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Lower Eyelid Surgery Korea: Why Preserving Aegyo-Sal Prevents an Aged Look

A Flat Lower Eyelid Does Not Always Look Younger

One of the most common misconceptions in lower eyelid surgery is that a smoother, flatter under-eye area automatically appears younger.

It does not.

In many failed lower eyelid surgeries, the issue is not what was done—but what was removed.

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Aegyo-Sal Is Not Just Fat.

Aegyo-sal is often misunderstood as excess fat beneath the eye.

In reality, it is closely related to the orbicularis oculi muscle and the dynamic movement of facial expression.

This structure plays a critical role not only in how the eye looks at rest, but also in how it appears when smiling.

Removing or flattening this area indiscriminately often leads to an unnatural and aged appearance.

Why Balance Matters More Than Symmetry.

Many patients request perfectly symmetrical lower eyelids.

However, facial muscles are rarely symmetrical.
Differences in smiling patterns, muscle strength, and support structures are normal.

Attempting to erase these differences surgically often results in stiffness rather than harmony.

Lower eyelid surgery should aim for balance—not forced symmetry.

What Happens When Aegyo-Sal Is Removed

When aegyo-sal is excessively reduced or flattened:

  • The natural contour of the lower eyelid is lost
  • Facial expressions appear rigid
  • The eyes may look hollow or tired despite surgery

This is not rejuvenation.
It is overcorrection.

Why Does My Under-Eye Look Hollow After Lower Eyelid Surgery?
→ A hollow or flattened lower eyelid is often the result of excessive fat removal or loss of structural support.

Lower eyelid fat repositioning surgery postoperative day 30 before and after comparison showing improved under-eye contour and reduced shadow
Postoperative Day 30 After Lower Eyelid Fat Repositioning Surgery — Structural fat repositioning improved contour-related shadows while preserving natural lower eyelid volume.

Preserving Aegyo-Sal Requires Structural Judgment

Preserving aegyo-sal does not mean performing less surgery.

It means understanding which structures must remain intact.

This requires careful evaluation of muscle dynamics, fat positioning, skin elasticity, and long-term stability.

In lower eyelid surgery, restraint is often the most advanced technique.

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Our Approach

Our goal is not to eliminate every contour beneath the eye.

It is to preserve natural expression, maintain structural support, and prevent long-term complications that may lead to revision surgery.

Lower eyelid surgery must respect how the face moves—not just how it appears in a static image.

Why Does My Under-Eye Look Hollow After Lower Eyelid Surgery?
→ A flattened lower eyelid often results from excessive removal of fat or loss of aegyo-sal.

Request a Lower Eyelid Surgery Consultation in Korea

Common Questions About Aegyo-Sal in Lower Eyelid Surgery

Q. Is aegyo-sal just fat that should be removed?
A. No. Aegyo-sal is closely related to muscle structure and facial expression, and removing it can lead to an unnatural appearance.

Q. Can removing aegyo-sal make the eyes look older?
A. Yes. Over-removal can flatten the lower eyelid and create a hollow or aged look.

Why Does Preserving Aegyo-Sal Matter in Lower Eyelid Surgery?
→ Loss of aegyo-sal can lead to a flat, aged appearance even after surgery.


Seeing the Eye as a Whole, Not in Parts
A Clinic Dedicated to Eyelid Revision Surgery in Korea
Ahnsungmin Plastic Surgery

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