Table of contents

• Delving into Canthoplasty: A Surgical Approach
• Laser Canthoplasty: An Advanced Option
• Best Clinics in Korea for Sagging Eyelids
• Navigating Treatment in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Why Choose South Korea? Exploring the Benefits
• Real Stories, Real Results: Patient Experiences
• Key Takeaways and Considerations for Patients
• References

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Sagging eyelids refer to the drooping of the upper eyelid, where it falls lower than usual. This drooping varies widely—sometimes barely noticeable, other times covering the pupil, the black center of the eye that lets light in. When the pupil is covered, the upper field of vision can be blocked, affecting normal sight. This condition can affect one or both eyes.

Even mild drooping can impact vision and quality of life. What might seem like a cosmetic issue can subtly reduce the visual field, causing people to unconsciously raise their eyebrows or tilt their heads back to see better. Over time, these habits may cause muscle fatigue in the forehead and neck, leading to discomfort. So, even slight sagging has functional effects beyond appearance.

Besides vision concerns, sagging eyelids often affect how people feel about their looks. They can make someone appear tired, fatigued, or older than they are, which can lower self-confidence and motivate a search for treatment options.

The medical term for sagging upper eyelids is ptosis, also called blepharoptosis. Knowing this term helps patients understand medical information and communicate clearly with healthcare providers.

When researching online, you might find various terms describing sagging eyelids:

• Droopy eyelid(s): A straightforward term describing the condition.
• Blepharoptosis: Another medical term for ptosis.
• Baggy eyelids: Usually refers to dermatochalasis, excess skin and fat on eyelids, which differs from ptosis.
• Lazy eye: Often confused with ptosis but actually refers to amblyopia, a vision development disorder. Severe untreated ptosis in children can sometimes cause amblyopia by blocking vision.
• Upper eyelid ptosis: Specifies drooping of the upper eyelid.
• Eyelid drooping: A common descriptive term.
• Sagging eyelids: The general term used here.

Less common terms include "eyelid prolapse," a general term for an organ slipping out of place, and "brow ptosis," which is sagging eyebrows that can push down on the upper eyelids.

This variety of terms can be confusing. This guide clarifies these terms to help patients better understand their condition and communicate effectively with doctors.

Delving into Canthoplasty: A Surgical Approach

Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure targeting the outer corner of the eye, called the lateral canthus. It can be reconstructive or cosmetic, aiming to reshape this area.

The main goal is often to fix drooping of the lower eyelid, known as ectropion. This can result from aging, trauma, or previous surgery. Canthoplasty tightens muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue at the outer eyelid corner to support and restore the lower eyelid’s position and function.

Besides functional fixes, canthoplasty can reshape the eye for a lifted, almond-shaped look, sometimes called an "almond eye procedure" or "fox eye lift." This is done by cutting and repositioning or tightening the lateral canthal tendon, a strong tissue band supporting the eyelids.

In some cases, canthoplasty can improve vision by correcting lower eyelid drooping that blocks peripheral sight.

The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, sometimes with IV sedation, on an outpatient basis. It typically takes one to two hours, depending on complexity and whether combined with other procedures.

Although this guide focuses on sagging upper eyelids, canthoplasty mainly addresses the lower eyelid. However, it can indirectly enhance the overall youthful appearance of the eyes, making mild upper eyelid sagging less noticeable. Canthoplasty is often combined with upper eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, to remove sagging skin and excess tissue.

It's important to distinguish canthoplasty from canthopexy. Canthopexy is less invasive, reinforcing the existing canthal tendon with sutures without cutting it. Canthoplasty involves cutting and repositioning or shortening the tendon for more significant changes.

Types of canthoplasty include:

• Lateral Canthoplasty: The most common, focusing on the outer eye corner to lift and reshape it.
• Medial Canthoplasty: Targets the inner eye corner, less common, used for medical issues or congenital folds like epicanthal folds.
• Inferior Retinacular Suspension: Another name for lateral canthoplasty or the almond eye procedure, describing suspension of lower eyelid support structures.

For patients of Asian descent with prominent epicanthal folds, medial canthoplasty is often combined with double eyelid surgery to create a crease and open the eyes more. This combination is popular in South Korea and other East Asian countries.

