Eye surgeries Explained

There are different types of eye surgeries used to change the shape and size of the eyes. Different eye shapes are considered beautiful in each respective country, however, big eyes with a double eyelid have becomes really popular worldwide.

Makeup techniques can be used to give an illusion of bigger eyes (bigger eyes makes a person look younger), but the effects are not permanent. This is where eye surgeries come in handy, to change the shape and size of the eyes.

1. Double eyelid surgery

Double eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty is one of the most popular eye surgeries. It is very popular in Korea, however, this surgery can be done by anyone who wishes to define or create a new eyelid crease.

Incision and non-incision surgical methods are used to create an eyelid crease. The surgery recommendation is based on the amount of excess skin and fat in the eyelid area.

Although many patients want to avoid getting scars, and prefer to do the non-incisional method, the incision method is usually the preferred method if you have asymmetry and excess skin, muscles or fat.

An incision is made, and excess skin and fat are removed, then it is stitched to create the new eyelid crease.

This surgery is also suitable for those who already have eyelid crease but due to the excess saggy skin, there is more than one eyelid crease line.

2. Ptosis Correction Surgery

Ptosis is a condition wherein the eyelids are droopy due to the weak levator muscles (levator aponeurosis). The levator muscle helps open the eyelids, so if they are weak, the eyes look droopy, making the person look sleepy or lazy.

Functionality-wise, it can cause the person to use their forehead muscles to raise the eyelids, so forehead wrinkles will be visible over time, and may require botox or additional forehead lifting.

For severe ptosis cases, that can basically require them to tilt their head back to be able to see, so getting surgery is advised. Aesthetically, the sleepy-looking eyes make the features look dull, so getting surgery will help the eyes open up, and brighten the other facial features.

People with droopy eyelids or sleepy-looking eyes and people with asymmetric eyelids (due to ptosis in one eye) can have a consultation so the surgeon can examine and conclude if ptosis correction surgery is required.

Ptosis surgery VS double eyelid surgery

If the saggy eyelids are caused by excess skin and fats in the eyelid area, then the double eyelids surgery is used to help define the eyelid crease. With Ptosis correction surgery, the levator muscles will be tied together to create a double eyelid, along with improved eyelid function.

If you need a ptosis correction, but want to only have a double eyelids surgery, your eyes will not get bigger, and eyelid crease will only be created but the levator muscles will not be tied.

3. Epicanthoplasty

One of the ways to get big, beautiful eyes is to extend the inner corner of the eye. The epicanthus fold is also removed with this surgery.

4. Lateral Canthoplasty

The incision is made on the outer corner of the eye to extend the eye length horizontally. The eye size is therefore altered with this surgery.

5. Lateral Hotz Canthoplasty

For people whose eyes are slanted laterally on the outer corner of the eye, this surgery will bring the eye corner downwards so it is horizontal.

Common misconceptions about eyelid surgery

Scars: The surgeon skillfully hides the scars on the eye crease so it will be hidden however depending on your body and how you heal, the level of scars varies.

Revision Surgery: You do not need to do this surgery more than once. Surgery results are pretty long-lasting, but when aging will occur additional surgeries like brow lift may or may not be required to fix the eyebrow area drooping. 

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Different Types of Rhinoplasty Procedures

 

     

There are various rhinoplasty procedures that people tend to get confused about what constitutes a rhinoplasty. 

Since every individual has a different nose, desired surgery results will also vary. Being able to add procedures relevant to your particular nose will give you a proportionate nose that fits with your facial features.

The basic Asian rhinoplasty performed by ID hospital consists of two procedures, silicone implant insertion and tipplasty.  

Before consultation, an X-ray is performed for the surgeon to be able to see the structure of the patient’s nose .

Then the surgeon will examines the patient to recommend the correct procedures based on the individual’s nose shape. 

Here is a brief explanation of all the procedures that can come under the fold of rhinoplasty; these surgeries can be done together to shape the nose.  

Tipplasty: Tipplasty is a procedure to lift or make the nose tip thinner. Nasal septal cartilage and ear cartilage is used to shape the nose tip. This is one of the most common rhinoplasty procedures. 

Silicone implant insertion: To correct a low nasal bridge, a silicone implant is used to increase the height of the nasal bridge. This projection with the implant creates a more prominent nasal bridge.  

