Korean surgeons use several advanced techniques for ptosis repair, selecting the method based on muscle strength and severity.
The most common techniques include levator advancement, Müller’s muscle resection (MMCR), and frontalis sling.
Each method is highly customized to achieve natural eye opening and long-lasting results.

Why Technique Selection Matters

Ptosis surgery is not one single procedure.

The best technique depends on:

• Severity of ptosis
• Levator muscle strength
• Eyelid thickness and skin condition
• Desired aesthetic outcome

Korean surgeons are known for precision-based selection, not a one-method approach.

1. Levator Advancement (Most Common Technique)

What It Is

• Adjusts and tightens the levator muscle
• Lifts the eyelid to a higher position

Why It’s Popular

• Considered the gold standard for adult ptosis
• High success rates (often over 70–95%)
• Works for mild to severe cases

Best For

• Moderate to severe ptosis
• Patients with good muscle function

Key Advantage

• Precise control of eyelid height and symmetry

2. Müller’s Muscle Conjunctival Resection (MMCR)

What It Is

• Posterior (inside eyelid) approach
• Removes part of Müller’s muscle to lift the eyelid

Why It’s Popular in Korea

• Less invasive
• Faster recovery
• No visible external scar

Best For

• Mild to moderate ptosis
• Patients with good response to phenylephrine test

Clinical Insight

• High success rates comparable to levator surgery
• Often shows predictable results with fewer complications

3. Combined Levator + Müller Muscle Technique

What It Is

• Hybrid method adjusting both muscles
• Often done through minimal or partial incision

Why It’s Used

• Enhances precision
• Balances lifting strength and natural movement

Best For

• Mild to moderate ptosis in younger patients
• Patients wanting minimal scarring

Korean Advantage

• Frequently combined with double eyelid surgery for natural aesthetics

4. Non-Incisional Ptosis Correction (Suture Method)

What It Is

• Uses sutures to adjust eyelid-opening mechanism
• No full incision required

Pros

• Quick recovery
• Minimal downtime
• No visible scar

Limitations

• Less durable
• Not suitable for severe ptosis

Best For

• Mild ptosis
• Younger patients with thin eyelids

5. Frontalis Sling (For Severe Ptosis)

What It Is

• Connects eyelid to forehead muscle
• Uses forehead movement to lift eyelid

Best For

• Severe ptosis
• Poor or weak levator muscle
• Congenital cases

Key Advantage

• Only effective option when muscle function is very weak

Comparison of Main Techniques

Levator Advancement

• Most versatile
• Works for most cases
• Long-lasting

MMCR

• Less invasive
• Faster recovery
• Best for mild cases

Frontalis Sling

• For severe or complex cases
• Functional improvement focus

Why Korea Is Known for Advanced Ptosis Techniques

High Surgical Volume

Surgeons perform a large number of eyelid procedures, refining precision and consistency.

Combination Approach

Ptosis repair is often combined with:

• Double eyelid surgery
• Skin/fat removal

This improves both function and aesthetics

Customization

Korean surgeons:

• Measure eyelid function (MRD1, levator strength)
• Tailor the exact technique per patient
• Avoid overcorrection for natural results

Which Technique Is Best for You?

Mild Ptosis

• MMCR or non-incisional method

Moderate Ptosis

• Levator advancement (most common)

Severe Ptosis

• Frontalis sling or advanced levator techniques

There is no “one best technique”—only the best one for your specific condition.

Final Thoughts

The success of ptosis surgery depends more on proper technique selection than the procedure itself.

• Levator advancement: Most reliable and widely used
• MMCR: Less invasive with fast recovery
• Frontalis sling: Essential for severe cases

Korea stands out because surgeons combine technical precision with aesthetic design, delivering results that are not only functional—but also natural and balanced.