Correcting Multi-Fold Wrinkles After Eyelid Surgery

Introduction

By Gangnam Seoyon Plastic Surgery – Seoul, South Korea

Most people who undergo double eyelid surgery expect a clean, defined crease — a subtle line that opens up the eyes and enhances their overall harmony. But occasionally, instead of a smooth single fold, multiple lines or wrinkles appear above the eyelid, creating an uneven or tired look.

If you’ve experienced this, you may notice the eyelid forming two or three separate creases when you blink or look down. These are known as multi-fold eyelids or post-surgical eyelid wrinkles. Though common, they can be frustrating — both aesthetically and emotionally.

At Gangnam Seoyon Plastic Surgery, we see this concern often, particularly from patients who’ve had previous double eyelid surgery elsewhere. The good news? Multi-fold issues can be safely and precisely corrected, allowing the eyes to regain their natural movement and expression.

This article explains what causes multi-fold wrinkles, how they can be treated through revision surgery, and why the right surgical technique and timing are crucial to achieving a lasting, natural result.

Understanding Multi-Fold Eyelids: When One Crease Becomes Many

In a successful double eyelid surgery, a single fold forms where the eyelid skin is gently anchored to the underlying levator aponeurosis — the tendon-like tissue responsible for lifting the eyelid. This single adhesion line allows the eyelid to move naturally with each blink, maintaining a stable crease.

However, when the connection between the skin and levator muscle is inconsistent, or if the skin adheres at multiple points, secondary creases can form. These additional folds can vary in depth and position, leading to visible irregularities that distort the original eyelid contour.

Patients with multi-fold eyelids often describe:

• Seeing multiple lines when looking down

• Creases that differ in height between both eyes

• An unnatural or “creased-over” look when blinking or smiling

• Difficulty applying makeup due to uneven folds

From a surgical perspective, this issue reflects an imbalance between skin tension, muscle movement, and scar adhesion — a delicate triad that must work in harmony for the eyelid to move naturally.

Why Do Multi-Fold Wrinkles Happen?

1. Inconsistent or Incorrect Adhesion Depth

The most common cause of multi-fold creases is an uneven or misplaced adhesion. If the suture or incision line doesn’t attach uniformly to the levator muscle, parts of the skin may fold at different levels.

This often occurs when the original crease was placed too high or low for the patient’s eye anatomy — for instance, a high crease on a patient with thicker eyelid skin can easily result in additional lower folds forming beneath it.

2. Residual Skin or Fatty Tissue

In some cases, excess soft tissue or skin is left behind after the first surgery. This can interfere with crease formation, causing the eyelid to “catch” at multiple points during motion.

Patients with puffy eyelids, thicker skin, or naturally prominent orbital fat are especially prone to this problem if their surgery didn’t adequately balance tissue removal with crease height.

3. Scar Tissue and Uneven Healing

Even if the initial surgery was well designed, healing can introduce complications. The eyelid is an area of fine, mobile skin — and as scars mature, internal adhesions can shift or tighten unpredictably.

This scar contraction sometimes pulls the eyelid skin into secondary creases, especially in patients who heal with firm or fibrotic tissue. It can also make the eyelid feel stiff or “stuck.”

4. Weak Levator Muscle or Detachment

If the levator aponeurosis becomes partially detached from the skin or muscle during or after surgery, the eyelid may not lift smoothly. This instability can produce multiple folds that appear or disappear depending on eye movement.

This condition often requires surgical reattachment to restore proper crease dynamics — a step that must be performed with precision to avoid recurrence.

The Emotional Weight of a Multi-Fold Result

To be honest, most patients don’t realize how deeply an unsatisfying eyelid result can affect them until they live with it. It’s not just about appearance — it’s about expression. The eyes play a central role in how we communicate and how others perceive our mood, energy, and warmth.

When multiple creases distort that expression, it can make a person feel less confident, even if others don’t immediately notice the issue.

At Gangnam Seoyon Plastic Surgery, we’ve met patients who hesitate to make eye contact or who feel anxious about makeup or photography after surgery gone wrong. For many, revision isn’t just cosmetic — it’s restorative.

“Revision surgery is not about erasing the past; it’s about helping the eyes move and feel natural again.”
— Dr. Dong-il Choi, Chief Director

How Revision Surgery Corrects Multi-Fold Wrinkles

Step 1: Detailed Assessment and Diagnosis

Before any surgical plan, a comprehensive evaluation is essential. Dr. Choi carefully analyzes:

• The number and position of current folds

• The height and shape of the existing crease

• The thickness of skin and soft tissue

• The strength and attachment of the levator muscle

• The degree of internal scar adhesion

This diagnostic process often involves examining the eyelids in motion — both when open and closed — to identify how the folds behave dynamically.

Step 2: Releasing Irregular Adhesions

The first step during revision surgery is releasing the old, uneven adhesions that are causing multiple creases. This process must be done meticulously to avoid damaging surrounding tissue. Once these internal scar bands are freed, the eyelid can move more naturally again.