   

Osteotomy: If the nasal bridge is wide, then the surgeon can fracture the nasal bones (osteotomy) then bring them closer together, creating a narrow nasal bridge. 

Septoplasty: Septoplasty is used to correct a deviated septum/crooked nose. 

Hump reduction: A protruded nasal dorsum requires a hump reduction to reduce the bone or cartilage to make the dorsal hump flat, creating a flat nose bridge. 

Columelloplasty: If the columella (bottom part of the nose) is drooping low, then surgery can be used to re-shape it and lift it upwards.  

  

Alarplasty: The nostril width is narrowed by removing part of the nostrils, and sewing the incision areas together. This will also reduce the overall size of the nose.   

For more surgery related information, do not hesitate to contact us for an online consultation. 

Recovery FAQs for Forehead Reduction Surgery

Forehead Reduction Surgery Recovery Q&A

Forehead reduction surgery, also known as hairline lowering surgery is used to lower the hairline for individuals who have a naturally higher hairline and/or larger forehead. The goal for this procedure is to reduce the amount of distance between the hairline and the eyebrows making the forehead more feminine. 
For surgery prices, please contact us for an online consultation.    

Q: Can you explain how the surgery is performed? 
A: The surgeon draws the outline of the new hairline, and using a wave-pattern, the incision is made. Once the incision is made, the section of the hair-bearing scalp will be pulled forward to create the new hairline. Depending on the scalp laxity, 1-3 centimeters of excess skin can be removed. Endotine is used to fixate the scalp and the remaining parts are stitched together. The endotine dissolves within a year after surgery. The surgery is about 1-1.5 hours, and the stitches are removed 10-14 days after surgery. The pain is minimal, the swelling is mostly on the forehead and eye area and the scalp will feel numb it has fully healed.

Q: How many centimeters can you reduce? 
A: With the hairline lowering surgery, customizing the design of the forehead shape to fit with the facial features will give the best results. The ideal length of forehead is between 5-6 centimeters and almost any type of forehead shape can be altered with this surgery.1 -3 centimeters can be reduced, with 1 centimeter being the minimum size of reduction, and for some cases, more than 3 centimeters can be reduced based on the scalp’s elasticity.      

Q: What am I not allowed to do during the recovery period?
A: Do not rub your eyes excessively for 4 weeks after surgery. Avoid touching the areas where the endotine has been placed. Do not have your eyebrows tweezed, plucked or removed for one month after surgery. To read the whole list, please check Forehead Reduction Surgery Recovery Timeline. 

Q: Can an M-shape or squared hairline can get a rounded hairline? 
A: For people who have widow’s peaks (M-shaped hairline), the hairline lowering surgery is usually not recommended by surgeons. However, at ID Hospital, the surgeons have experience with this type of hairline so they can create a more balanced hairline, but it will not result in a round shape, see example below.    

Q: Does it affect the baby hair around the hairline or hair growth on the incision area? 
A:The incision is done on the natural hairline in a zig-zag pattern to conceal the scars naturally with the hairline. The hair will grow around within a few months so the scars will be well hidden. You can experience temporary hair loss, but the hair will grow back within 4-6 months. 

Q: Do you need metal pins for the surgery? 
A: No, endotine is used to fixate the scalp and dissolves within a year after surgery.
  
 Q: Is the scar more visible on darker skin-toned individuals? 
A: The scar will be more visible, the darker your skin tone is, however, it will fade over time.

Q: Does it affect the eye brow position? 
A: No, the eyebrows remain the same.

Q: How do you know if this surgery is for you? 
A: If you have a high forehead, and the size is disproportionate with the rest of your face, then this surgery will help lower your hairline. Asymmetric, high and broad, prominent forehead shapes can be benefit from this surgery. For M-shaped hairline (widow’s peak), depending on the degree which the hairline is extended, the surgery can or cannot be done. For males with really prominent widow’s peak, forehead reduction surgery alone will not be enough to change the hairline; they may need an additional hair transplant. 

