Plastic surgery
Ptosis Correction abroad
Surgery to lift a drooping upper eyelid by tightening the muscle that raises it, improving both appearance and field of vision.
Unknown / europeana · PDM- Global range
- $1,500–$6,000
- Clinics tracked
- 18
- Recovery
- 1–4 weeks
- Final results
- 1–3 months
Overview
Ptosis correction repairs a drooping upper eyelid caused by a weak or stretched levator muscle. Beyond appearance, significant ptosis can obscure the upper field of vision, so the procedure can be functional as well as cosmetic. It is frequently combined with double-eyelid surgery in cosmetic practice, particularly in South Korea.
The operation tightens or reattaches the muscle that lifts the eyelid, and precise adjustment is critical — too little leaves residual droop, too much causes incomplete eye closure. Because the margin is small, the surgeon's experience with eyelid dynamics is the most important factor in a good result.
Where to get it
Tracked destinations with cost ranges. Open a destination for clinics, surgeons and what to verify.
Techniques
Levator advancement
Tightening/reattaching the main lifting muscle — the standard repair.
Müller's muscle resection
A conjunctival approach for mild ptosis with no external scar.
Frontalis sling
For severe ptosis with poor muscle function, slinging the lid to the brow muscle.
The process
- 1Assessment of eyelid height, muscle function and vision
- 2Local anaesthesia with light sedation
- 3Tightening or reattachment of the levator muscle
- 4Intra-operative height adjustment
- 5Fine sutures and brief recovery
Recovery timeline
Week 1
Swelling and bruising; stitches removed around day 5–7.
Weeks 2–4
Swelling settles; lid height becomes clearer.
Months 1–3
Final eyelid position and symmetry stabilise.
Candidacy
- ✓Drooping upper eyelid (congenital or acquired)
- ✓Healthy eyes; cause assessed
- ✓Realistic expectations about symmetry
- ✓Adult or assessed paediatric case
What to ask
- ›Is my ptosis cosmetic or affecting my vision?
- ›Which technique suits my muscle function?
- ›How do you fine-tune lid height during surgery?
- ›What is your revision rate if adjustment is needed?
Risks
- Under-correction (residual droop)
- Over-correction (incomplete closure)
- Asymmetry between eyes
- Dry eye
- Need for adjustment surgery
Ptosis Correction abroad: frequently asked questions
How much does ptosis correction surgery cost in Korea?
Abroad, ptosis correction typically runs $1,500–$6,000 depending on the country and clinic, roughly 17% below a typical US private price of about $4,500. We track live published prices by destination — open the cost guide for South Korea to see clinic-by-clinic figures rather than a single average.
What is the safest country for plastic surgery?
Ptosis Correction carries the same core medical risks wherever it's performed — the provider matters far more than the country. Wherever you travel, confirm accreditation in the issuer's public registry and the surgeon on the national register, and get the complication and revision policy in writing.
Is ptosis surgery cosmetic or medical?
It can be both — drooping that blocks vision is functional, while milder cases are cosmetic. Assessment determines which applies to you.
Is it often combined with double-eyelid surgery?
Yes — in cosmetic practice the two are frequently done together to both create a crease and lift the lid.
What if the height isn't right?
Because the margin for adjustment is small, some cases need a minor revision. Ask the surgeon about their revision rate.