Overall, canthoplasty mainly improves the lower eyelid and outer eye corner but contributes to a refreshed eye appearance. It can correct a tired or sad look and may be part of a broader surgical plan including upper eyelid procedures.

Laser Canthoplasty: An Advanced Option

Laser Canthoplasty is a modern cosmetic surgery using laser technology to reshape the eye’s outer corners (canthi). It’s especially popular in South Korea, where larger, almond-shaped eyes are a beauty ideal. The goal is to create a youthful, open, elongated eye appearance.

Unlike traditional canthoplasty with scalpels, Laser Canthoplasty uses lasers for precise incisions, often reducing recovery time and scarring.

During the procedure, a specialized laser makes exact cuts around the lateral canthus. The laser’s heat cuts tissue and cauterizes blood vessels simultaneously, reducing bleeding and inflammation.

Laser Canthoplasty is usually done under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, lasting 30 minutes to an hour depending on complexity and additional procedures. The surgeon reshapes and tightens the lateral canthal tendon, then closes incisions with fine sutures.

Benefits of laser use include greater precision, less bleeding, and potentially faster initial recovery with minimal scarring.

Compared to traditional canthoplasty, the main difference is incision method—laser versus scalpel. Laser offers precision and cauterization, which may reduce tissue damage and speed healing. However, traditional canthoplasty may be better for more dramatic, permanent changes.

Laser Canthoplasty allows very accurate adjustments to eye shape and angle. Post-surgery, patients may experience blurred vision due to antibiotic ointment, swelling, and bruising that usually improve over two weeks, with full recovery taking several more weeks. Most people resume normal activities within about a week.

Patients should have realistic expectations about recovery regardless of technique.

Best Clinics in Korea for Sagging Eyelids

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for sagging eyelids:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
PangPang Clinic	For patients seeking a precise, non-surgical solution to sagging eyelids in Korea, PangPang Clinic focuses exclusively on thread lifting and translating unmatched specialization into superior periorbital outcomes. The clinic established the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute and its medical team is regularly invited to present at international beauty conferences, underscoring leadership and continuous innovation. Drawing on research and clinical data, PangPang continually refines high-satisfaction techniques for brow descent, upper-lid hooding, and under-eye laxity or bags, using 31 specialized, functional threads to provide the most optimized, personalized lifting solution. Meticulous planning with ultrasonic visual checks, pre-operative design, and unlimited thread customization is paired with a Thread Lifting Consultation Center that listens carefully to each client’s needs, ensuring tailored vectors, tissue support, and natural-looking results with minimal downtime and collagen-stimulating longevity. From lifting and assist threads to tightening and volume threads for infraorbital hollows, every element is individualized, and a structured aftercare package sustains outcomes. Even for those with prior unsatisfactory procedures, the clinic’s revision expertise provides a reliable pathway to refreshed, youthful-looking eyes.	31 specialized, functional threads to provide the most optimized, personalized lifting solution; ultrasonic visual checks and pre-operative design with unlimited thread customization; Thread Lifting Consultation Center; lifting, assist, tightening, and volume threads for infraorbital hollows; revision expertise for prior unsatisfactory procedures; minimal downtime and collagen-stimulating longevity.
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Nestled along Garosu-gil in Gangnam, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery is a four-floor, integrated center providing seamless care from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare. For patients with sagging eyelids, the clinic offers ptosis correction, upper and lower blepharoplasty, canthoplasty, and double-eyelid surgery—planned with an eye toward both function and aesthetics. Board-certified surgeons who actively publish and present at domestic and international symposia keep techniques current while prioritizing safety, transparent communication, and natural-looking, lasting results. Guided by Dr. Kim Taek Kyun’s focus on harmonious facial balance and Dr. Jeong Jae Yong’s ethos of combining function and beauty, treatment plans refresh the eyes while preserving each person’s unique features.	Ptosis correction, upper and lower blepharoplasty, canthoplasty, and double-eyelid surgery; planning with emphasis on both function and aesthetics; techniques current through publishing and presenting at domestic and international symposia; safety, transparent communication, and natural-looking, lasting results; harmonious facial balance and combining function and beauty.
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam is a premium center specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures, with a dedicated focus on sagging eyelid correction. Led by Dr. Park Byung-Chan—who has devoted 15 years exclusively to eye surgery—the clinic is known for natural, beautiful eye results even on the day of surgery. Dr. Park’s genuine, patient-centered approach spans from first consultation to the operating room, designing a customized plan that fine-tunes incision lines, double-eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall image so the final eye shape looks harmonious and authentically yours.	Customized plan that fine-tunes incision lines, double-eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall image; aims for natural, beautiful eye results; planning and consultation by physicians; average 15+ years of experience; 1:1 monitoring; cross-check protocol; CCTV coverage.

