“Smiling eye” aesthetics is currently a booming beauty trend, prized for its ability to create a youthful, radiant, and authentically Korean look—even when you aren’t smiling. Beyond being completely safe and leaving no visible traces of surgery, it is the perfect solution for achieving a captivating, charming allure. Join Dr Xuan Quan Clinic in exploring the details of this medically-standardized “smiling eye” shaping procedure in the article below.
Who should undergo “smiling eye” cosmetic surgery?
Creating “smiling eyes” (or *aegyo-sal*) is the perfect solution for those wishing to achieve a radiant look and restore a youthful appearance to their eyes. This method is particularly suitable for the following individuals:
- Those with sad or dull-looking eyes: A flat or slightly sunken area under the eyes can make the face appear tired and lifeless, even when the person is happy.
- Those with small or monolidded eyes: Individuals who want their eyes to look larger, more expressive, and deeper without undergoing invasive double-eyelid surgery.
- Those with early signs of aging around the eyes: People looking to partially conceal tear troughs or dark circles with a small, plump under-eye roll for a more youthful appearance.
- Those who love a sweet, charming style: Individuals desiring a radiant smile and a youthful, friendly look—reminiscent of the style popularized by Korean celebrities.

Popular “smiling eye” cosmetic procedures today
Depending on each client’s needs, preferences, and eye structure, the doctor will recommend one of the following popular “smiling eye” surgical methods:
Non-surgical method (Filler injection)
Procedure: A doctor injects dermal filler directly into the lower eyelid margin with precise dosage to sculpt a naturally plump “smiling eye” roll (Aegyo-sal). The procedure is extremely quick, taking only about 10–15 minutes.
Suitable candidates: Individuals who want to achieve “smiling eyes” quickly without undergoing surgery, and who do not have significant excess skin or wrinkled fat bags under the eyes.
Advantages: Non-surgical; involves no swelling, pain, or scarring; offers immediate results; and requires no downtime.
Disadvantages: Results are temporary; incorrect injection techniques or the use of low-quality fillers can lead to lumpiness, stiffness, or filler migration.
Duration: 8–18 months (after which the filler is naturally metabolized and eliminated by the body).

Autologous fat grafting method
Procedure: A small amount of fat is harvested from the client’s own abdomen or thighs and processed via centrifuge to isolate the healthiest fat cells; these are then precisely grafted into the lower eyelid area to create a soft, natural “smiling eye” contour.
Suitable candidates: Individuals desiring long-lasting “smiling eyes” who are allergic to synthetic fillers; those with dark circles, deep hollows, or early signs of sagging skin under the eyes.
Advantages: 100% biocompatibility (no risk of rejection or lumping); creates a soft, completely natural look; simultaneously fills in hollows and dark areas under the eyes.
Disadvantages: Requires complex fat extraction and grafting techniques; fat cell survival rate depends on individual physiology; the donor site may experience mild swelling or bruising for a few days.
Durability: Long-lasting results (5–10 years) once the grafted fat has stabilized in the eye area.

Surgical procedure for biological cartilage implantation
Procedure: A microsurgeon makes an ultra-fine incision along the lower eyelid margin and skillfully inserts and secures a piece of ultra-soft biological cartilage to create a distinct “smiling eye” contour (aesthetically pleasing lower eyelid fullness). The incision is closed with cosmetic sutures, which are removed after 7 days.
Suitable candidates: Individuals desiring a well-defined, long-lasting “smiling eye” contour; those who previously underwent filler injections or fat grafting but experienced rapid absorption or unsatisfactory volume.
Advantages: Precisely shapes the “smiling eye” for a natural, beautiful look; uses biocompatible cartilage that does not shift or resorb over time; leaves no visible scarring.
Disadvantages: As an invasive minor procedure, it requires a recovery period with specific aftercare and a follow-up visit for suture removal after 7 days; requires a highly skilled microsurgeon to avoid damaging the eyelid margin.
Durability: Permanent (the cartilage shape remains stable and integrates with the body for the long term).

Reputable providers of “smiling eye” cosmetic procedures today
Amidst a multitude of beauty clinics, Dr. Xuan Quan Aesthetic Clinic proudly stands as a premier, trusted destination where countless clients place their confidence to achieve radiant, smiling eyes.
- Performed by a highly skilled specialist: The entire “smiling eye” (aegyo-sal) creation procedure is carried out personally by Dr. Nguyen Xuan Quan—an expert with years of experience—ensuring precise measurements and the skillful, absolutely safe application of microsurgical techniques.
- Scar-free microsurgery technology: Utilizing ultra-fine dissection techniques close to the lash line, the procedure guarantees no damage to the eyelid-lifting muscle, minimizes swelling and bruising, and involves gentle suture removal after seven days.
- Long-lasting aesthetic results: The eyes quickly settle into a natural, soft shape without scarring, maintaining beautiful results for 5 to 10 years.
Reliable warranty policy: Quality is guaranteed through a clear 6-month warranty, providing clients with complete peace of mind after the procedure.

Safe, medically standardized “smiling eyes” aesthetic procedure
At reputable aesthetic clinics, the procedure to create “smiling eyes” (accentuating the lower eyelid roll) is always performed in a sterile, controlled environment, strictly adhering to the Ministry of Health’s medical standards:
- Step 1: Consultation and assessment: The doctor directly examines the eye structure, analyzes specific features, and recommends the most suitable method based on the client’s desires.
- Step 2: Measuring and marking: The doctor meticulously measures and outlines the dimensions of the lower eyelid roll, ensuring a thickness that is balanced and harmonious with the overall facial features.
- Step 3: Disinfection and anesthesia: The eye area is thoroughly cleansed and disinfected to prevent infection. Local anesthesia is then administered to ensure the client remains comfortable and completely pain-free throughout the procedure.
- Step 4: Creating the “smiling eye” look: The doctor skillfully employs microsurgery or filler injection techniques to precisely shape the lower eyelid roll according to the pre-determined measurements.
- Step 5: Post-operative care: The client rests at the facility while the doctor checks the results, provides instructions on hygiene and dietary restrictions, and schedules a follow-up appointment for suture removal after 7 days (for surgical methods).

Frequently Asked Questions About “Smiling Eye” Surgery
To address any concerns you may have before undergoing the procedure, here is a summary of expert answers to the most frequently asked questions:
Is the “smiling eye” surgery painful, and will there be visible scarring?
The procedure is completely painless thanks to advanced anesthesia technology. A micro-incision is discreetly placed along the lower lash line using microsurgery techniques, ensuring no visible signs of surgery or scarring.
How long does it take to heal, and when are the stitches removed?
You may experience mild swelling for the first 2–3 days. Stitches are gently removed after 7 days, and the eye shape will settle into a beautiful, natural look within 2–4 weeks.
How long do the aesthetic results last?
If biological cartilage or autologous fat grafting is used, the “smiling eye” shape remains stable for 5–10 years (or permanently, depending on individual physiology)—far outlasting dermal fillers, which typically last only 1–2 years.
The information above covers everything you need to know about the “smiling eye” aesthetic trend—the perfect solution for achieving radiant, vibrant, Korean-style eyes. Contact us today for a consultation and a reliable 6-month warranty, and confidently create a beautiful, long-lasting look.
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