a weakness of the levator muscle that lifts the upper lid, leaving the eye looking drowsy and the pupil partly covered. Correction adjusts and reinforces this muscle so the lid opens to its proper height, often combined with double-eyelid design so the crease and the opening are balanced together. The gaze becomes brighter and more alert, and many patients stop unconsciously raising their brows to see — which softens forehead lines over time.
Before & after
Individual results vary; images are shared with patient consent.
Notice: To protect patient privacy, the images shown are based on photographs of actual patients; however, identifying features have been modified using AI retouching technology. These images are provided solely to aid understanding of surgical outcomes and may differ from actual photographs. Individual results may vary.
Methods & options
Levator advancement
Fine repositioning of the muscle for subtle correction with natural lid movement.
ControlPreciseFeelNatural
Frontalis sling
For severe ptosis with weak muscle, the lid is linked to the forehead lifter for support.
UseSevere casesSupportStrong
Comparing the three techniques
Levator resection
Levator advancement
Frontalis sling
Essence
Shortening the levator muscle (part is removed)
Advancing the aponeurosis forward (nothing removed)
Linking the lid to the frontalis (brow) muscle
Ptosis severity
Moderate / severe
Mild / moderate
Severe (very weak muscle)
Suited to
Patients with pronounced lid drop who need reliable correction
Patients with mild to moderate drop who value a natural look
Patients with congenital or severe ptosis and a very weak muscle
Lid movement
Natural but limited
The most natural
Depends on brow movement
Effect
Reliable and lasting
Subtle and natural
Supportive and functional
Onset
1–2 weeks
1–2 weeks
Gradual
Recovery
2–3 weeks
1–2 weeks
2–4 weeks
Risks
Overcorrection, asymmetry, dry eye
Undercorrection, recurrence
Infection, suture extrusion, asymmetry
Core values
01
Function and form
We correct the muscle so the eye truly opens — not just cosmetically re-crease it.
02
Balanced symmetry
Both eyes are matched carefully so the opening height and crease sit level.
03
Brow relief
Restoring lid function lets the forehead relax, softening the lines raised to compensate.
Precautions
- 01Apply cold compresses early to reduce swelling around the eyes.
- 02Avoid eye-rubbing and contact lenses for two weeks.
- 03Expect slight asymmetry during healing — it settles as swelling resolves.
- 04Sleep with the head elevated for the first several nights.
- 05Attend follow-ups so lid height is assessed and fine-tuned if needed.
At a glance
| Procedure time | 50–80 minutes |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Local with light sedation |
| Downtime | 1–2 weeks |
| Results settle | 1–3 months |
Who should consider this
- 01Eyes that look sleepy or half-closed even when rested.
- 02A habit of lifting the eyebrows or tilting the head to see.
- 03One eyelid noticeably lower than the other.
- 04A pupil partly covered by the upper lid margin.
Fatigue in the eyes is rarely fatigue at all — it is unheard muscle asking for help. I simply listen closer.
Daeyoung Kim, M.D., PhD.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
A tired-looking eye is often a muscle problem, not a skin one. Fix the mechanism and the whole face lifts — the brow finally rests.
Sangwon Lee, M.D., PhD.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
The process
01Consult
Analysis & consultation
Facial-proportion mapping and an unhurried 1:1 discussion of your concerns and goals.
02Design
Bespoke design
A plan drawn to your own anatomy and facial balance — never a template.
03Procedure
Muscle correction
The levator muscle is adjusted and reinforced under local anesthesia with sedation, often with crease design.
04Care
Recovery & follow-up
Scheduled reviews as swelling settles and the result matures.
Frequently asked
Yes — ptosis correction adjusts the muscle that opens the eye, while double-eyelid surgery only forms the crease. They are often done together.
Symmetry is planned carefully and checked during surgery; minor differences during healing settle as swelling resolves.
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Get in touch
5F, 4 Sangmu-jungang-ro 28beon-gil, Seo-gu, GwangjuDirections & map apps
Booking & consultation062-227-3777
WeekdaysAM 09:30 – PM 06:30WeekendSaturday AM 09:00 – PM 03:00 (Lunch break 12:30–13:00)Closed Sundays and public holidays