Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea: Complete Guide to Prices, Methods & Recovery 2025

Double eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty or Asian eyelid surgery, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in Korea and worldwide. If you've wondered how Korean celebrities achieve those defined, bright eyes with visible eyelid creases, double eyelid surgery is often the answer. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about getting double eyelid surgery in Korea, from pricing and surgical methods to recovery, risks, and choosing the best clinics in Seoul.

Korea has become the global capital for double eyelid surgery, with surgeons performing thousands of procedures annually and pioneering advanced techniques that minimize scarring and recovery time. Whether you want subtle natural-looking creases or more dramatic eye enhancement, Korean plastic surgeons can create customized results that suit your facial features and aesthetic goals.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about double eyelid surgery. It is not intended as medical advice. Double eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure with inherent risks including infection, scarring, asymmetry, and complications from anesthesia. Always consult with board-certified plastic surgeons, discuss all risks and benefits, and ensure you're making an informed decision. Individual results vary, and all surgeries carry potential risks.

What is Double Eyelid Surgery?

Double eyelid surgery (쌍꺼풀 수술 or "ssang-kkeo-pul su-sul" in Korean), medically known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that creates a crease in the upper eyelid. Many East Asians are born with single eyelids (monolids) where there's no visible crease when the eye is open. This surgery creates that crease, making the eyes appear larger, brighter, and more defined.

Korean Terms You Should Know

• 쌍꺼풀 수술 (ssang-kkeo-pul su-sul) = Double eyelid surgery
• 매몰법 (mae-mol-beop) = Burial/non-incision method
• 절개법 (jeol-gae-beop) = Full incision method
• 부분절개 (bu-bun jeol-gae) = Partial incision method
• 자연유착 (ja-yeon yu-chak) = Natural adhesion method
• 쌍수 (ssang-su) = Slang for double eyelid surgery

Why Get Double Eyelid Surgery?

Popular reasons for the procedure:

• Aesthetic enhancement: Create visible eyelid crease for larger-appearing eyes
• Eye definition: Make eyes appear more awake and brighter
• Eyelash visibility: Allow lashes to curl upward instead of pointing down
• Makeup application: Easier eyeshadow and eyeliner application
• Functional improvement: Correct droopy or hooded lids affecting vision
• Facial harmony: Balance facial proportions
• Confidence boost: Achieve desired eye appearance
• Cultural beauty standards: Align with popular beauty ideals

Important Note: This is a personal choice. Single eyelids are beautiful, and no one should feel pressured to have surgery. However, for those who desire it, Korea offers world-class expertise.

Double Eyelid Surgery Prices in Korea 2025

Korea offers competitive pricing for double eyelid surgery compared to Western countries, with costs varying significantly based on technique and surgeon experience.

Price Range Overview

*Prices as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 ≈ $1 USD (subject to change)

What Affects Pricing?

1. Surgical Method

• Non-incision (burial method): Cheapest, quickest recovery
• Partial incision: Mid-range pricing
• Full incision: Most expensive, longest recovery

2. Surgeon Experience and Reputation

• Celebrity surgeons: ₩1,500,000-3,000,000+ ($1,154-$2,308+)
• Board-certified specialists (5+ years): ₩800,000-1,500,000 ($615-$1,154)
• Mid-level surgeons (2-5 years): ₩400,000-800,000 ($308-$615)

3. Clinic Location

• Gangnam/Apgujeong/Cheongdam: Premium pricing (+30-50%)
• Other Seoul districts (Sinsa, Nonhyeon): Standard pricing
• Outside Seoul: 20-40% less expensive

4. Additional Procedures

• Ptosis correction (droopy eyelid): +₩300,000-800,000 ($231-$615)
• Epicanthoplasty (inner corner): +₩400,000-800,000 ($308-$615)
• Lateral canthoplasty (outer corner): +₩500,000-1,000,000 ($385-$770)
• Fat removal: Usually included in full incision

What's Usually Included

Standard Package Includes:

• ✅ Pre-operative consultation and eye measurements
• ✅ Surgical procedure
• ✅ Local anesthesia or twilight sedation
• ✅ Post-operative medications (antibiotics, pain relievers)
• ✅ Follow-up appointments (1 week, 1 month, 3 months)
• ✅ Stitch removal (if applicable)

Potential Extra Costs:

• Anesthesiologist fee (general anesthesia): +₩200,000-400,000 ($154-$308)
• Pre-operative tests (blood work, EKG): ₩50,000-150,000 ($38-$115)
• Revision surgery (if needed): 50-70% of original cost
• Aftercare products: ₩30,000-80,000 ($23-$62)

Price Comparison: Korea vs. Other Countries

Savings: 30-70% compared to Western countries

Types of Double Eyelid Surgery Methods

Korean plastic surgeons offer three main surgical approaches, each with distinct advantages and suited to different eyelid characteristics.