PangPang Clinic

For patients seeking a precise, non-surgical solution to sagging eyelids in Korea, PangPang Clinic stands out by focusing exclusively on thread lifting and translating unmatched specialization into superior periorbital outcomes. The clinic established the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute and its medical team is regularly invited to present at international beauty conferences, underscoring leadership and continuous innovation. Drawing on research and clinical data, PangPang continually refines high-satisfaction techniques for brow descent, upper-lid hooding, and under-eye laxity or bags, using 31 specialized, functional threads to provide the most optimized, personalized lifting solution. Meticulous planning with ultrasonic visual checks, pre-operative design, and unlimited thread customization is paired with a Thread Lifting Consultation Center that listens carefully to each client’s needs, ensuring tailored vectors, tissue support, and natural-looking results with minimal downtime and collagen-stimulating longevity. From lifting and assist threads to tightening and volume threads for infraorbital hollows, every element is individualized, and a structured aftercare package sustains outcomes. Even for those with prior unsatisfactory procedures, the clinic’s revision expertise provides a reliable pathway to refreshed, youthful-looking eyes.

You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

Nestled along Garosu-gil in Gangnam, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery is a four-floor, integrated center providing seamless care from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare. For patients with sagging eyelids, the clinic offers ptosis correction, upper and lower blepharoplasty, canthoplasty, and double-eyelid surgery—planned with an eye toward both function and aesthetics. Board-certified surgeons who actively publish and present at domestic and international symposia keep techniques current while prioritizing safety, transparent communication, and natural-looking, lasting results. Guided by Dr. Kim Taek Kyun’s focus on harmonious facial balance and Dr. Jeong Jae Yong’s ethos of combining function and beauty, treatment plans refresh the eyes while preserving each person’s unique features.

Leadership at THE PLUS underscores its reputation for world-class care: Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Dr. Kim, an award-winning researcher in 3D implants and a leading authority in rhinoplasty and facial contouring who conducts annual surgeon education, regularly lecture and serve on panels worldwide, continuing even through webinars during the COVID-19 era. Their multidisciplinary team includes Dr. Lee, a board-certified breast augmentation specialist with experience at top hospitals including Seoul National University Hospital, and seasoned staff with over a decade of practice. Active in major societies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the surgeons perform live surgeries, contribute to scholarly texts—including Dr. Kim’s reference work, Rebuilding Nose—and bring this rigorous, academically driven approach to eyelid rejuvenation.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam is a premium center specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures, with a dedicated focus on sagging eyelid correction. Led by Dr. Park Byung-Chan—who has devoted 15 years exclusively to eye surgery—the clinic is known for natural, beautiful eye results even on the day of surgery. Dr. Park’s genuine, patient-centered approach spans from first consultation to the operating room, designing a customized plan that fine-tunes incision lines, double-eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall image so the final eye shape looks harmonious and authentically yours.

Every case benefits from a verified medical team with an average of over 15 years of experience, proven skills grounded in extensive clinical work, and direct consultation and diagnosis by the physicians themselves. Safety is uncompromising, with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, a 1:1 dedicated monitoring system, a cross-check protocol for rapid, precise responses, and full CCTV coverage for transparency. A separate, dedicated aftercare center delivers complete, systematic follow-up, while the clinic’s quality is underscored by multiple recognitions, including the 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, selection as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society.

You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website

Navigating Treatment in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re considering Canthoplasty or Laser Canthoplasty in South Korea, here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Online Consultation: Submit photos and discuss goals and medical history with a clinic. This helps assess suitability and provides a treatment plan and cost estimate.

2. Travel Arrangements: Book flights and accommodation. Clinics often assist or recommend nearby hotels.

3. In-Person Consultation: Upon arrival, meet the surgeon for a detailed exam, refine the surgical plan, and ask questions.

