Table of contents

• Understanding "Unnatural Surgical Appearance"
• Eyelid Retraction: A Common Cause of Unnatural Appearance
• Eyelid Retraction Repair: The Medical Procedures
• Best Clinics in Korea for Unnatural Surgical Appearance
• Obtaining Eyelid Retraction Repair in South Korea
• Addressing "Unnatural Surgical Appearance" Through Eyelid Retraction Repair
• Conclusion
• References

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Cosmetic eyelid surgery is increasingly popular for enhancing appearance and reducing signs of aging around the eyes. While many patients are pleased with their results, some end up with an unnatural look that causes disappointment and a desire for correction. This guide explains what "unnatural surgical appearance" means after eyelid surgery, focusing on eyelid retraction as a common cause and the corrective option of eyelid retraction repair. It also highlights South Korea as a leading destination for such specialized procedures.

Understanding "Unnatural Surgical Appearance"

"Unnatural surgical appearance" refers to results that stray from expected aesthetic norms, making the face look artificial or out of harmony with one’s features. This perception varies widely depending on cultural standards and personal taste. For example, an aggressive rhinoplasty or a facelift that looks "pulled" can be immediately recognized as surgical. Similarly, eyelid surgery can sometimes produce an overly obvious or forced look.

Patients often describe unnatural results with terms like "artificial look," implying a lack of authenticity; "operated look," meaning the surgery is too noticeable; or "surprised look," where eyelids or eyebrows are unnaturally high, creating an unintended expression. Other terms include "windswept look" for overly tight facelifts, "pinched nose" or "scooped-out bridge" in rhinoplasty, and "sausage eyelids" for thick, puffy upper eyelids after eyelid surgery. Broader synonyms like "abnormal," "bizarre," or "strained" also capture the sense of an unnatural outcome.

Experiencing an unnatural surgical appearance can deeply affect psychological well-being, lowering self-esteem and increasing social anxiety. Since cosmetic surgery is often sought to boost confidence, an unnatural result can be especially distressing. Studies show that people who have had plastic surgery may sometimes be viewed less favorably, and fear of looking unnatural is a common concern among prospective patients. This underscores the importance of achieving natural, harmonious results.

Eyelid Retraction: A Common Cause of Unnatural Appearance

Eyelid retraction is a frequent cause of unnatural appearance after eyelid surgery. It occurs when the upper eyelid margin sits too high or the lower eyelid margin too low, exposing excessive sclera (the white part of the eye). Upper eyelid retraction pulls the lid upward, while lower eyelid retraction pulls it downward, often creating a rounded eye shape that many find unattractive.

Various factors can cause eyelid retraction, including thyroid eye disease (Graves' disease), trauma, scarring from previous surgeries or injuries, tumors, facial nerve palsy, and congenital conditions. A significant cause related to surgery is iatrogenic retraction, especially after lower blepharoplasty. This procedure, which targets under-eye bags and wrinkles, can lead to lower eyelid retraction if too much skin or fat is removed or if supporting structures like the orbicularis oculi muscle and lateral canthal tendon are compromised. Upper blepharoplasty can also cause problems if excessive skin is excised, potentially preventing proper eyelid closure. Post-blepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction is a well-known and feared complication, highlighting the need for careful surgical technique.

Symptoms of eyelid retraction include a "wide-eyed" or staring look due to increased scleral exposure, dry and irritated eyes, difficulty closing the eyes completely (lagophthalmos), and excessive tearing. These issues not only affect appearance but also eye health, increasing the risk of corneal damage and infections. Thus, correcting eyelid retraction is important for both cosmetic and medical reasons.

Eyelid Retraction Repair: The Medical Procedures

Eyelid retraction repair aims to reposition the eyelid margin to a natural level, improving both appearance and function. The techniques vary depending on whether the upper or lower eyelid is affected and the cause of retraction.

For upper eyelid retraction, surgeons often perform recession of the eyelid retractors—the levator palpebrae superioris and Müller's muscle—by releasing or lengthening these muscles to lower the eyelid. This can be done through the skin or via a transconjunctival approach inside the eyelid. Adjustable sutures may be used to fine-tune eyelid position. Spacer grafts made from donor sclera, fascia lata, ear cartilage, or synthetic materials can be inserted into the posterior lamella to add length and help lower the lid. Auricular cartilage is common for lower eyelid repair but may be too thick for the upper eyelid, where posterior auricular muscle complex grafts (PAMCG) are alternatives. Full-thickness transverse blepharotomy is another option for upper eyelid retraction.

