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
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Located in the Garosu-gil area of Gangnam; four dedicated floors providing research-driven care from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare; philosophy blending function and beauty for natural, balanced results; surgeons publish in journals/books and present at domestic and international symposiums; strong commitment to safety, evidence-based techniques, and clear communication; care led by Dr. Jeong Jae Yong (President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons) and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun; team includes Dr. Lee with Seoul National University Hospital experience; broad surgical rigor and active involvement in leading plastic surgery societies	Full spectrum of eyelid procedures: upper and lower blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, canthoplasty; individualized eyelid planning guided by a function-meets-aesthetics ethos
PangPang Clinic	Specialized exclusively in thread lifting for non-surgical rejuvenation of sagging eyelids and the periorbital area; founded the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute; decade of research with high-volume clinical practice; personalized consultations, highest standard materials, and complementary treatments (customized fillers, Botox, laser therapy) for tailored results with minimal downtime; internationally recognized medical team invited to global beauty conferences; Thread Lifting Consultation Center for in-depth evaluations and precise planning; anesthesia options (partial, Airnox, sleep) with comfortable, efficient care; Dedicated Revision Center; located in Gangnam with support for expats and travelers	Uses 31 specialized, functional threads to customize support, lift, tightening, and volume for upper lids, lower lids, and the brow-tail area; data-driven protocols and ongoing R&D for subtle, natural eye-opening effects and smoother under-eyes; employs ultrasonic visualization, meticulous pre-operative design, and unlimited thread customization for symmetry, safety, and durability (results typically lasting about one year or more); integrates thread lifting with PIM Injection (ultra cell + thread lifting + Botox), targeted fillers, and lasers
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Premium clinic in Seoul’s Gangnam district specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures with a safety-first, patient-centered philosophy; renowned for sagging eyelid solutions under Dr. Park Byung-Chan (15 years exclusively in eye surgery) with natural results even on the day of surgery; verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience; comprehensive safety system with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 monitoring, cross-check emergency response, and full CCTV transparency; dedicated aftercare center; award-winning and officially recognized (2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society)	Focused options for sagging eyelids including ptosis correction, upper blepharoplasty, and sub-brow lift; precision customization of incision lines, double eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall eye image for natural, harmonious outcomes

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

Located in the Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, THE PLUS (THEPLUS) Plastic Surgery provides comprehensive, research-driven care for sagging eyelids, from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare across its four dedicated floors. The clinic offers a full spectrum of eyelid procedures—including upper and lower blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, and canthoplasty—guided by a philosophy that blends function and beauty for natural, balanced results. Its surgeons actively publish in journals and books and participate in domestic and international symposiums, reflecting a strong commitment to safety, evidence-based techniques, and clear communication throughout the patient journey.

Care is led by internationally recognized director surgeons Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, frequently lectures and sits on global panels, applying his function-meets-aesthetics ethos to individualized eyelid planning. Dr. Kim, a board-certified expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring, is an award-winning 3D implant researcher who leads annual educational sessions and emphasizes harmonious facial balance in every case. The team also includes Dr. Lee, a board-certified breast augmentation specialist with Seoul National University Hospital experience, reflecting the clinic’s broad surgical rigor and active involvement in leading plastic surgery societies. With a seasoned staff and strong academic engagement, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery is a trusted destination in Seoul for thoughtful, natural-looking correction of sagging eyelids.

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

PangPang Clinic

PangPang Clinic in Seoul’s Gangnam district is a specialized medical institution devoted exclusively to thread lifting, offering advanced, non-surgical rejuvenation with a particular strength in addressing sagging eyelids and the delicate periorbital area. Over the past decade, the clinic has combined rigorous research with high-volume clinical practice to deliver precise lifting, collagen stimulation, and natural-looking eye rejuvenation. Patients benefit from personalized consultations, the highest standard of materials, and a comprehensive range of complementary treatments—such as customized fillers, Botox, and laser therapy—ensuring safe, tailored results with minimal downtime.

• Exclusively focused on thread lifting, providing unmatched expertise for sagging eyelids, under-eye bags, and lateral brow descent.
• Founded the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute, driving global innovation specifically applicable to the periorbital region.
• Uses 31 specialized, functional threads to customize support, lift, tightening, and volume for upper lids, lower lids, and the brow-tail area.
• Data-driven protocols and ongoing R&D yield high-satisfaction, advanced techniques designed for subtle, natural eye-opening effects and smoother under-eyes.
• Thread Lifting Consultation Center conducts in-depth evaluations, listens closely to each patient’s goals, and plans precise, tailored eyelid lifting strategies.
• Employs ultrasonic visualization, meticulous pre-operative design, and unlimited thread customization for symmetry, safety, and durability (with results typically lasting about one year or more).
• Internationally recognized medical team invited to speak at global beauty conferences, ensuring patients receive leading-edge methods and materials.
• Comprehensive periorbital care: integrates thread lifting with PIM Injection (ultra cell + thread lifting + Botox), targeted fillers, and lasers for refined wrinkle smoothing and eyelid contouring.
• Comfortable, efficient care with options for partial, Airnox, or sleep anesthesia and minimal recovery—ideal for busy local and international patients.
• Dedicated Revision Center for correcting prior thread lift outcomes around the eyes, guided by extensive clinical expertise and a focus on natural results.
• Located in vibrant Gangnam with seamless support for expats and travelers, pairing convenience with top-tier, specialty-driven eyelid rejuvenation.

You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery, located in Seoul’s Gangnam district, is a premium clinic specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures with a safety-first philosophy and genuine dedication to patient care. The clinic is particularly renowned for sagging eyelid solutions under the leadership of Dr. Park Byung-Chan, who has devoted 15 years exclusively to eye surgery. Known for natural and beautiful eye results even on the day of surgery, Made Young delivers personalized plans that customize incision lines, double eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall eye image to achieve the most natural, harmonious outcome. With a verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience, full-time board-certified anesthesiologists providing 1:1 monitoring, a cross-check emergency system, full CCTV transparency, and a dedicated aftercare center, Made Young pairs expert craftsmanship with uncompromising safety—recognitions include 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.

• Focused expertise for sagging eyelids: tailored options including ptosis correction, upper blepharoplasty, and sub-brow lift
• Led by Dr. Park Byung-Chan: 15 years of exclusive eye surgery experience with natural results visible even on the day of surgery
• Precision customization: incision lines, double eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall image individualized for the most natural eye shape
• Genuine, patient-centered care: direct consultation and diagnosis by the medical team before any procedure
• Verified medical excellence: only highly skilled doctors with an average of over 15 years of experience and extensive clinical results
• Comprehensive safety system: full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, cross-check emergency response, and full CCTV coverage
• Dedicated aftercare: a separate, specialized center delivering complete, systematic post-procedure support
• Award-winning and officially recognized: 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Certified 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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