Why Men's Eye Surgery Differs from Women's: No-Crease Eye-Shape Correction and Double Eyelid Lowering (Part 2)

■ Men's No-Crease Eye-Shape Correction Reviews: Every Case Is a Little Different

Reviews of men's no-crease eye-shape correction commonly mention natural results: the eyes look more defined, yet there are no obvious signs of surgery. Instead of creating a double eyelid crease, the approach either lets the eyelid area be covered by surrounding soft tissue or adjusts the eye-opening force to turn a heavy, sleepy look into a brighter one. Each case was approached differently depending on the condition of the eyes.

In one case, the patient had no double eyelid, but thick upper lids made the eyes look heavy and stuffy. No-crease eye-shape correction adjusted the eye-opening force, creating a fresher look. The key is to bring out clarity without creating a crease line.

In one case, the eyes looked mismatched because the two eyes opened with different strength. The approach balanced the muscle strength on each side. Accurately diagnosing the difference between the two eyes first is essential.

In one case, the patient habitually used the forehead muscles to open the eyes. The approach adjusted the eye muscle strength so that less forehead effort was needed.

In one case, the patient was often told they looked intense or fierce. The eye shape was softened to create a more approachable impression.

■ What Does the World's First SCI-Level Paper from 2018 Mean?

Dr. Choi Dong-il, Director of Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery Clinic, published what is described as the world's first SCI-level paper on men's no-crease eye-shape correction in the American journal Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2018. The news was also reported by JoongAng Economy News that same year. Since then, he has continued to give repeated lectures on men's no-crease eye-shape correction at various academic conferences, including in 2019, 2022, 2024, and beyond. Procedures that remove or lower the double eyelid apply the principles of this no-crease eye-shape correction, so they are supported by accumulated clinical experience and academic evidence.

■ The Right Method Is Determined by Diagnosis

After comprehensively evaluating skin thickness, the strength of the eye-opening muscles, and whether an existing crease is present, the most suitable approach, either no-crease or hidden double eyelid, is chosen. If the eyes are drooping, eye-shape correction becomes the core approach. If an existing crease is high or looks unnatural, lowering the crease becomes the core approach. In some cases, both are performed together.

■ How Scarring and Recovery Progress

The incision line sits along the fold where the double eyelid crease forms. When the eyes are open, it is hidden within the fold, and over time it blends in with the surrounding skin tone. Swelling and bruising are most pronounced from right after surgery through day 3. Stitches are usually removed 5–7 days later, and many people can return to light daily activities within 1–2 weeks. The line settles between 1 and 3 months, and results approach their final look at 3–6 months. In men, swelling tends to last longer the thicker the eyelid tissue is.

■ What Changes

The goals are an open, defined eye shape; natural changes that don't look like surgery; a clean look that isn't heavy or overdone; and less reliance on the forehead muscles when opening the eyes. Results and recovery vary from person to person.

■ This Article Can Help If You Are Wondering About the Following

- Anyone who wants an open, defined eye shape without a double eyelid

- Anyone who wants to lower a double eyelid crease that is too high or feels heavy

- Anyone curious about how men's eye surgery differs from women's

- Anyone unsure whether eye-shape correction or crease lowering is the right choice

- Anyone who wants a natural-looking result that doesn't show signs of surgery

- Anyone bothered by a size difference between the two eyes

■ Recovery Timeline

Surgery time: 30–60 minutes

Anesthesia: Sedation or local anesthesia

Clinic visits: 1–2 times

Stitch removal: 4–12 days later

Hospitalization: None (same-day discharge)

Return to daily life: 3–7 days later

The above timelines may vary depending on the method chosen and the condition of the eyes.

■ FAQ

Q1. Does no-crease eye-shape correction leave no double eyelid crease at all?

Depending on the eye condition, a faint line may remain. The design, either no-crease or hidden double eyelid, is chosen based on the eye condition and the desired look.

Q2. Can men have non-incision surgery?

It is possible in some cases, but only a small minority, about 10–20%. Men's skin is often thick, and a crease can loosen more easily in thick skin, so most cases are performed with incisions.

Q3. Can I remove an existing double eyelid if I don't like it?

Methods to remove or lower the crease can be considered based on your eye condition, and the extent is determined during consultation.

Q4. Can eye-shape correction and crease lowering be done together?

Yes. They are sometimes performed together when the eyes droop and the crease also feels heavy. The necessary scope is decided through diagnosis.

Q5. Does removing a man's double eyelid involve cutting away skin?

No. Rather than removing the crease by excising skin, the method lowers the crease or advances the eye-opening muscle so that the existing crease is naturally covered. Skin excision is not recommended because it carries risks of scarring and toad eye (tōan).

Q6. How is the paper related to actual surgery?

The paper academically verified the safety and methods of men's no-crease eye-shape correction. The same principles and know-how apply to surgeries that lower or remove the double eyelid.

■ Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery's Approach

At Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery, Director Choi Dong-il personally handles everything from consultation to surgery. In 2018, the clinic published the world's first SCI-level paper on men's no-crease eye-shape correction in the American journal Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, demonstrating its safety and expertise.

Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery approaches men's eye surgery based on three principles.

First, a precise diagnosis by an experienced plastic surgery specialist.

Second, a tailored method selected by weighing skin thickness, muscle strength, and the existing crease together.

Third, a natural design in which the double eyelid is covered by soft tissue.

If you would like to see similar cases, you can view men's eye-shape correction and men's crease-lowering cases in the before-and-after photos on the Gangnam Seoyeon Plastic Surgery website.

■ Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for medical information purposes. It does not recommend any specific surgery or guarantee results. Complications such as bleeding, infection, and inflammation may occur after surgery, and results and recovery periods may vary depending on individual skin condition. For an accurate diagnosis and follow-up, please be sure to consult a specialist.

The photos in this post were taken with the patients' prior consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does no-crease eye-shape correction leave no double eyelid crease at all?

Not always. Depending on the eye condition, a faint line may remain. The design, either no-crease or hidden double eyelid, is chosen based on the eye condition and the desired look.

Can men have non-incision surgery too?

It is possible in some cases, but only a small minority, about 10–20%. The article explains that most male patients undergo incision-based procedures.

Is skin cut away when removing an existing double eyelid?

No. The article explains that this method does not remove the crease by excising skin. Instead, it lowers the crease or advances the eye-opening muscle so that the existing crease is naturally covered. It advises against skin excision due to the risks of scarring and toad eye (tōan).

Can eye-shape correction and crease lowering be done together?

Yes. They are sometimes performed together when the eyes droop and the crease also feels heavy. The necessary scope is determined through diagnosis, and the article explains that skin thickness, muscle strength, and the existing crease are all evaluated comprehensively.

How long does recovery usually take after surgery?

Many people can usually return to light daily activities within 1–2 weeks. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable from right after surgery through day 3, stitches are usually removed 5–7 days later, and final results approach around 3–6 months. Timeframes may vary depending on the method chosen and the condition of the eyes.

How is the 2018 paper related to actual surgery?

According to the article, the paper published in 2018 is an academic study that verified the safety and methods of men's no-crease eye-shape correction. It explains that the same principles and know-how apply to surgeries that lower or remove the double eyelid. The disclaimer notes that results are not guaranteed and may vary depending on individual skin condition.