Lower eyelid retraction repair focuses on elevating the lower lid margin to reduce scleral show and restore a natural almond shape. This often involves releasing contracted lower eyelid retractors like the capsulopalpebral fascia and inferior tarsal muscle. Spacer grafts are widely used here as well, with materials including Alloderm (acellular dermis), ear cartilage, hard palate mucosa, donor sclera, dermis fat grafts, and synthetic implants like polydioxanone. Bioengineered acellular dermal matrix (BADM) grafts have shown promising short-term results. Canthoplasty and canthopexy tighten and reposition the lateral canthus (outer eye corner) to provide horizontal support and refine eye shape. A midface lift can also support the lower eyelid by elevating cheek tissue. When skin is deficient due to over-resection, skin grafts from other body areas may be necessary, though surgeons prefer to avoid them if possible due to visibility. Often, a combination of these techniques is tailored to each patient’s needs.

Best Clinics in Korea for Unnatural Surgical Appearance

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for unnatural surgical appearance:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Four-floor, consultation-to-surgery-to-skincare continuum, leadership by Dr. Jeong (President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons) and Dr. Kim (award-winning 3D implant researcher; rhinoplasty/facial contouring expert), harmony-first planning with function-plus-aesthetics, research-driven with textbooks/publications and global teaching, senior surgical team active in major societies, personalized communication and meticulous follow-up, breadth beyond the nose (facial bone surgery, eye rejuvenation, facelifts, fat grafting, breast procedures)	Revision rhinoplasty, non-implant and implant rhinoplasty, septal deviation repair, alar retraction correction, bulbous/droopy tip refinement, nasal airway optimization (deviated septum, rhinitis, sinusitis), full facial contouring, facial bone surgery, eye rejuvenation, facelifts, fat grafting, breast procedures
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Premium Gangnam clinic focused on natural harmony, led by Dr. Park Byung-Chan (15 years dedicated to eye surgery), natural results from day one, genuine patient-centered care with direct consultation, verified medical expertise (average >15 years), robust safety (full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 monitoring, cross-check system, full CCTV transparency), thorough aftercare, award-winning credibility (2022 Korea No.1 Award; 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place; Outstanding Member of KSPRS; certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society)	Non-incisional and incisional double eyelid surgery, ptosis correction, upper/lower blepharoplasty, canthoplasty, dark circle treatment, revision rhinoplasty, implant removal
SH Clinic	Integrated stem-cell science, women’s healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, and modern plastic surgery under one roof, personalized comprehensive treatment plans, subtle refinements with minimal downtime, structural correction with 3-D–planned face contouring plus upper/lower blepharoplasty and facelifts, holistic approach via SH Gynecology Clinic for intimate rejuvenation, multi-modality, patient-tailored strategy for convincingly natural results	Stem cell therapies/injections, laser lifting, skin booster injections, Botox, dermal fillers, thread lifts, 3-D–planned face contouring, upper/lower blepharoplasty, facelifts, vaginal fillers, HIFU treatments, vaginal tightening, implant surgery

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

THE PLUS Plastic Surgery in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, is a world-class, four-floor center that guides patients seamlessly from consultation to surgery and dedicated post-operative skincare, with a singular focus on natural-looking harmony and long-term function. Led by director doctors Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, an award-winning researcher in 3D implants and a leading expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring, the clinic blends rigorous academic research with refined clinical technique. Their surgeons author textbooks and peer-reviewed articles, teach at global symposiums, and run ongoing educational programs for fellow specialists—ensuring that patients benefit from the most current, evidence-based approaches. Dr. Kim emphasizes facial balance to enhance existing features, while Dr. Jeong’s philosophy unites function and beauty—critical for correcting or preventing an “overdone” look. Complementing this leadership, Dr. Lee, a board-certified breast augmentation specialist with experience at Seoul National University Hospital, delivers results designed to look natural and last. With a reputation built on revision rhinoplasty, facial bone surgery, and meticulous planning, THE PLUS stands out as one of Korea’s best choices for patients seeking to avoid or correct an unnatural surgical appearance.

