Timing for Double Eyelid Revision Surgery: A Personal Perspective

Timing for Double Eyelid Revision Surgery - A Personal Perspective

2018. 10. 2. 16:42

In the process of creating beautiful eyes, since it is a procedure performed by humans, there are cases where the surgery might not go perfectly or the healing process results in an awkward shape.

In such cases, it is incredibly stressful for both the patient and the doctor.

From the patient’s perspective, they might think, ‘Is this surgeon actually skilled?’ or ‘Will it go wrong again?’ or ‘I’m scared of getting more injections...’
From the doctor’s perspective, there can be a sense of regret, thinking that it would have been perfect with just a slight adjustment.

Not every doctor is ‘Super Doctor K’... but the desire to pursue perfection is the same. (Image source: Google)

Generally, plastic surgeons, including myself, are considered highly skilled if their revision rate is under 10%.
I can certainly say mine is well below 10%.

However, even I occasionally perform revisions on my own patients.
In fact, even my own older sister had a slight bit of skin sagging remaining after her surgery last summer, so I performed a touch-up a week later.
There are specific timings for eye or double eyelid revision surgery.

1. Revision within 1 week to 1 month after surgery
- This most commonly involves ptosis correction revisions.
It is done when there is over-correction or under-correction, or when there is a restriction in opening the eyes.
Patients are often referred to us from other clinics within this 1-month window.

This patient underwent revision at our clinic after having difficulty opening one eye following ptosis correction at another hospital.

This patient visited us after being recommended by another clinic.
I am grateful to the patient for trusting and choosing us.

2. Revision between 1 month and 6 months
During this period, the wound has not matured and the scar tissue has not settled, so revisions are rarely performed.
Occasionally, we proceed if the patient takes full responsibility or if the eye shape makes social life impossible.
The case below is a patient referred from another clinic about a month after their initial surgery.

3. Revision after 6 months
This is the most common timeframe for double eyelid revision.
Since the wound has matured significantly, it is a period where even minute differences can be corrected.

This patient had multiple eyelid folds and a sleepy appearance, so ptosis correction was performed. However, because one side was less visible, I performed a re-correction at the 6-month mark. I am grateful they trusted me and waited for the touch-up.

The timing of revision surgery should be determined based on the patient’s condition.
Furthermore, because the approach to ptosis correction revision varies by timing, you must consult with a specialist.
The advantage of revision within 1 month is that correction is somewhat easier before existing adhesions fully form.
For dissatisfaction with the double eyelid shape, I personally recommend waiting until after 6 months once the wound has stabilized.
While my opinion does not represent all surgeries and is a personal view, I believe most surgeons share a similar perspective.

If someone I operated on wants a revision, I am more than happy to provide it.
However, it is best to decide after a thorough consultation to see if the desired shape is achievable and if the surgery is truly necessary.

I simply hope that everyone can be satisfied and happy. If you trust me with your care, I will do my absolute best.
However, doctors are human too. Not everyone can become Kim Tae-hee, Seolhyun, or Choi Jin-sil. ^^

Frequently Asked Questions

Is reoperation possible within 1 month after double eyelid surgery?

Yes, it is possible. Reoperation is usually performed within 1 week to 1 month when ptosis correction is overcorrected or undercorrected, restricting eye opening. At this stage, the tissues have not yet adhered, so correction is relatively easy.

Why is reoperation avoided between 1 and 6 months after surgery?

During this period, the wound has not yet matured and the scar has not fully settled. Since the tissue is not stable, predicting the surgical outcome is difficult, so reoperation is generally not recommended unless it is a severe case that makes social life impossible.

I don't like the shape of my double eyelids, when is the best time for reoperation?

It is recommended to proceed with reoperation after 6 months. After 6 months, the wound has matured to some extent and the scar has stabilized, allowing for more precise correction of subtle differences in the double eyelid line or unsatisfactory shapes.

Is the timing for ptosis correction reoperation the same as for double eyelid reoperation?

No. The appropriate timing for ptosis correction reoperation varies depending on the symptoms. If it is difficult to open the eyes or there is a problem with the degree of correction, early correction within 1 month may be necessary, so you must consult directly with a specialist to determine the surgical timing.