Q&A Collection on Eye Surgery

Hello, I’m Son Ji-hwan, Director of AB Plastic Surgery.

I’ll answer the questions you’ve been curious about.

Q. Between incisional double eyelid surgery and non-incisional surgery, which method is better for men?

There is no one method that can definitely be said to be the right one.

Double eyelid surgery is a procedure that uses surgical thread to induce adhesion in the tissue so that a crease forms naturally when the eyes are opened.

At this time, the stronger the pressure from the tissue above the intended double eyelid line, the less likely the adhesion is to form well, or the more likely it is to loosen over time.

Men generally have thicker soft tissue that makes up the eyelids, such as skin and muscle, than women, and they often have a lower crease line as well.

Therefore, there is a relatively higher possibility that the adhesion may weaken, meaning the double eyelid may loosen.

With the non-incisional method, it is difficult to control the factors that make adhesion harder to form, whereas with incisional double eyelid surgery, it is possible to remove soft tissue and perform delicate manipulation, creating strong fixation and stable adhesion.

However, even among men, those with protruding eyes and light-weight eyelid tissue can often achieve a sufficiently natural look that lasts for a long time with the non-incisional method.

But for ordinary men with typical conditions, incisional double eyelid surgery can be considered a method that offers long-lasting durability and stability.

Q. If a man has eye surgery, won’t it be very noticeable?

The most important thing in male eye surgery is to create a natural inner double eyelid that does not look artificial or burdensome.

Rather than simply making the eyes bigger, it is important to create eyes that look long and refreshing. To do this, it is important to design the height and shape of the double eyelid by comprehensively considering the position of both eyes on the face, the distance between the eyes, the tilt of the eyes, and the distance between the eyes and the eyebrows.

If the horizontal length is insufficient, corner eye surgery can be performed together to create a more open and elongated eye shape.

Swelling after surgery tends to be greater with the incisional method than with the non-incisional method, and it is most severe during the first 1–2 days after surgery.

During this period, it is good to apply cold compresses frequently around the surgical area to reduce swelling, and light walking can also help recovery.

Usually, major swelling and bruising subside to some extent within 1–2 weeks, becoming natural enough that daily social life is not a problem.

Scarring is barely left with the non-incisional method, and in the case of the incisional method, if you look closely when the eyes are closed, a slight scar may be visible along the incision line.

Even if it appears red and raised during the first 1–2 months after surgery, it goes through a 6-month maturation process and gradually becomes lighter and more natural.

During this period, avoiding ultraviolet exposure as much as possible, such as wearing sunglasses when going outside, is very helpful.

Q. Is eye surgery possible for middle-aged men as well? (40s to 50s and older)

Of course it is possible.

In the case of the upper eyelids, as people age, the eyebrows may descend and the skin may sag, which can lead to pseudoptosis.

As a result, the forehead muscles are used more, deep forehead wrinkles can form, and chafing may occur at the outer corners of the eyes where sagging is severe.

Also, when the ability to open the eyes weakens, the field of vision may be obstructed, the eyes may become easily fatigued as the day goes on, and it can cause inconvenience in daily life.

Depending on the distance between the eyes and eyebrows, the degree of skin sagging, the presence or absence of an existing double eyelid, and whether the patient prefers to have a double eyelid or not, surgery can be performed as a forehead lift, brow lift, or upper blepharoplasty alone or in an appropriate combination. Through this, functional inconveniences such as visual obstruction can be improved, and aesthetically, a sleepy or aged appearance can be improved.

In the case of the lower eyelids, not only does the skin under the eyes sag, but as the septum surrounding the orbital fat weakens, it protrudes forward and the tear trough becomes deformed, causing the boundary between the eyes and cheeks to move downward. This creates an older and more irritable-looking impression. Through lower blepharoplasty, smoothing the boundary where the under-eye area and cheeks connect can greatly improve the face into a younger and softer impression.

Q. If a man has eye surgery, how does his impression change?

In men, when the ability to open the eyes is weak or the skin covers the eyes, the amount of black of the eye that is visible is low, which can make the eyes look cramped or sharp and unintentionally give a tired and unfavorable impression.

Rather than simply increasing the size too much with double eyelid surgery, improving the exposure of the black of the eye through a natural inner double eyelid and appropriate ptosis correction can create much clearer and more open-looking eyes, improving this impression.

Also, if the epicanthal fold is severe, the cramped impression can be improved through epicanthoplasty, and if the outer corners of the eyes are excessively raised, the sharp impression can be improved into a kinder-looking eye through outer corner surgery and lower corner surgery.

Q. Is a natural eye shape like a male celebrity’s actually possible?

If the eye shape of the male celebrity you want has similar conditions to your own eyes, it can be possible to some extent to achieve a similar look.

The conditions you are born with are different for everyone.

It is important to create a customized design by considering factors such as differences in bone structure, the degree of eyeball protrusion, the distance between the eyes and eyebrows, eyelid thickness, and the strength of eyelid opening, as well as the overall facial proportions, harmony, and the individual’s desired aesthetic. Through this, you can 충분히 expect a natural eye shape like a celebrity's.