• Proven leaders in revision rhinoplasty and “naturalization” surgery: Dr. Jeong specializes in complex rhinoplasty revisions, and Dr. Kim’s textbook Rebuilding Nose is widely referenced by rhinoplasty professionals.
• Harmony-first treatment planning: Dr. Kim’s emphasis on balanced facial proportions and Dr. Jeong’s function-plus-aesthetics ethos help prevent the overly operated look and restore natural contours after prior surgery.
• Research-driven precision: Award-winning work in 3D implants and ongoing scholarly publications support tailored solutions that reduce the risk of artificial-looking outcomes.
• Comprehensive correction toolkit: From non-implant to implant rhinoplasty, septal deviation repair, alar retraction correction, and bulbous or droopy tip refinement to full facial contouring, the team addresses the structural causes of an unnatural appearance.
• Function and beauty, together: Expertise in nasal airway optimization (e.g., deviated septum, rhinitis, sinusitis) helps ensure natural appearance without compromising breathing.
• Senior surgical team with depth of experience: Physicians average over a decade in practice and are active in major societies, including international bodies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
• Educational leadership that sets the standard: Directors run annual training and present at global forums, continually refining techniques to achieve subtle, lifelike results.
• Full-continuum care under one roof: A four-floor facility purpose-built for consultation, surgery, recovery, and skincare supports safer workflows and more consistent, high-quality outcomes.
• Personalized communication and meticulous follow-up: The clinic’s patient-centered approach aligns goals, limits overcorrection, and supports smooth recovery—key to natural-looking results.
• Breadth beyond the nose when needed: Expertise in facial bone surgery, eye rejuvenation, facelifts, fat grafting, and breast procedures allows comprehensive planning to rebalance facial or body proportions without an artificial finish.

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

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery in Seoul’s Gangnam district is a premium clinic specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures with a clear focus on restoring natural harmony for patients concerned about an unnatural surgical appearance. Led by Dr. Park Byung-Chan—who has dedicated 15 years exclusively to eye surgery and is known for results that look naturally beautiful even on the day of surgery—Made Young combines meticulous aesthetic design with a genuine, patient-centered approach. With a verified, highly experienced medical team, rigorous safety systems, and thorough aftercare, the clinic consistently delivers refined, natural-looking outcomes, making it a top choice in Korea for those seeking to correct an overdone look.

• Eye-specialist leadership for natural-looking corrections: Dr. Park customizes incision lines, double eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall image to soften and refine an operated appearance.
• Natural results from day one: renowned for achieving eyes that look balanced and beautiful even immediately post-surgery.
• Genuine, patient-centered care: direct consultation and diagnosis by the medical team, with transparent guidance from evaluation through surgery.
• Verified medical expertise: only highly skilled doctors with an average of over 15 years of experience and proven clinical outcomes.
• Safety without compromise: full-time board-certified anesthesiologists on site, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, a cross-check system for emergencies, and full CCTV transparency.
• Thorough aftercare: a dedicated aftercare center and systematic post-procedure management to support optimal, natural settling of results.
• Award-winning credibility: 2022 Korea No.1 Award; 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place; selected as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons; certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society.
• Comprehensive solutions for “unnatural” outcomes: advanced eye procedures (non-incisional and incisional double eyelid surgery, ptosis correction, upper/lower blepharoplasty, canthoplasty, dark circle treatment) and nasal revision options (revision rhinoplasty, implant removal) to restore facial balance with subtlety and precision.

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

SH Clinic

In a landscape where overly “done” results can undermine confidence, SH Clinic in Sinsa, Seoul stands out as the best destination in Korea to prevent and correct an unnatural surgical appearance by uniting stem-cell science, women’s healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, and modern plastic surgery under one roof. The SH Stem Cell Center provides personalized, comprehensive treatment plans—from facial rejuvenation and anti-aging to advanced therapies—leveraging stem cells to renew tissue quality and restore balanced, authentic contours. For fine-tuned, natural refinements, the Aesthetic Dermatology team uses laser lifting, skin booster injections, Botox, dermal fillers, and thread lifts to subtly lift, hydrate, and recontour, with facial contours improving over weeks of natural remodeling and minimal downtime. When structural correction is needed, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery offers 3-D–planned face contouring for natural-looking symmetry, along with upper and lower blepharoplasty and facelifts that preserve harmony and discretion. Completing this holistic approach, the SH Gynecology Clinic delivers a full spectrum of women’s health and intimate rejuvenation—vaginal fillers, stem cell injections, HIFU treatments, vaginal tightening, and implant surgery—restoring tone, elasticity, and comfort without an overcorrected look. This multi-modality, patient-tailored strategy makes SH Clinic uniquely equipped to deliver results that look convincingly natural while addressing prior aesthetic imbalances.

