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Droopy eyelids: causes and the surgery clinics in Korea list for them

Droopy upper eyelids can come from excess eyelid skin, a weak lid-lifting muscle (ptosis) or a low eyebrow. Clinics in Korea list double eyelid surgery, with extra steps such as skin removal and ptosis correction, for them. Ptosis can be a medical condition, so a doctor must assess the cause first.

Korean term: 눈꺼풀 처짐 (안검하수)

What are droopy eyelids

Ptosis means the upper eyelid droops. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) says it can limit or even block normal vision, and StatPearls calls it a clinical sign, not a diagnosis. EyeWiki names two look-alikes: dermatochalasis (excess upper-eyelid skin) and brow ptosis (a low eyebrow). They can occur together. Cleveland Clinic says most ptosis happens with aging.

Common causes

  • Aging. EyeWiki says most acquired ptosis comes from stretching or detachment of the levator aponeurosis, the tendon of the lid-lifting muscle.
  • Birth, injury or eye surgery. The AAO lists congenital ptosis (present from birth), eye injury and, occasionally, eye surgery.
  • Nerve or muscle conditions. EyeWiki lists myasthenia gravis, third nerve palsy and Horner syndrome. Cleveland Clinic adds stroke and tumor.
  • Loose skin or a low brow. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) says a drooping upper lid may be due to relaxation of the forehead skin and eyebrow. EyeWiki says brow ptosis typically occurs with advancing age or prior trauma.

Treatments clinics in Korea list for droopy eyelids

The card below shows what double eyelid surgery is, its downtime per the sources, and the lowest regular price a clinic in this directory publishes for it. That is plain double eyelid surgery; ptosis correction and skin removal are separate items, usually priced above it.

Double eyelid surgery

Surgery that creates a fold (crease) in the upper eyelid, with buried or removable stitches or through an incision.

Downtime (per the sources): Stitches out within about a week; swelling eases over 10–14 days; scars can take months to fade

From ₩700,000 (≈ US$529)Newline Plastic Surgery · Double eyelid surgery · VAT excluded

4 clinics in this directory list a regular price

All prices and clinics

What the sources say about results and limits

  • Urgent signs. Cleveland Clinic lists a lid that suddenly starts drooping or closing, double vision or pain as reasons for urgent care. It says treatment may not be needed if vision and appearance are unaffected.
  • Different operations. EyeWiki says surgery is the main treatment for ptosis and that anyone considering blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) should be evaluated for brow repositioning.
  • Limits. ASPS says eyelid surgery results are long-lasting, but you keep aging, results are not assured and another operation may be needed. It lists dry eyes and difficulty closing the eyes among the risks. After ptosis surgery, Cleveland Clinic lists bleeding, infection, corneal damage and recurrence.

Published prices

The table shows, for each clinic that lists a regular price, its lowest regular price for each treatment above; items, amounts and VAT basis differ between clinics.

ClinicDouble eyelid surgery
Marble Plastic Surgery₩1,000,000 (≈ US$755)
VAT excluded · Eye surgery (fee notice starting price)
Newline Plastic Surgery₩700,000 (≈ US$529)
VAT excluded · Double eyelid surgery
NewRizz Skin Clinic₩700,000 (≈ US$529)
VAT excluded · Non-incisional double-eyelid surgery (buried suture)
YUNO Plastic Surgery₩800,000 (≈ US$604)
VAT not stated · Double eyelid surgery, natural adhesion (starting price)

Lowest regular price each clinic lists, with its own item and VAT basis.

Questions to ask the clinic

  • What is causing the droop (skin, lid muscle, brow or a medical condition)? Was my brow checked, and which tests did you do?
  • Which operation do you plan, and which steps are in the quote?
  • What are my risks, such as dry eyes or trouble closing the eyes?
  • If the lids are uneven or the droop returns, is revision free, charged or time-limited? Please put it in writing.
  • Does the quote include VAT? Is it a regular or an event price?

FAQ

Are droopy eyelids a medical problem?

Sometimes. The AAO says ptosis can limit or block vision, and it can come from nerve, muscle or other conditions. Excess skin or a low brow is a different problem. Cleveland Clinic says treatment may not be needed if vision and appearance are unaffected. A doctor's examination finds the cause.

What is the difference between ptosis and excess eyelid skin?

Ptosis is a low upper-lid edge from a lid-lifting muscle problem. Dermatochalasis is extra upper-eyelid skin, and brow ptosis is a low eyebrow. EyeWiki says they can occur together and are managed differently, and ASPS says ptosis needs a different operation from standard eyelid surgery.

When is a drooping eyelid urgent?

Cleveland Clinic lists a lid that suddenly starts drooping or closing, double vision or pain as reasons for urgent care. StatPearls says sudden ptosis with headache, pupil changes or eye-movement problems needs urgent imaging. Contact a doctor or emergency service rather than waiting for a cosmetic appointment.

Can droopy eyelids be treated without surgery?

Sometimes. The AAO says a prescription eye drop can help some adults with acquired ptosis, but it must be used daily and does not work for injury or nerve problems. A doctor decides what suits your cause and whether any treatment is needed at all.

Sources

Related concerns Monolids