Lower Blepharoplasty in Korea: Eye Bag Surgery & Fat Repositioning Guide 2025

Lower blepharoplasty is one of Korea's most sought-after anti-aging procedures, effectively addressing under-eye bags, dark circles, and the tired appearance that comes with age. Korean surgeons have refined techniques like fat repositioning to create natural, long-lasting results with minimal scarring and downtime.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about lower blepharoplasty in Korea, including surgical methods, realistic pricing, recovery expectations, and choosing the right clinic.

Quick Facts: Lower Blepharoplasty in Korea

• Average Cost: ₩590,000-₩1,700,000 ($454-$1,308)
• Fat Repositioning: ₩700,000-₩1,300,000 ($538-$1,000)
• Full Lower Blepharoplasty: ₩900,000-₩1,700,000 ($692-$1,308)
• Procedure Time: 30-90 minutes
• Recovery: 1-2 weeks (basic), 3-4 weeks (full)
• Duration: 5-10+ years
• Best Areas: Gangnam, Apgujeong, Sinsa (Seoul)

Understanding Under-Eye Aging

As we age, the under-eye area undergoes several changes that create the appearance of tiredness and aging:

What Causes Eye Bags?

Anatomical Changes:

1. Fat herniation: Orbital fat pushes forward, creating bulges
2. Skin laxity: Skin loses elasticity and sags
3. Volume loss: Cheek fat descends, creating hollow tear troughs
4. Muscle weakening: Orbicularis muscle thins and weakens
5. Bone resorption: Orbital rim recedes with age

Result: Puffy bags, dark circles, hollow tear troughs, and tired appearance

Types of Under-Eye Problems

Surgical Methods

Korean clinics offer two primary approaches to lower blepharoplasty, each suited to different concerns and age groups.

1. Transconjunctival Fat Repositioning (비절개 눈밑지방재배치)

What It Is: Fat is accessed through an incision inside the lower eyelid (conjunctiva), then repositioned to fill hollow tear troughs. No external incision.

The Process:

1. Incision made inside lower eyelid (invisible externally)
2. Excess orbital fat identified
3. Fat repositioned to fill tear trough/hollow areas
4. Some fat may be removed if excessive
5. Internal incision heals naturally (no sutures typically needed externally)

Advantages:

• ✅ No visible scar - Incision is inside eyelid
• ✅ Shorter recovery - 1-2 weeks
• ✅ Less invasive - Minimal tissue disruption
• ✅ Natural results - Uses your own fat for filling
• ✅ Addresses bags AND hollows - Dual benefit
• ✅ Quick procedure - 30-60 minutes

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Cannot address loose skin - Only fat, not skin laxity
• ❌ Limited for older patients - Best for those without significant skin sagging
• ❌ May need touch-up - Some cases require revision

Cost: ₩700,000-₩1,300,000 ($538-$1,000)

Best For:

• Ages 25-45
• Puffy bags without significant skin laxity
• Dark circles from hollow tear troughs
• Those wanting no visible scarring
• Quick recovery needed

2. Incisional Lower Blepharoplasty (절개 하안검)

What It Is: An incision is made just below the lash line, allowing access to fat, muscle, and excess skin for comprehensive correction.

The Process:

1. Incision made 1-2mm below lower lash line
2. Skin and muscle separated from underlying fat
3. Fat repositioned or removed as needed
4. Excess skin trimmed
5. Muscle may be tightened
6. Incision closed with fine sutures

Advantages:

• ✅ Comprehensive correction - Addresses fat, skin, and muscle
• ✅ Removes excess skin - Ideal for significant laxity
• ✅ Long-lasting - 10+ years typically
• ✅ Can combine with other procedures - Canthopexy, fat grafting

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Visible incision - Scar along lash line (usually fades well)
• ❌ Longer recovery - 2-3 weeks
• ❌ More invasive - Higher risk profile
• ❌ Potential complications - Lower lid malposition, ectropion

Cost: ₩900,000-₩1,700,000 ($692-$1,308)

Best For:

• Ages 45+
• Significant skin laxity and wrinkles
• Combined fat bulging and loose skin
• Those wanting comprehensive, long-lasting results
• Previous non-incision surgery with recurrence

Comparison Table

Which Method Should You Choose?