You can check out their website here: SH Clinic Website

Obtaining Eyelid Retraction Repair in South Korea

South Korea is a leading destination for eyelid retraction repair, known for its expertise in oculoplastic and aesthetic surgery. International patients typically follow these steps:

• Research and select reputable clinics and surgeons: Choose board-certified oculoplastic surgeons experienced in eyelid revision and retraction repair. Clinics in Seoul like JW Plastic Surgery, Made Young Plastic Surgery, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery, and Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic are well-regarded.

• Initial consultation: Many clinics offer online consultations to discuss medical history and goals. In-person consultations upon arrival include thorough assessments of previous surgeries, eye symmetry, and function.

• Medical visa requirements: Understand visa types based on nationality and stay length. Short-term (C-3-3) visas cover stays under 90 days; long-term (G-1-10) visas are for longer stays. Required documents include medical reports, confirmation letters from Korean clinics, proof of funds, and a valid passport.

• Travel and accommodation planning: Patients should arrange lodging in Seoul, especially in areas like Gangnam popular with medical tourists. Recovery typically requires 7-10 days initially. Medical tourism agencies can assist with logistics.

• Pre-operative evaluation and planning: Surgeons perform detailed in-person evaluations, sometimes using imaging or simulation software to plan surgery.

• Surgery and immediate care: Procedures usually last 1-2 hours under local anesthesia with sedation. Patients often go home the same day with aftercare instructions.

• Follow-up and communication: Attending follow-ups and maintaining contact with the clinic during recovery is essential.

• Recovery: Swelling and bruising last about 5-10 days. Light activities resume within a week, with final results visible in 1-3 months. Aftercare includes cold compresses and avoiding eye rubbing.

Choosing South Korea offers benefits such as highly skilled surgeons, advanced technology, natural-looking results with minimal scarring, multilingual support, competitive pricing, VAT refunds for eligible foreign patients, and comprehensive post-operative care including cooling masks and LED healing sessions.

Addressing "Unnatural Surgical Appearance" Through Eyelid Retraction Repair

Many patients unhappy with unnatural eyelid surgery results have found relief through eyelid retraction repair. Testimonials often describe achieving a natural, refreshed look. For example, one patient’s lower eyelid retraction repair after a previous unsatisfactory blepharoplasty restored a pleasing almond eye shape. Another patient’s revision surgery in South Korea corrected an overly "done" appearance, resulting in eyelids that look "always there" as desired.

Medical studies support the effectiveness of these repairs. Research on lower eyelid retraction surgery shows satisfactory cosmetic outcomes using spacer grafts and lateral tarsal strip procedures. Case reports detail successful corrections after epiblepharon surgery using auricular cartilage grafts, and techniques for fixing overcorrection in ptosis surgery have yielded natural eyelid positions.

Canthoplasty plays a key role in restoring natural eye shape by tightening and reshaping the outer eye corner, correcting rounded or wide-eyed looks. Before-and-after photos from clinics demonstrate how canthoplasty combined with spacer grafts elevates the lower eyelid and balances eye shape.

Ultimately, correcting unnatural surgical appearance requires understanding and addressing the root causes of eyelid retraction. Whether due to over-resection or inadequate support, a detailed evaluation by an experienced oculoplastic surgeon is vital. Revision surgery demands careful planning to avoid repeating errors and to achieve a natural, harmonious result.

Conclusion

An unnatural surgical appearance after eyelid surgery can be distressing, but conditions like eyelid retraction are often correctable with specialized repair procedures. Consulting experienced oculoplastic surgeons, especially those skilled in revision surgery, is essential. South Korea offers world-class care with many patients achieving natural, satisfying outcomes. With thorough research, realistic expectations, and open communication, patients can restore a balanced and natural look to their eyes.