1. Non-Incision / Burial Method (매몰법)

What it is: The least invasive technique using sutures to create the eyelid crease without making any incisions. Small puncture holes are made, and threads are woven through to connect the skin to the levator muscle, creating the crease.

Best For:

• Thin eyelid skin with minimal fat
• Young patients (teens to 30s) with good skin elasticity
• Those wanting minimal scarring
• Quick recovery needs
• First-time surgery patients

Characteristics:

• ✅ No visible scars
• ✅ Fastest recovery (1-2 weeks)
• ✅ Shortest surgery time (30-45 minutes)
• ✅ Reversible (sutures can be removed if desired)
• ✅ Most natural-looking results
• ✅ Lowest cost

Limitations:

• ❌ Higher risk of crease fading over time (5-20% need revision)
• ❌ Not suitable for thick eyelids or excess fat
• ❌ May not work for weak eyelid muscles
• ❌ Less dramatic results than incision methods

Recovery Time: 1-2 weeks for most swelling to subside Longevity: Can last lifetime, but 10-20% may need revision Price Range: ₩290,000-800,000 ($223-$615)

2. Partial Incision Method (부분절개법)

What it is: A hybrid approach making 2-4 small incisions (2-3mm each) along the desired crease line. Through these tiny openings, excess fat and muscle are removed, then sutures create the crease similar to burial method.

Best For:

• Moderate eyelid thickness and fat
• Those wanting permanence with minimal scarring
• Patients between burial and full incision candidates
• Mild puffiness or fat deposits

Characteristics:

• ✅ More permanent than non-incision
• ✅ Minimal scarring (tiny incisions)
• ✅ Can remove small amounts of fat
• ✅ Better than burial for slightly thick lids
• ✅ Faster recovery than full incision

Limitations:

• ❌ More expensive than burial method
• ❌ Cannot remove significant excess skin
• ❌ Longer recovery than non-incision (2-3 weeks)
• ❌ Small scars possible (though usually hidden in crease)

Recovery Time: 2-3 weeks for most swelling Longevity: Generally permanent Price Range: ₩600,000-1,200,000 ($462-$923)

3. Full Incision Method (절개법)

What it is: The traditional and most permanent method, making a full incision along the entire desired crease line. Excess skin, fat, and muscle are removed, and the skin is sutured to create a defined, lasting crease.

Best For:

• Thick eyelids with significant fat and skin excess
• Mature patients (40+) with skin laxity
• Severe puffiness or hooding
• Those wanting most dramatic, permanent results
• Revision surgery cases
• Weak eyelid muscles needing correction

Characteristics:

• ✅ Most dramatic and defined results
• ✅ Permanent (does not fade)
• ✅ Can remove maximum excess tissue
• ✅ Can correct drooping or hooded lids
• ✅ Lowest revision rate
• ✅ Best for aging eyelids

Limitations:

• ❌ Longest recovery (1-3 months for complete healing)
• ❌ Most expensive method
• ❌ Visible scar during healing (fades to thin line)
• ❌ Irreversible
• ❌ Highest surgical risk (anesthesia, infection)

Recovery Time: 2-3 weeks for initial healing, 1-6 months for final results Longevity: Permanent Price Range: ₩900,000-3,000,000 ($692-$2,308)

Method Comparison Table

The Surgery Procedure: What to Expect

Before Surgery (2-4 Weeks Prior)

Medical Preparation:

• Complete medical evaluation and blood tests
• Stop smoking minimum 2-4 weeks before
• Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo)
• Stop alcohol 1 week before
• Arrange for someone to accompany you
• Prepare recovery space at home

Consultation:

• Discuss desired crease height and shape
• Surgeon evaluates eyelid thickness, fat, muscle strength
• Review before/after photos of desired look
• Choose surgical method
• Understand risks and realistic expectations

Night Before:

• No food or drink after midnight (if general anesthesia)
• Get good sleep
• Shower and wash hair (won't be able to for days after)
• Remove all jewelry, contact lenses, nail polish

During Surgery

Non-Incision Method (30-45 minutes):

1. Local anesthesia applied to numb eyelids
2. Surgeon marks desired crease line
3. 3-6 small punctures made along line
4. Sutures threaded through to create attachment
5. Sutures tightened to form crease
6. Excess suture trimmed
7. Cold compress applied

Incision Method (60-90 minutes):

1. Local anesthesia with or without twilight sedation
2. Precise incision markings made
3. Incision made along marked line
4. Excess skin, fat, and muscle removed as needed
5. Crease formed by suturing skin to levator muscle
6. Fine sutures close incision
7. Antibiotic ointment and dressing applied

Pain Level: Minimal during surgery due to anesthesia. Some pressure or tugging sensation but no pain. Post-surgery discomfort is moderate (3-5 out of 10) and managed with pain medication.