Choose Fat Repositioning If:

• You're under 45 with good skin elasticity
• Main concern is puffy bags + dark circles
• No significant loose skin
• Want invisible scarring
• Need quick recovery

Choose Incisional Blepharoplasty If:

• You're 45+ with loose, wrinkled skin
• Have combined problems (bags + skin + wrinkles)
• Want most comprehensive, long-lasting result
• Previous non-incision surgery failed
• Willing to accept longer recovery

Consider Combination If:

• Fat repositioning + laser skin tightening
• Blepharoplasty + canthopexy (corner lifting)
• Blepharoplasty + fat grafting to cheeks

Pricing in Korea (2025)

Lower blepharoplasty in Korea is significantly more affordable than Western countries while maintaining excellent surgical standards.

Pricing by Procedure Type

Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD

Sample Clinic Pricing (Gangnam Area)

Global Price Comparison

Fat Repositioning:

What's Included

Typically Included:

• Pre-operative consultation and examination
• Surgery and anesthesia
• Post-operative medications
• Follow-up visits (usually 2-3)
• Suture removal (for incisional)

May Not Be Included:

• Initial consultation fee: ₩30,000-₩50,000
• Additional procedures (fat grafting, canthopexy)
• Scar treatment products
• Extended follow-up care

The Procedure: What to Expect

Pre-Operative Consultation

What Happens (20-30 minutes):

• Eye area examination
• Assessment of fat bulging, skin laxity, tear trough depth
• Discussion of surgical method recommendation
• Before photos taken
• Medical history review
• Explanation of realistic outcomes

Questions to Ask:

1. "Which method do you recommend for my specific concerns?"
2. "Will I need fat grafting in addition to repositioning?"
3. "What results should I realistically expect?"
4. "How many of these procedures do you perform monthly?"
5. "Can I see before/after photos of similar cases?"

Day of Surgery

Preparation:

• Arrive with clean face (no makeup)
• Wear comfortable, button-up clothing
• Arrange transportation home
• Plan for 2-3 hours total at clinic

Anesthesia:

• Local anesthesia + sedation: Most common
• General anesthesia: For anxious patients or combined procedures

Procedure (30-90 minutes):

1. Anesthesia administered
2. Incision made (internal or external depending on method)
3. Fat accessed and repositioned/removed
4. Skin trimmed if incisional method
5. Closure and dressing applied

Immediately After:

• Ice packs applied
• Monitor in recovery for 30-60 minutes
• Post-care instructions given
• Medications prescribed
• Can go home same day

Recovery Timeline

Day 1-3: Peak Swelling

What to Expect:

• Significant swelling: Eyes may be puffy, partially closed
• Bruising: Purple/blue discoloration around eyes
• Tightness: Feeling of pressure
• Mild pain: Managed with medication
• Tearing: Temporary increase

Care:

• Ice packs 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
• Sleep with head elevated (2-3 pillows)
• Take prescribed medications
• Keep eyes clean with saline
• Avoid bending over

Restrictions:

• No makeup or eye products
• No contact lenses
• No strenuous activity
• No alcohol or smoking

Day 4-7: Swelling Subsides

What to Expect:

• Swelling reducing (50-60% improved)
• Bruising turning yellow/green
• Vision clearing
• Tightness decreasing
• Sutures may be removed (incisional method)

Can Resume:

• Light daily activities
• Work from home
• Gentle face washing (avoiding direct pressure)
• Reading, computer use

Fat Repositioning patients: Many return to work around day 3-5

Incisional patients: Suture removal typically day 5-7

Week 2: Near Normal

What to Expect:

• 70-80% of swelling resolved
• Most bruising faded
• Incision healing well
• Starting to see results

Can Resume:

• Return to work/social activities
• Light exercise (walking)
• Makeup (gentle application)
• Contact lenses (usually)

Still Avoid:

• Heavy exercise
• Swimming
• Eye rubbing
• Sun exposure without protection

Week 3-4: Full Recovery

What to Expect:

• Minimal residual swelling
• Bruising completely gone
• Results becoming apparent
• Incision scar fading (if applicable)

Can Resume:

• All normal activities
• Full exercise routine
• Swimming

Month 2-3: Final Results

What to Expect:

• All swelling resolved
• Final results visible
• Scar matured and faded (incisional)
• Natural, refreshed appearance

Result Duration:

• Fat repositioning: 5-10 years
• Incisional blepharoplasty: 10-15+ years

Side Effects & Risks

Common & Expected

Swelling (100%):

• Peaks day 2-3
• Major improvement by 1-2 weeks
• Residual swelling up to 4 weeks

Bruising (80-100%):

• Purple/blue initially
• Yellow/green by day 5-7
• Fades by 2 weeks

Temporary Tightness (70-90%):

• Feeling of pressure or pulling
• Resolves in 1-2 weeks

Dry Eyes (30-50%):

• Temporary, usually 1-4 weeks
• Use artificial tears as directed

Temporary Blurred Vision (20-30%):

• From swelling and ointments
• Clears within days

Uncommon Side Effects (5-15%)

Asymmetry:

• One side heals differently
• May require touch-up
• Often minor and unnoticeable

Prolonged Swelling:

• Lasting beyond 4 weeks
• May indicate complication
• Requires follow-up

Visible Scarring (Incisional Only):

• Scar more visible than expected
• Usually improves over 6-12 months
• Laser treatment can help

Under-Correction:

• Bags or hollows persist
• May need additional surgery
• More common with conservative approach

Rare Complications (<3%)

Ectropion (Lower Lid Pulling Down):

• Lower lid turns outward
• Caused by too much skin removal or scarring
• May require revision surgery
• Risk higher in older patients

Retrobulbar Hematoma (Very Rare):

• Bleeding behind eye
• Medical emergency
• Can affect vision if untreated
• Extremely rare with experienced surgeons

Infection:

• Signs: Increasing pain, redness, discharge
• Requires antibiotic treatment
• Very rare with proper care

Nerve Damage:

• Temporary numbness common
• Permanent damage very rare
• May affect eyelid movement

Vision Changes (Extremely Rare):

• Serious complication
• Requires immediate attention
• Prevention: Experienced surgeon

Minimizing Risks

1. Choose experienced surgeon - Minimum 500+ eye procedures
2. Disclose medical history - Eye conditions, bleeding disorders
3. Stop blood thinners - As directed by surgeon
4. Follow post-op instructions - Especially elevation and ice
5. Attend all follow-ups - Early intervention for complications
6. Don't rub eyes - Protect surgical area

Who is a Good Candidate?

Ideal Candidates for Fat Repositioning

✅ Best Results For:

• Ages 25-45
• Under-eye bags (fat bulging)
• Dark circles from hollow tear troughs
• Good skin elasticity
• No significant loose skin
• Non-smokers
• Realistic expectations

Ideal Candidates for Incisional Blepharoplasty

✅ Best Results For:

• Ages 45+
• Combined fat bulging and loose skin
• Significant wrinkles
• Previous non-incision surgery with recurrence
• Want comprehensive, long-lasting results
• Understand longer recovery

Not Ideal Candidates

❌ Caution Advised For:

• Dry eye syndrome (severe)
• Thyroid eye disease
• Glaucoma (uncontrolled)
• Unrealistic expectations
• Unable to take time off for recovery
• Active smokers
• Blood clotting disorders
• Previous eyelid complications

Choosing the Right Clinic

Essential Qualifications

✅ Must-Haves:

• Board-certified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic specialist
• Extensive lower blepharoplasty experience (500+ procedures)
• Before/after portfolio (including 6-month+ results)
• Transparent about method recommendations
• English-speaking staff (for international patients)
• Clear post-operative care plan

Red Flags to Avoid

🚩 Warning Signs:

• Recommending incisional surgery for young patients without loose skin
• Extremely low prices (may indicate inexperience)
• No discussion of potential complications
• Pressure to add unnecessary procedures
• Only showing immediate post-op photos
• Unwilling to discuss revision policy

Questions to Ask

1. "Which method do you recommend for my specific case and why?"
2. "How many lower blepharoplasties do you perform monthly?"
3. "Can I see before/after photos from 6 months or 1 year post-op?"
4. "What is your revision rate?"
5. "What happens if I'm not satisfied with results?"
6. "Will the same surgeon perform my procedure and all follow-ups?"