Q: How long until public ready? How long to heal completely?
A: Post-surgery, you will experience swelling around your face and scalp, however, the major swellings will go down within the first week after surgery. Stitches will be removed 2 weeks after surgery and patients can safely fly back home after. Scar will remain red throughout the first 2 to 6 months after surgery, and will take 12 to 18 months for it to heal completely. You can hide the scar with makeup 2-3 months after surgery.

Q: Can men have the procedure?
A: Yes, Men can have this procedure. However, the hairline lowering surgery is not suitable for patients suffering from male pattern baldness, receding hairline or very prominent widow’s peak (mostly men).
  
Q: How noticeable is the scarring? How much of the scar will fade? 
A: Healing time for the scar differs per individual. The incision is not cut in a straight line, rather in a wave like pattern to avoid creating very visible scars. It is hidden at the hairline, so it looks natural, and as the scars fade (usually within 6-12 months) with the proper post-surgery care, it is becomes almost undetectable. A visible scar may still exist, but usually it is mild for anyone to really notice after the first year. 

Q: Can any treatment be used to help the scar heal faster? 
A: You can use a scar ointment to help fade the scar a little faster after the stitches have been removed.

Q: Will the forehead and eyebrows be stiff and numb afterwards? 
A: After surgery, you will experience numbness on the incision area and scalp but the sensations will slowly return 3 - 12 months post-surgery. 

Q: When can you wear a tight ponytail again? 
A: After one month post-surgery, you can tie a loose ponytail, and tighter ponytail can be done 2-3 months after.

Q: Will it pull up the face? 
A: No, the face will remain the same.    

Q: How long after can you resume using relaxer/perm for the hair? 
A: Avoid hair dye, relaxers, perms etc. for 3-6 months after surgery.

Q: Is it possible to have a forehead reduction revision surgery? 
A: All revision surgeries require a face to face consultation with a surgeon, to examine if the patient can have revision surgery. There needs to be an adequate amount of elastic skin available on the forehead, for a revision to be possible, so face to face consultation is a must.


 

Recovery FAQs for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty Recovery Q&A

Rhinoplasty methods vary depending on the individual’s nose and facial proportion. An X-ray is performed for the surgeon to be able to see the structure of the patient’s nose. Then the surgeon will examine you and make the surgery recommendations based on your nose shape. 

For surgery prices, please contact us for an online consultation.

Q: What is the minimum age for rhinoplasty?
A: Minimum age is 19 years old.

Q: Do you use rib cartilage or silicone for the nose bridge?
A: We only use silicone implants for nose bridge extension.

Q: Do you always have to have the revision surgery after one year?
A: Revision surgery can be done after 6 months, but most surgeons recommend waiting a year to see the final results before going for a revision surgery.

Q: Do you have to get the silicone replaced after every few years?
A: No. As long as your body doesn’t reject the silicone and you don’t get an infection, the implant does not need to be replaced.

Q: When are you allowed to resume sports activities after surgery?
A: One month after surgery, you can start low-impact exercises like walking etc. After two months, you can slowly begin to introduce higher intensity workouts. The key point is to avoid any activities during that time that could cause you to accidentally injure yourself, or add pressure to the nose.

Q: What if you have a cold and runny nose during recovery, could this be an issue?
A: Normally if you get a cold or flu before surgery, the surgery will get cancelled. After surgery, you should be careful so as to not get sick, because you should avoid any pressure on the nose. However, in case you do get a cold, try to avoid sneezing, and do not blow your nose! You can wipe whatever comes out naturally, without adding any pressure to the nose.

Q: How to know if the nose suits the patient?
A: The surgeon will see you for a consultation and recommend which procedures you need for your specific case, so the surgery will be customized for your nose.

Q: How long does the surgery usually take?
A: The surgery takes 2-3 hours, depending on which procedure you do. (minus the anesthesia time).

Q: How long should I plan on staying in Korea for recovery?
A: The stitches are removed seven days after surgery, so in addition to the seven days, add the consultation and surgery day. For example, if you arrive on Sunday evening, then have the consultation on Monday and surgery on Tuesday, then Wednesday would be considered “Day 1” after surgery. On “Day 7”, the stitches are removed.

Q: How long will it hurt after the anesthesia wears off?
A: You will be given painkillers to use for a few days, so you will not really feel much pain. People usually complain about discomfort, rather than pain, but within a week, you should be alright.