Step 3: Redefining a Single Crease

Next, a new adhesion line is created between the skin and levator aponeurosis at the correct height and tension for the patient’s anatomy. This single, stable crease forms the foundation of a natural result.

At Seoyon, Dr. Choi uses micro-level precision and fine suturing to ensure smooth fold formation. In revision cases, even a one-millimeter adjustment can change how the entire eyelid behaves.

Step 4: Adjusting Skin and Fat Balance

If excess skin or tissue contributed to the problem, careful trimming or redistribution is performed to restore even tension across the eyelid. This ensures the crease remains stable and prevents future multi-folding.

Choosing Between Incisional and Non-Incisional Revision

Revision surgery for multi-fold eyelids can be performed through two main approaches:

Non-Incisional (Suture) Revision

Ideal for mild cases where the previous surgery didn’t involve extensive cutting or scarring. This technique involves releasing unwanted adhesions and re-establishing the correct fold through fine sutures without a full incision.

It offers faster recovery and minimal scarring, but it’s not suitable for cases with thick scar tissue or significant asymmetry.

Incisional Revision

For more complex cases involving thick scar tissue, skin redundancy, or levator detachment, the incisional method is preferred. It allows full visibility of the eyelid structure, ensuring precise correction and tissue balance.

Although recovery may take slightly longer, the results are more predictable and durable.

When Should You Consider Revision Surgery?

Timing plays a key role in revision success. After initial eyelid surgery, it’s best to allow the tissues to stabilize before undergoing a second procedure.

In most cases, revision is recommended after 3–6 months, once swelling has subsided and scar tissue has matured enough for safe reoperation.

However, in certain situations — such as when the crease is abnormally high, the eyelid doesn’t close properly, or there’s severe asymmetry — early revision may be advisable.

At Gangnam Seoyon Plastic Surgery, Dr. Choi personally evaluates whether early intervention is appropriate. Each patient’s healing timeline and tissue condition are unique, so decisions are always made conservatively, prioritizing safety first.

Why Surgical Ethics and Precision Matter in Revision Cases

Revision surgery requires not only technical skill but also ethical responsibility. In Korea’s highly competitive cosmetic landscape, it’s unfortunately common for surgeries to be delegated to unqualified assistants or performed under “ghost surgery” conditions — where the doctor you meet isn’t the one operating.

At Gangnam Seoyon Plastic Surgery, we uphold a strict “one-doctor policy.” Every operation, no matter how minor or complex, is personally performed by Dr. Dong-il Choi. His background in eye revision and complex eyelid anatomy ensures that no detail is overlooked.

“A successful revision is not just about creating a fold — it’s about restoring trust between the patient and their reflection.” — Dr. Choi

This philosophy of transparency, safety, and precision has made Seoyon a trusted destination for both local and international patients seeking revision eyelid surgery in Korea.

Recovery and Aftercare: What to Expect

After correcting multi-fold wrinkles, patients typically experience:

• Mild swelling for 1–2 weeks

• Gradual softening of the crease over 1–3 months

• Noticeable improvement in eyelid smoothness and symmetry

The final result becomes evident once the tissues fully settle — usually around 3–6 months post-surgery. During this period, patients are advised to avoid excessive rubbing or heavy makeup application around the eyes.

Seoyon provides personalized post-operative care, including scar management, swelling control therapy, and regular follow-ups with Dr. Choi to ensure smooth recovery.

Preventing Multi-Fold Problems in Future Surgeries

Prevention starts with proper planning and surgical ethics. Patients considering double eyelid surgery should choose a clinic that:

• Customizes the crease height to your facial proportions

• Understands your eyelid anatomy and muscle dynamics

• Uses safe, stable adhesion techniques

• Offers transparent consultation and post-op monitoring

An experienced surgeon will never push for a higher or more dramatic crease if it doesn’t suit your natural features. The best results are those that enhance your eyes subtly — not those that change their identity.

A Final Word from Gangnam Seoyon Plastic Surgery

If you’re struggling with multi-fold eyelids or wrinkled creases after double eyelid surgery, know that correction is possible. With careful evaluation, precise technique, and a deep respect for each patient’s anatomy, your eyes can regain the natural clarity and balance they once had.

At Gangnam Seoyon Plastic Surgery, we’ve built our reputation on honest consultations, patient-centered revision care, and surgical craftsmanship guided by over two decades of expertise. Whether it’s your first surgery or your third, our goal remains the same — to help your eyes look and feel authentically yours.

“Your eyes deserve not only beauty but comfort — and a crease that moves as naturally as it looks.” — Dr. Dong-il Choi

If you’re considering revision eyelid surgery in Seoul or want to understand your options for multi-fold correction, schedule a consultation with our team. Together, we’ll find the safest, most natural path to restore your confidence and your gaze.