Dissatisfaction with surgical results or side effects… various causes; the cause must be identified first.

Eye surgery, now a widely popularized procedure, can bring about a significant change in one's image with just subtle alterations. As a result, demand is steadily increasing. However, caution is required as cases of revision eye surgery due to various causes are also on the rise.

Revision eye surgery is seriously considered when there is dissatisfaction with the results of previous surgery or when unexpected side effects occur. As the causes for revision vary from person to person, it is necessary to clearly identify the issues from the previous surgery and find a solution that definitively improves both aesthetic and functional problems.

First, through sufficient communication, a thorough diagnosis must be made regarding the cause of the previous surgery's failure, the patient's desired direction of improvement, and the current condition of the eyes, in order to establish a personalized surgical plan. Based on this, a systematic and precise surgery must be performed to address the issues of the previous surgery while simultaneously improving both function and aesthetics to achieve highly satisfactory results.

Major causes for eye revision surgery include "uneven eyes" resulting from blepharoplasty and the so-called "sausage eyes" that can occur after double eyelid surgery. Uneven eyes typically occur when one double eyelid crease loosens or when the design was different during the initial surgery. Asymmetry can also result from performing blepharoplasty without considering eye size or height, or from differences in the strength of the eye-opening muscles. In such cases, the thickness of the double eyelids on both eyes must be adjusted appropriately to correct the asymmetry as much as possible.

"Sausage eyes" refer to cases where the double eyelid line remains thick and unnatural, resembling a sausage, even years after surgery. Most cases of sausage eyes occur when the double eyelid crease is created too large or the fixation point is positioned too high. Additionally, the line can form thick and sausage-like if unnecessary fat is not sufficiently removed. During revision double eyelid surgery, it is necessary to create a natural line by adjusting the height of the crease or removing fat according to the individual cause.

When performing revision eye surgery, an accurate diagnosis is possible only after the eye tissues have stabilized following the previous surgery. It is recommended to undergo revision surgery at least six months after the tissues have stabilized. On the other hand, there are cases where revision surgery must be performed before the scar hardens in the early stages after the initial surgery. It is advisable to determine the appropriate timing for revision surgery based on the surgeon's judgment.

Dr. Do Eon-rok, Director of 1mm Plastic Surgery, stated, “The key to revision eye surgery is meticulously releasing existing adhesions one by one, making the experience and skill of the medical team crucial. In particular, the eyes require a high degree of delicacy and concentration because complex structures are concentrated in a small area.” He added, “To prevent repeated revision surgeries, one must select the appropriate surgical method after conducting a thorough consultation regarding the current condition of the eyes with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive clinical experience.”

Source: Korea Health Log (https://www.koreahealthlog.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=51481)