Q: They say, it takes one year to see the rhinoplasty results, so what does your nose look like during that time?
A: The surgery results can be seen right away, but your nose will be very swollen. As the swelling decreases, the cartilage heals, so your final results will slowly unveil as you heal. Please see below example.

Q: When is it alright to pinch the nose again?
A: For the first 6 months after surgery, try to avoid voluntarily moving the silicone implant around as it is still in the healing phase. 

Q: How long do you have to breathe from your mouth after the surgery? Is it harder to breathe after every surgery or is that a sign that the surgery has been botched? 
A: The surgeon will insert cotton swabs inside your nose, wich remain for 2-3 days. After those are removed, you should be able to breathe with your nose.

Q: What are the things to be avoided during recovery period?
A: Do not smoke or drink alcohol for a week minimum before surgery. Avoid aspirin or any type of blood thinner for 7-10 before surgery. For more surgery pre-cautions, please check this post. 

Q: What should I eat for faster recovery and what foods should I avoid?
A: Here is a detailed post about what to eat for faster surgery recovery.

Q: What about nose piercing? Will it be affected by the surgery? 
A: For regular nose piercing, you will have to remove the piecing for the duration of the surgery, and will not be able to put it back on for at least 1-3 weeks after the surgery.

Q: When can you wash the face after surgery? 
A: Cast is worn for 7 days after surgery so until it is removed, you can use a wet wipe to clean your face. After the stitches are removed, then the surgery area can be washed lightly. 

Q: How long does it take for the swelling to reduce? 
A: Major swelling lasts from 2 to 3 weeks and Minor swelling lasts from 3 to 6 months.

Q: Is the recovery for revision rhinoplasty faster? 
A: Revision surgeries usually take longer for the recovery, since it has been operated on before. 

Q: Does it affect your sense of smell? 
A: After rhinoplasty, your nose will feel stuffy for a while, but once that clears, your sense of smell will return to normal as you heal.

For an in-depth rhinoplasty recovery timeline, click here!

Recovery FAQs for V-line Surgery

V-line Surgery Recovery Q&A

Many patients share their concern about various topics related to recovery after V-line surgery.  We curated the most frequently asked questions to help you with the recovery process. 

 
Q: What types of foods should I avoid after surgery? What should I eat to heal faster? 

A:  Salty, greasy, spicy foods should be avoided for a month. Chewy food should be avoided for at least a month, but three months is better to allow the bones to heal well. Eat a healthy diet comprising good protein sources, adequate vitamins, and minerals to nourish your body. Avoid excessive sugar, caffeine, trans-fats, artificial additives, and preservatives. 

Q: How long does the swelling and numbness last for? 

A: The numbness is one of the symptoms of surgery which improve with time. Once the nerves in the face heal, the sensation will start to return. It can take from 6 months to a year for the numbness to dissipate. Even though the swelling should be gone by the 6 months mark, it may take longer for some to heal, up to 12 months. Also note, the swelling will reduce asymmetrically so do not panic and wait until it has reduced completely before assuming something went wrong with the surgery.

Q: What type of post-surgery care will I have to do on my own? 

A: Post-surgery self-care is explained by a translator before getting discharged. You cannot brush your teeth, but have to maintain your oral health, so a gargle/mouthwash is provided for daily use. 

You also have to take the prescription medication as advised. The rest of the post-surgery care is taken care of by the hospital staff when you come for your check-up appointments. 

Q: What type of exercise is allowed after surgery? 

A: Exercise improves your health. Increasing your blood circulation will boost your immunity thereby making you heal fast. For one month after surgery, you cannot do any intensive exercise but, light walking will help reduce the swelling.

    
Q: When are the stitches removed after surgery?

A: Stitches are removed 14 days post-surgery.  

Q: How long is the full recovery for V-line surgery? 

A: It differs from person to person. In general, a healthy person should heal faster, and the major swelling goes down within 3-6 months but the minor swelling may take longer.      

Q: Why should I stop drinking and smoking for a month after surgery? 

A: With smoking, Chances of Tissue necrosis, fat necrosis and infection are all increased. With less oxygen, the wound will take longer to heal, producing more prominent scars that will not heal well.