Combining with Other Procedures

Lower blepharoplasty is often combined with other procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Common Combinations

Fat Repositioning + Fat Grafting to Cheeks:

• Fills tear trough AND restores mid-face volume
• Natural, harmonious result
• Additional cost: ₩500,000-₩1,000,000

Lower + Upper Blepharoplasty:

• Comprehensive eye rejuvenation
• One recovery period
• Package pricing often available

Blepharoplasty + Canthopexy:

• Lifts outer corner of eye
• Creates more youthful eye shape
• Prevents lower lid drooping

Blepharoplasty + Laser Resurfacing:

• Tightens skin without incision
• Improves texture and fine lines
• Popular combination

Medical Tourism Planning

Recommended Stay

Minimum: 5-7 days

• Day 1: Arrival
• Day 2: Surgery
• Days 3-5: Recovery, follow-up
• Day 6-7: Clearance and departure

Ideal: 10-14 days

• Allows complete suture removal
• All major swelling resolved
• Can address any early concerns

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Seoul, check-in near clinic Day 2: Surgery (morning), rest Day 3-4: Recovery, ice packs, rest Day 5: First follow-up, possibly suture removal Day 6-7: Light activity, can explore Day 8-10: Final check-up, clearance to fly

Flying After Surgery

Safe to Fly: Day 5-7 (after initial swelling subsides)

Precautions:

• Wear sunglasses (hide bruising, protect eyes)
• Stay hydrated
• Use artificial tears during flight
• Bring prescribed medications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How painful is lower blepharoplasty?

A: The procedure itself is painless due to anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is mild (2-4/10), described more as tightness and pressure than pain. Most patients manage with over-the-counter pain medication.

Q: Will I have visible scars?

A: Fat repositioning (non-incision): No visible scars. Incisional blepharoplasty: Fine scar along lash line that typically fades to nearly invisible within 3-6 months.

Q: How long do results last?

A: Fat repositioning: 5-10 years. Incisional blepharoplasty: 10-15+ years. Results are long-lasting but aging continues, so some patients choose touch-up procedures years later.

Q: Can eye bags come back?

A: Possible but uncommon. Fat repositioning may need touch-up after 5-10 years. Incisional results are more permanent. Lifestyle factors (sleep, hydration, sun protection) affect longevity.

Q: What age is best for this surgery?

A: Fat repositioning: 25-45 (before significant skin laxity). Incisional: 45+ (when loose skin needs addressing). However, individual anatomy matters more than age.

Q: Can I wear contacts after surgery?

A: Wait 1-2 weeks minimum. Your surgeon will advise based on healing progress.

Q: Will this help my dark circles?

A: Yes, if dark circles are caused by hollow tear troughs or shadow from fat bags. Fat repositioning fills hollows and eliminates shadows. True pigmentation requires different treatment.

Q: How soon can I wear makeup?

A: Light makeup away from incision: 5-7 days. Eye makeup near incision: 2 weeks. Full makeup: 2-3 weeks.

Q: What if I don't like the results?

A: Discuss concerns with your surgeon. Minor asymmetries often improve with time. Significant issues may require revision surgery (usually after 3-6 months).

Final Thoughts

Lower blepharoplasty in Korea offers international patients access to skilled surgeons specializing in Asian eyelid anatomy, refined techniques like fat repositioning, and prices 70-85% lower than Western countries. Whether you're dealing with early eye bags or comprehensive under-eye aging, Seoul's clinics provide excellent options for natural-looking rejuvenation.

Lower blepharoplasty in Korea is worth it if you:

• Have under-eye bags or dark circles affecting your appearance
• Want long-lasting results (5-15+ years)
• Can take 1-2 weeks for recovery
• Prefer surgical solution over repeated filler treatments
• Seek significant savings compared to home country

Keys to Success:

1. Choose right method - Fat repositioning vs incisional based on your anatomy
2. Select experienced surgeon - Eye surgery requires precision
3. Have realistic expectations - Improvement, not perfection
4. Follow recovery instructions - Elevation and ice are crucial
5. Plan adequate trip length - Minimum 5-7 days
6. