2026-06-07
Correction of Bulky Eyes via Lacrimal Gland Surgery - November 2016 Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at COEX - Hooded and Sagging Eyes
A presentation on correcting bulky upper eyelids by repositioning the lacrimal gland, shared at the 2016 Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.
Correction of Bulky Eyes via Lacrimal Gland Surgery - November 2016 Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at COEX - Hooded and Sagging Eyes
2018. 9. 7. 11:23
In November 2016, I gave a presentation on the management of the lacrimal gland, which is one of the causes of bulky-looking eyes.
This applies to cases where the upper eyelid area appears thick and heavy, as seen in the patient below.
However, not all bulky eyes are caused by the lacrimal gland. The person shown below is a foreigner; since bulky upper eyelids are less common among foreigners, the characteristic is even more pronounced.
This presentation was conducted entirely in English.
The topic of the presentation was as follows:
The photo below shows the Q&A session. Next to me is Dr. Shin, a senior colleague I both like and respect.
The treatment is as follows:
Please note that these are excerpts from a journal.
The lacrimal gland is located on the outer side of the orbital wall. While many people commonly think the lacrimal gland is near the nose, tears actually start from the outer wall and flow toward the nose.
As seen here from the conjunctival side, the lacrimal gland is protruding.
When the patient above undergoes surgery, the bulkiness disappears as shown below.
The surgical method is as follows:
The gland needs to be properly repositioned within the bone.
However, if it is not fixed securely, the condition can recur, so it requires significant skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a thick upper eyelid always due to the lacrimal gland?
No, a thick upper eyelid is not always caused by the lacrimal gland. Lacrimal gland prolapse can be one of the causes, and it is important to identify the exact cause of the thick eyelid through accurate diagnosis.
Where is the lacrimal gland located in the eye?
The lacrimal gland is located on the outer side of the orbital wall. It is often mistakenly thought to be near the nose, but it actually starts from the outer wall and tears flow towards the nose.
How is surgery performed for thick eyelids caused by the lacrimal gland?
Surgery involves repositioning the prolapsed lacrimal gland back into the bone. By restoring the lacrimal gland that protrudes towards the conjunctiva to its original position, the thickness of the upper eyelid can be improved.
Can lacrimal gland correction surgery recur?
Yes, there is a possibility of recurrence. If the lacrimal gland is not firmly fixed in place within the bone after surgery, it can protrude again, thus requiring precise surgical techniques to prevent recurrence.