How to Tell If You Have Prominent or Deep-Set Eyes | Solutions by Concern

"I feel like my eyes are sticking out — are they protruding eyes?"
"Is the shadow in my vision caused by deep-set eyes?"

Do you have any concerns like these about your own eyes?

Protruding eyes and deep-set eyes are actually largely related to the bone structure of the eye socket (orbit) in which the eyeball sits.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to tell the difference between protruding eyes and deep-set eyes, as well as their relationship to bone structure.

We will also introduce the "cosmetic medical approach to improving deep-set eyes" proposed by KAI CLINIC TOKYO, so please use this as a reference if you have concerns about your eyes.

How to tell the difference between protruding eyes and deep-set eyes

Protruding eyes and deep-set eyes are determined by the depth of the bony socket (orbit) that holds the eyeball and the size of the eyeball itself — in other words, "skeletal structure."

If you are unsure which type your eyes are, try the following method to find out.

Key point	Protruding eyes	Deep-set eyes
Positional relationship between the "brow bone" and the "eyeball"	The apex of the eyeball protrudes forward beyond the line of the brow bone (the bone below the eyebrow)	The eyeball is recessed further back than the brow bone
Positional relationship between the eyelid and the eyeball	When the eye is open, a greater volume of the eyeball protrudes beyond the eyelid	When the eye is open, a smaller volume of the eyeball protrudes beyond the eyelid

Main causes of protruding eyes and deep-set eyes

The following two factors are the main causes of protruding eyes and deep-set eyes.

Congenital bone structure (balance between orbit and eyeball)

The bone structure you are born with is closely related to the appearance of your eyes.

If the orbital space (orbit) that holds the eyeball is genetically shallow, or if the eyeball itself is large, the result is "protruding eyes"; the opposite results in "deep-set eyes."

Age-related bone resorption and tissue changes

Human bones thin out (bone resorption) as we age.

As bone resorption progresses in the orbit that holds the eyeball, the area around the eyes can become sunken and deep-set eyes may worsen, or loosening of the tissue supporting the eyeball may accentuate protruding eyes.

Methods for those with deep-set eyes to achieve a more protruding look

Some people with deep-set eyes may wish to achieve a more protruding appearance.

Here we introduce the truth about "deep-set eye improvement massage" commonly found online, along with methods for fundamental improvement.

Effectiveness and limitations of "deep-set eye improvement massage"

As already mentioned, deep-set eyes are related to the shape of the skull you are born with and the depth of the eye socket.

For this reason, "massages to improve deep-set eyes" commonly found online cannot change the bone structure itself.

It is true that massage can improve blood circulation in the eyelids and temporarily reduce puffiness, making the eyes appear clearer.

However, because the skin of the eyelid is extremely thin, there is a risk of melasma, pigmentation, and skin sagging caused by friction, which can actually make the eye area appear darker, so caution is required.

Methods for those with deep-set eyes to create a "protruding eye effect"

People with deep-set eyes tend to have less light reaching the pupils, so removing the physical factors that block light is the most direct path to "brighter-looking eyes."

To fundamentally change the impression, cosmetic medical approaches such as reducing brow bone prominence or widening the eye area are generally recommended.

For example, methods such as "brow bone reduction" to reduce the prominence above the eye, or "double eyelid surgery" to improve the openness of the eye area are available.

Cosmetic Medical Approaches to Change the Deep-Set Eye Impression at KAI CLINIC TOKYO

At KAI CLINIC TOKYO, we offer cosmetic medical treatments that approach skeletal structure to fundamentally address concerns caused by deep-set eyes.

Brow Bone Reduction

When the bone in the brow area (part of the frontal bone) protrudes forward, this surgery involves shaving it down to smooth the forehead and improve the deep-set eye appearance.

[Recovery & Downtime]
Significant swelling is common for 1–2 weeks after surgery, and difficulty opening the eyes may also occur.
[Risks & Side Effects]
Risk of infection if the frontal sinus (cavity) is reached, etc.
[Price]
¥880,000 (tax included)

Cheekbone Setback

This surgery involves osteotomy of the cheekbone via multiple approaches from the outer corner of the eye, the sideburn area, and inside the mouth, moving the entire cheekbone posteriorly.

By reducing the width and protrusion of the face, it helps balance the three-dimensional appearance of the eye area.