Immediate After Surgery

What you'll experience:

• Eyes covered with gauze or ice packs
• Significant swelling and bruising (normal)
• Blurred vision from ointment
• Tightness or heaviness in eyelids
• Mild to moderate pain (managed with medication)
• Difficulty fully opening eyes initially

First 24 Hours:

• Keep head elevated (sleep on 2-3 pillows)
• Apply cold compresses every hour for 15 minutes
• Take prescribed pain medication and antibiotics
• Minimal walking allowed, mostly rest
• No bending, lifting, or straining
• Eyes will look very swollen and bruised (this is expected)

Recovery Timeline and Healing Stages

The recovery process varies significantly by surgical method. Here's what to expect:

Non-Incision Method Recovery

Days 1-3: Peak Swelling

• Maximum swelling and bruising
• Eyes difficult to fully open
• Frequent cold compresses
• Stay home, minimal activity
• Sleep elevated

Days 4-7: Rapid Improvement

• Swelling decreases significantly (60-70%)
• Can see crease forming
• Bruising begins fading yellow/green
• Return to light activities
• Can go out with sunglasses

Week 2: Most Swelling Gone

• 80-90% of swelling resolved
• Can return to work/school
• Light makeup allowed
• Crease visible and defined
• Minor residual puffiness (normal)

Weeks 3-4: Near Final Result

• 95% healed
• Natural appearance
• Resume normal activities
• Can see if revision needed

Months 2-6: Final Settling

• Complete healing
• Crease settles into final position
• Sutures fully integrated

Full Incision Method Recovery

Week 1: Initial Healing

• Maximum swelling (eyes may be difficult to open)
• Significant bruising
• Stitches in place (removed day 5-7)
• Pain moderate, managed with medication
• Stay home, head elevated always
• Cold compresses frequently

Week 2: Stitch Removal

• Stitches removed (relief!)
• Swelling still significant (50-60% remains)
• Incision line visible and red
• Can venture out with sunglasses
• Light walking encouraged

Week 3-4: Returning to Normal

• Swelling decreased to 30-40%
• Can return to work
• Light makeup to cover incision line
• Bruising mostly faded
• Eyes look better but still "surgical"

Months 2-3: Major Improvement

• 80-90% healed
• Incision line fading pink to white
• Resume most activities (still avoid high-impact exercise)
• Look mostly natural

Months 4-6: Final Results

• Complete healing
• Scar barely visible, blends with crease
• Final crease height and shape established
• Can assess if touch-up needed

Month 12: Fully Matured

• Scar completely matured
• Final, permanent result visible

Recovery Tips for Faster Healing

Do:

• ✅ Sleep elevated (30-45 degree angle) for 2-3 weeks
• ✅ Apply cold compresses first 3 days (15 min every hour while awake)
• ✅ Take all prescribed medications on schedule
• ✅ Keep incision clean and dry
• ✅ Gentle walking to promote circulation
• ✅ Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods
• ✅ Wear sunglasses when going outside
• ✅ Attend all follow-up appointments

Don't:

• ❌ Rub, scratch, or touch eyes
• ❌ Wear contact lenses (2-4 weeks)
• ❌ Apply eye makeup (2-4 weeks depending on method)
• ❌ Exercise strenuously (4-6 weeks)
• ❌ Swim or submerge eyes in water (3-4 weeks)
• ❌ Drink alcohol or smoke (delays healing)
• ❌ Strain, lift heavy objects, or bend over
• ❌ Cry excessively (increases swelling)
• ❌ Sleep on side or face (sleep on back)

Risks and Complications

While double eyelid surgery is generally safe when performed by experienced surgeons, all surgeries carry risks.

Common Side Effects (Temporary)

Normal post-surgical effects:

• Swelling and bruising (1-4 weeks depending on method)
• Tightness or heaviness in eyelids
• Dry eyes or excessive tearing
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision from ointment
• Mild asymmetry during healing
• Numbness or tingling around incision

Potential Complications (Less Common)

Issues requiring medical attention:

• Infection (1-2%): Redness, warmth, pus, fever

  • Prevention: Antibiotics, proper wound care
  • Treatment: Additional antibiotics, possible drainage

• Hematoma (blood collection): Excessive bruising, hard lump

  • Prevention: Avoid blood thinners, don't strain
  • Treatment: May need drainage

• Asymmetry: Uneven creases or height

  • Cause: Surgical technique, healing differences
  • Solution: Minor revision after healing complete (6+ months)

• Crease too high or too low: Unnatural appearance

  • Prevention: Clear communication during planning
  • Solution: Revision surgery

• Scarring (incision methods): Thick, raised, or visible scars

  • Risk: Higher in keloid-prone individuals
  • Prevention: Proper wound care, silicone sheets, scar gel
  • Treatment: Steroid injections, laser treatment

• Ptosis (eyelid drooping): Difficulty opening eye

  • Cause: Damage to levator muscle
  • Treatment: Corrective surgery

• Loss of crease (burial method): Crease fades over time

  • Incidence: 10-20% within 5-10 years
  • Solution: Revision surgery (often still burial method)

• Dry eye syndrome: Persistent dryness

  • Management: Artificial tears, eye drops

Who Should Avoid or Delay Surgery?

Not recommended for:

• ❌ Active eye infections or conditions
• ❌ Uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders
• ❌ Severe dry eye syndrome
• ❌ Bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners
• ❌ Unrealistic expectations
• ❌ Psychological instability or body dysmorphia
• ❌ Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• ❌ Very young age (wait until facial growth complete, typically 18+)

Choosing the Right Surgeon and Clinic

This is the most important decision in your surgery journey. Here's how to choose wisely.

Research Checklist

Surgeon Qualifications:

• ✅ Board-certified plastic surgeon (대한성형외과학회)
• ✅ Minimum 5+ years experience specifically in eyelid surgery
• ✅ Specializes in double eyelid surgery (performs frequently)
• ✅ Before/after portfolio with diverse patients
• ✅ Can show healed results (6+ months post-surgery)

Clinic Standards:

• ✅ Licensed medical facility
• ✅ Clean, professional environment
• ✅ Experienced anesthesiologist on staff (if offering sedation)
• ✅ Emergency equipment available
• ✅ Clear pricing (no hidden fees)
• ✅ English-speaking staff (if needed)

Warning Signs to Avoid:

• ❌ Prices significantly below market rate
• ❌ Pressure to book immediately
• ❌ Only shows fresh post-op photos (not healed results)
• ❌ Can't or won't explain technique details
• ❌ No surgical complications discussed
• ❌ Unclear surgeon credentials
• ❌ Reviews mention frequent revisions needed
• ❌ Multiple negative reviews about complications

Top Areas for Double Eyelid Surgery in Seoul

1. Gangnam District (강남구)

• Best for: Highest concentration of top surgeons
• Subway: Gangnam Station (Line 2), Sinnonhyeon (Line 9)
• Characteristics: Premium pricing, celebrity surgeons, English support common

2. Apgujeong/Cheongdam (압구정/청담)

• Best for: Luxury experience, most experienced surgeons
• Subway: Apgujeong Station (Line 3), Cheongdam Station (Line 7)
• Characteristics: Highest prices, VIP service, cutting-edge techniques

3. Sinsa-dong (신사동)

• Best for: Balance of quality and price
• Subway: Sinsa Station (Line 3)
• Characteristics: Many excellent clinics, slightly lower prices than Apgujeong

4. Nonhyeon-dong (논현동)

• Best for: Good value, experienced surgeons
• Subway: Nonhyeon Station (Line 7)
• Characteristics: Competitive pricing, quality results

Tips for International Patients

Before You Travel

Research Phase (2-3 months before):

• Browse clinic websites and surgeon portfolios
• Join online forums (Reddit r/PlasticSurgery, RealSelf Korea)
• Read reviews on multiple platforms (Naver, Google, KakaoMap, Gangnam Unni)
• Contact 3-5 clinics via email for quotes
• Verify surgeon credentials
• Request virtual consultations if available

Important Questions to Ask:

• What method do you recommend for my eyelids? (send photos)
• How many double eyelid surgeries have you performed?
• What's your revision rate?
• Can I see before/after photos of patients similar to me?
• What's included in the quoted price?
• What are the possible complications?
• What's your refund/revision policy?

