A Thorough Analysis of Sunken-Eye Double-Eyelid Surgery for Natural Design and Improvement

Hello. I am 안병준, the director of 안병준성형외과.

Many people are concerned that their eyes appear deeply set or that drooping eyelids give them a sharp impression.

When looking in the mirror, they may feel that the area around their eyes appears hollow and repeatedly hear that they look intense even when they are not angry.

This type of eye is called a sunken eye, and it should be approached differently from issues caused simply by the absence of double eyelids or a narrow crease.

Why Drooping Eyelids Accompany Sunken Eyes

Eyes with a structure in which the eyeballs are set farther inward tend to have eyelid skin that covers the upper part of the iris.

This happens because the eyeballs cannot push the eyelids outward, causing the skin to sag downward.

This drooping makes the eyes appear even smaller, while skin descending toward the outer corners can create a sharp or tired-looking appearance.

Frequently tensing the eyebrows or developing forehead wrinkles can also be unconscious responses to compensate for this drooping.

Therefore, sunken eyes are not only an aesthetic concern involving a hollow appearance; they are also directly related to the structural condition of the eyelids.

How Is Double-Eyelid Surgery for Sunken Eyes Different?

With conventional double-eyelid surgery, creating the crease is the primary focus.

With sunken eyes, however, excision to address drooping skin may also be necessary.

If the loose skin is left in place and only a crease is created, the thick eyelid may cover the crease, potentially resulting in an unnatural appearance.

Double-eyelid surgery with excision involves appropriately removing excess skin while creating the crease at the same time.

Once the skin is refined, the weight covering the eyes is reduced, allowing them to open more clearly and comfortably.

This process can soften the sharp, heavy impression characteristic of sunken eyes.

The Approach Varies Depending on Age and the Degree of Drooping

The same method is not applied in every case of sunken eyes.

If the drooping is not severe and the skin has sufficient elasticity, improvement may be possible with double-eyelid surgery accompanied by excision alone.

On the other hand, if drooping has become more pronounced with age or a significant amount of skin has descended toward the outer corners, a brow lift or forehead lift may also need to be considered.

If ptosis is also present and the strength used to open the eyes is reduced, it may be necessary to combine the procedure with an eye-opening correction procedure.

Ultimately, the approach to double-eyelid surgery for sunken eyes is determined after comprehensively assessing the extent of eyelid drooping, the condition of the skin, and the strength used to open the eyes.

As Swelling Subsides, a Natural Appearance Emerges

When excision and double-eyelid surgery are performed together, some initial swelling may persist for a considerable period.

The contours begin to emerge within two to three weeks after surgery, but in some cases, more time is needed for the crease to settle naturally and for the appearance of the eyes to stabilize.

Comparing photos from the early stage with those taken after some recovery makes it easier to see how the eyes have developed a more natural appearance.

Do you feel self-conscious because your eyes look heavy or sharp due to sunken eyes?

Natural improvement requires consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon who can carefully assess the degree of skin drooping and the structure of your eyes.

Explore an eye design suited to your bone structure and skin.

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