Alcohol dilates the blood vessels just like smoking can, which in turn will cause dehydration. Being dehydrated will slow down the healing process. Dehydration can make the healing process quite uncomfortable, so it is another reason to avoid alcohol.

Smoking and alcohol increase the risk of getting infections. They also weaken the immune system so healing time will be longer. Avoiding smoking and drinking for up to three months is the best. If not possible, then at least one month after surgery is recommended.  

Q: Is it safer to have the pins removed or is it safer to keep the pins as is? 

A: The pin can be kept in its place if there are no problems. Although the material of the pin is titanium which is bio-inert (inactive and safe inside the human body), it is a foreign body material and has little potential to cause foreign body reaction in the long run.

You can also read more details about recovery process for facial contouring surgery. 

Breast augmentation Q&A. Recovery

Breast augmentation Q&A

We have collected some FAQ after breast augmentation in Korea. Here are 7 breast augmentation Q&A related to recovery.

Q: I don’t like the size of my breast after the surgery. It is too small / too big. What should I do?

A:  You have to wait until full recovery to see the final shape of your breast after augmentation. It might look too small because the skin hasn’t adjusted to the size of implant yet, or it might look too big because of the swelling. Patience is the key.

Q: Will I get the post op care and what is it like?

A: In ID Hospital you will get 3 sessions of a high frequency deswelling care and 2 laser sessions for scar treatment for free.

Q: When can I take a shower after breast augmentation surgery?

A: In general you can take a shower after the stitches on the incision area are removed (usually 7 days post op).

Patients who have an incision underneath the breast can take shower 3 days after the surgery.  However, the recommendation might differ depending on the individual condition and surgery method.

Q: Do I have to wear a compression garment after breast augmentation?

A: Yes, wearing a compression garment is very important, because it helps to reduce swelling and bruising and settle the right position for the implant. It should be worn 24/7 for a month, then at night for 3 months.  Even though you might feel uncomfortable compression garment is necessary for the hassle-free recovery.

Q:  How should I sleep after breast augmentation?

A: Do not sleep sideways or facing downwards, sleep on your back and keep your head level above your heart level. After 3 months you can sleep on your side, however it is recommended to sleep on your back up to 6 months post op.

Q: How long is the recovery period?

A: It differs per person. In general, you can expect full recovery within 3-6 months.

Q: What kind of sports can I do after breast augmentation?

A: Avoid running, jumping or lifting heavy objects and any other activities that may strain your upper body muscles until full recovery. The best option is taking leisurely walks first, then you can increase the intensity to a brisk walk.

You can also read more details about recovery process for breast augmentation surgery. 

Kai from Japan gained his confidence in ID Hospital after plastic surgery ( before / after V line. orthognathic double jaw, rhinoplasty, cheekbone reduction, chin mini V line)

I'm Kai from Japan.

I came to ID Hospital hoping to overcome my insecurities and gain the confidence that I've never had.

I first visited ID Hospital in November 2018.

[Before surgery]

Protruding mouth and protruded upper gums were my major issues.








There were also a lot of things that I wanted to change, such as square chin and wide cheekbone. I've seen a lot of before / after pictures of similar cases in ID Hospital, so I made a decision to get a surgery, because I wanted to fix my jaw, increase my self-confidence and fulfill my future dreams.


<　1 day after surgery 　>

It's only been a day, but it's much different than I expected, with less cyanosis and pain.

<　5 days after surgery 　>

I had double jaw, V line and cheekbone reduction surgeries.

The recovery process was slow, but steady.


<7 days after>

<14 days after>

< 1 month after >

After one month the result finally was easy to see.

The minor swelling remained, but it had been constantly decreasing.
I felt that my lifestyle has changed. I felt more confident with taking selfies and looking in the mirror.

<　2 months after >

It's been 2 months since the surgery. Regular jaw exercises that were advised by ID Hospital surgeon,  helped me to heal faster, so I'm going to keep doing them.

< 3 months after >

I couldn't get rhinoplasty at the same time with double jaw, so I had to wait 3 months and then I came back to ID Hospital for a nose.

<The healing process from April to December 2019 　>

ID Hospital helped me to overcome all of my insecurities and made my dreams come true. I live the life I've always wanted with a self-confidence and harmony. Thank you!