[Recovery & Downtime]
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable for 2–3 days after surgery, gradually subsiding over about 2 weeks to a presentable state. Full recovery takes approximately 3 months.
[Risks & Side Effects]
Complications such as swelling, asymmetry, bruising, infection, scarring, hyperpigmentation, foreign body reaction, pain, numbness, sensory abnormalities, hair loss, tissue necrosis, visual impairment, facial nerve disorder, allergic reaction, and shock reaction
[Price]
¥1,870,000 (tax included)

Learn more about Cheekbone Setback

Double Eyelid Incision

The eyelid is incised to remove excess skin and fat, creating a firm double eyelid line. This method is particularly suitable for those with thick eyelids or those for whom the buried suture method does not provide a stable double fold.

[Recovery & Downtime]
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable for 2–3 days after surgery, gradually subsiding over 1–2 weeks, with full recovery in about 1 month.
[Risks & Side Effects]
Swelling, redness, pain, bruising, edema, asymmetry, allergic reactions, etc.
[Price]
¥594,000 (tax included)

Learn more about Double Eyelid Incision

Ptosis Correction Surgery

This surgery adjusts the muscle that opens the eye (levator palpebrae superioris) to increase iris exposure. It is particularly expected to resolve concerns such as "heavy-feeling eyelids" or "looking sleepy" due to deep-set eyes.

[Recovery & Downtime]
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable for 2–3 days after surgery, gradually subsiding over 1–2 weeks, with full recovery in about 3 months.
[Risks & Side Effects]
Swelling, redness, pain, bruising, edema, asymmetry, allergic reactions, recurrence, etc.
[Price]
¥770,000 (tax included)
※This price is combined with double eyelid incision.

Learn more about Ptosis Correction Surgery

Tear Bag Formation

This procedure approaches tissues such as the orbicularis oculi muscle from the inner side of the lower eyelid (conjunctival side) to create a natural puffiness under the eye. It adds radiance and dimension to deep-set eyes where the tear bag is less visible due to the eyeball being set further back.

At our clinic, we offer suturing, fat injection, and incision methods, and will suggest the most appropriate treatment while taking each patient's wishes into consideration.

Please note that hyaluronic acid injections can also create tear bags; however, since hyaluronic acid is absorbed by the body over time, periodic treatments are necessary, and surgical treatment is recommended for long-term maintenance.

Please feel free to contact our clinic for more details.

[Recovery & Downtime]
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable for 2–3 days after surgery, gradually subsiding over 1–2 weeks, with full recovery in about 3 months.
[Risks & Side Effects]
Swelling, redness, pain, bruising, edema, asymmetry, allergic reactions, etc.
[Price]
・Tear Bag Formation (suturing) ¥220,000 (tax included)
・Tear Bag Formation (incision) ¥440,000 (tax included)

Learn more about Tear Bag Formation

"Brow Bone Reduction" Case at KAI CLINIC TOKYO

[Surgeon]
Mitsunori Harima
[Treatment Details]
Brow Bone Reduction
[Risks & Side Effects]
Swelling, asymmetry, bruising, infection, scarring, hyperpigmentation, pain, numbness, sensory abnormalities, bone displacement, facial nerve palsy, sagging, allergic reactions, etc.
[Price]
¥880,000 (tax included)

If You Have Concerns About Protruding or Deep-Set Eye Surgery, Please Consult KAI CLINIC TOKYO

Concerns about protruding or deep-set eyes often involve deep-rooted "skeletal" issues that cannot be resolved by surface-level skin care alone.

At KAI CLINIC TOKYO, we carefully analyze the overall facial balance and propose a design and surgical method tailored to each individual patient.

If you have concerns such as "wanting to change the heavy-looking impression caused by deep-set eyes," please feel free to consult our clinic.

Summary

Some people try improvement massage for deep-set eyes, but self-care such as massage has its limits and may in some cases cause damage to the skin.

Therefore, cosmetic medical treatment that approaches the skeletal structure and muscles is necessary to fundamentally improve deep-set eyes and achieve the ideal eye appearance.

At KAI CLINIC TOKYO, we are here to help you fundamentally improve deep-set eyes and achieve the beautiful eye appearance you desire.

If you are considering improving your deep-set eyes and aiming for greater beauty, please do not hesitate to consult our clinic.