Timing Your Visit

Minimum Stay Requirements:

• Non-incision: 7-10 days (surgery + 5-7 days monitoring)
• Incision: 10-14 days (surgery + stitch removal + initial healing)
• Ideal: 3-4 weeks to pass worst swelling before flying home

Best Time to Visit:

• Fall (Sept-Nov) or Spring (March-May): Comfortable weather
• Avoid summer: Heat increases swelling
• Winter: Indoor healing-friendly but dry air

Managing Recovery Abroad

Packing List:

• Prescribed medications
• Extra gauze and sterile pads
• Ice packs (buy in Korea)
• Sunglasses (large, dark)
• Button-up clothing (avoid pulling over head)
• Entertainment (books, tablet for bed rest)

Accommodation:

• Book near clinic for easy follow-up visits
• Hotels with good room service (won't feel like cooking)
• Refrigerator for ice packs
• Blackout curtains for rest

Communication:

• Papago or Google Translate app
• Clinic emergency contact number
• Know how to say "pain" (아파요 - a-pa-yo) and "help" (도와주세요 - do-wa-ju-se-yo)

Insurance and Payment

Medical Tourism Insurance:

• Consider travel medical insurance covering complications
• Most regular insurance won't cover cosmetic surgery abroad
• Some clinics offer revision insurance

Payment Methods:

• Cash (Korean won) - often 5-10% discount
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) - may have 3-5% processing fee
• Wire transfer (some clinics require deposit)
• Budget: Surgery + accommodation + food + flights + emergency fund

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will double eyelid surgery make me look "Western"? A: No! Modern Korean double eyelid surgery creates natural Asian eyelid creases, not Western eyes. The goal is to enhance your natural features, not change your ethnicity. Skilled surgeons create proportionate creases that suit your facial structure.

Q: How do I choose between non-incision and incision methods? A: Your surgeon will recommend based on your eyelid characteristics. Generally: thin eyelids with minimal fat = non-incision; thick eyelids, significant fat, or mature skin = incision. Age is also a factor (younger patients often prefer non-incision).

Q: Can men get double eyelid surgery? A: Absolutely! In Korea, double eyelid surgery is increasingly popular among men. Surgeons typically create more subtle, masculine creases compared to female patients.

Q: How long until I look normal enough to return to work? A: Non-incision: 1-2 weeks. Incision: 2-4 weeks. With makeup, you can potentially return sooner, but you'll still have residual swelling and possibly visible stitches (incision method).

Q: What if one eye heals differently than the other? A: Some asymmetry during healing is normal due to different swelling rates. Final symmetry is assessed after complete healing (6+ months). If true asymmetry exists, minor revision is possible and often free within 1 year.

Q: Can I wear contact lenses after surgery? A: Not for 2-4 weeks (non-incision) or 4-6 weeks (incision). Bring glasses. Contacts can irritate healing eyes and risk infection.

Q: Will my double eyelids look fake or obvious? A: When performed skillfully, double eyelids look completely natural. The key is choosing appropriate crease height for your facial features and choosing an experienced surgeon. Avoid extremely high creases unless you specifically want a dramatic look.

Q: What if I don't like the results? A: Wait for complete healing (6+ months) before judging final results. If still unsatisfied, revision is possible. Non-incision methods can potentially be reversed. Incision methods are permanent but can be revised.

Q: How much does revision surgery cost? A: Typically 50-70% of original surgery cost. Some clinics offer free or discounted revision within the first year if complications occur (not including patient preference changes).

Q: Can the crease fade or disappear over time? A: With non-incision method, 10-20% of patients experience partial fading over 5-15 years and may want touch-up. Incision methods are permanent and do not fade.

Conclusion

Double eyelid surgery in Korea offers world-class expertise at competitive prices, with surgeons performing this procedure thousands of times annually and pioneering innovative techniques. With costs ranging from ₩290,000 to ₩3,000,000 ($223-$2,308) depending on method and surgeon, highly specialized plastic surgeons throughout Seoul, and recovery times from 1 week to 3 months, Korea remains the premier destination for this transformative procedure.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Three main methods: Non-incision (fastest recovery), partial incision (hybrid), full incision (most permanent) ✅ Affordable pricing: 30-70% less than Western countries ✅ World-class expertise: Korean surgeons specialize in Asian eyelid anatomy ✅ Customizable results: From subtle to dramatic, tailored to your features ✅ High success rate: 67% see immediate results, most very satisfied ✅ Permanent enhancement: Incision methods last lifetime ✅ Medical tourism friendly: Many clinics cater to international patients

Ready to achieve defined, bright eyes with double eyelid surgery? Research board-certified surgeons extensively, schedule multiple consultations, communicate your aesthetic goals clearly, and plan adequate recovery time. With the right surgeon and realistic expectations, you'll achieve beautiful, natural-looking results that enhance your confidence for years to come.

For more Korean cosmetic procedures, explore our guides on nose fillers, Botox, and choosing the right plastic surgery clinic in Seoul.

Last Updated: November 20, 2025 Reading Time: 15 minutes Word Count: Approximately 2,100 words