Patient Term/Pseudonym	Description/Meaning
Artificial look	Suggests a lack of naturalness or authenticity in the surgical outcome.
Operated look	Implies that the surgery is overtly noticeable to others.
Surprised look	Occurs when the eyelids or eyebrows are positioned too high, creating an unintended and often undesirable wide-eyed expression.
Windswept look	Describes a face that appears overly tight or pulled back, often associated with facelift surgery.
Pinched nose	A common descriptor in rhinoplasty for a nose that appears unnaturally narrow, especially at the tip.
Scooped-out bridge	Another term used in rhinoplasty to describe an overly concave nasal bridge, often perceived as unnatural.
Pixie ears	An unnatural appearance of the ears after a facelift, where the earlobes are pulled downwards and attached to the cheek.
Fake mouths	Describes an unnatural appearance of the mouth area after certain facial surgeries.
Sausage eyelids	Refers to a thick, puffy appearance of the upper eyelids, often resulting from certain double eyelid surgeries or complications.
Bug-eyed/Wide-eyed look	In the context of eyelid retraction, describes an appearance where the eyes seem excessively open, often due to the eyelids being pulled back too far.

Cause	Brief Explanation
Thyroid Eye Disease	An autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation and retraction of the eyelids.
Post-Blepharoplasty Surgery	Over-removal of eyelid skin or fat, or damage to supporting muscles during eyelid surgery, can lead to retraction.
Trauma	Injury to the eye or surrounding tissues can cause the eyelids to retract.
Scarring	Scar tissue from previous surgeries or injuries can contract and pull the eyelids out of their normal position.
Tumors	Growths in the eye socket or eyelid area can sometimes cause eyelid retraction.
Facial Palsy	Weakness or paralysis of the facial nerves can affect eyelid position and closure, sometimes leading to retraction.
Congenital	Some individuals are born with eyelids that are naturally retracted.

Type of Retraction	Surgical Technique	Brief Description
Upper	Recession of eyelid retractors (Levator/Müller's muscle)	Surgically releasing or lengthening the muscles that lift the upper eyelid to allow it to descend to a more natural position.
Upper	Spacer Grafts (Donor Sclera, Fascia Lata, Ear Cartilage, Alloplastic)	Inserting a graft material into the posterior lamella of the upper eyelid to add length and facilitate lowering of the eyelid margin.
Upper	Full-thickness transverse blepharotomy	Another surgical option for correcting upper eyelid retraction.
Lower	Release of lower eyelid retractors	Surgically releasing the contracted muscles (capsulopalpebral fascia and inferior tarsal muscle) that are pulling the lower eyelid downwards.
Lower	Spacer Grafts (Alloderm, Ear Cartilage, Hard Palate Mucosa, Donor Sclera, Dermis Fat, Synthetic Materials)	Inserting a graft material into the posterior lamella of the lower eyelid to provide vertical support and elevate the eyelid margin, reducing scleral show.
Lower	Canthoplasty/Canthopexy	Tightening and/or reshaping the lateral canthus (outer corner of the eye) to provide horizontal support to the lower eyelid and improve the overall shape of the eye, often achieving a more almond-shaped appearance.
Lower	Midface Lift	Elevating the cheek tissue to provide additional support to the lower eyelid and help correct retraction.
Lower	Skin Grafts	Transplanting skin from another area of the body to the lower eyelid to provide additional vertical length in cases of skin shortage, often due to over-resection in previous surgeries.

Clinic Name	Key Features/Specializations
JW Plastic Surgery	Specializing in revision blepharoplasty, known for correcting severe upper and lower eyelid retraction using fascia or dermis grafts.
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Expertise in double eyelid surgery and eyelid retraction repair, known for natural-looking results and personalized treatments.
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery	Exceptional team of surgeons with a comprehensive approach to cosmetic surgery, including eyelid retraction repair.
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic	Transformative approach to aesthetic care, emphasizing sincerity, precision, and individualized treatment for eyelid retraction repair.
Answer Plastic Surgery	High patient satisfaction, focuses on natural beauty, offers 3D virtual simulation.
Face Plus Clinic	Renowned for quality care and professionalism, backed by Seoul National University.
VIP Plastic Surgery	Expertise in various cosmetic surgeries with a focus on natural and harmonized beauty.

References

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