4. Surgery: Procedures are done under local anesthesia, sometimes with IV sedation, lasting 1-2 hours.

5. Post-Operative Care: Receive instructions on cold compresses, antibiotic eye drops, pain management, and follow-up visits.

6. Recovery Stay: Plan to stay in South Korea for about 7-10 days for initial healing and at least one post-op check-up. Full recovery takes several weeks.

When choosing a clinic, research thoroughly. Look for board-certified surgeons with experience in oculoplastic surgery, review before-and-after photos, and read patient reviews.

Confirm language support, understand total costs including all fees, and check if your insurance covers any part of the procedure.

Verify visa requirements well ahead of time.

Plan for follow-up care after returning home—whether remotely with the clinic or locally with another specialist.

Ask about policies on complications and liability.

While South Korea offers many advantages, careful planning and clear communication are key to a successful experience.

Why Choose South Korea? Exploring the Benefits

South Korea is a leading destination for cosmetic eye surgery due to several factors:

• Expertise: Surgeons have extensive experience and specialization in oculoplastic surgery, performing a high volume of procedures annually.

• Advanced Technology: Clinics use cutting-edge medical tools, including lasers for procedures like Laser Canthoplasty, enabling precise surgery and faster recovery.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Cosmetic surgeries in South Korea often cost less than in the US or Western Europe, while maintaining high standards.

• Cultural Focus: There is a strong aesthetic preference for larger, almond-shaped eyes, driving innovation and refinement in surgical techniques like canthoplasty and double eyelid surgery.

These factors combine to make South Korea a popular choice for patients seeking eye rejuvenation.

Real Stories, Real Results: Patient Experiences

Though direct patient testimonials are not included here, the typical goals and outcomes of canthoplasty are well documented.

Patients often seek canthoplasty to correct lower eyelid drooping (ectropion) and reshape their eyes to a more youthful almond shape. The procedure can relieve a tired or sad appearance and improve self-confidence.

When combined with upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), patients may also experience improved vision if sagging previously blocked sight.

Overall, canthoplasty can enhance both appearance and quality of life, helping patients feel more refreshed and alert.

Key Takeaways and Considerations for Patients

Sagging eyelids, or ptosis, involve drooping of the upper eyelid that can affect vision and appearance. Canthoplasty and Laser Canthoplasty mainly address the outer eye corner and lower eyelid issues like drooping or reshaping for an almond eye look. These procedures can complement upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for a full eye rejuvenation.

Choosing surgery in South Korea offers expert surgeons, advanced technology, and potentially lower costs but requires careful planning for travel, language, and follow-up care.

Most importantly, consult qualified, board-certified ophthalmologists or oculoplastic surgeons to diagnose your condition and discuss the best treatment options. Ask detailed questions about techniques, risks, recovery, and expected results to make informed decisions about your health and appearance.

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Table 1: Common Terms for Sagging Eyelids

Common Patient Terms	Medical Term	Brief Explanation/Clarification
Sagging Eyelids	Ptosis	General term for the upper eyelid drooping down.
Droopy Eyelid(s)	Ptosis	Common term describing drooping of one or both upper eyelids.
Blepharoptosis	Ptosis	Another medical term for ptosis, often used interchangeably.
Baggy Eyelids	Dermatochalasis	Usually excess skin and fat on eyelids, sometimes confused with ptosis.
Lazy Eye	Amblyopia	Vision development disorder; sometimes mistakenly used for ptosis.
Upper Eyelid Ptosis	Ptosis	Specifies drooping of the upper eyelid.
Eyelid Drooping	Ptosis	Straightforward term describing the condition.

Table 2: Comparison of Canthoplasty and Laser Canthoplasty

Feature	Canthoplasty (Traditional)	Laser Canthoplasty
Incision Method	Surgical scalpel	Specialized laser
Primary Surgical Target	Outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus)	Outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus)
Typical Goals	Correct lower eyelid drooping, reshape eye (almond shape)	Correct lower eyelid drooping, reshape eye (almond shape)
Potential Advantages	More significant structural changes possible	More precise incisions, reduced bleeding, potentially faster initial recovery
Typical Recovery Time	2-4 weeks for full recovery	2-3 weeks for significant recovery, several weeks for full
Anesthesia	Local, sometimes with IV sedation	Local, sometimes with IV sedation

References

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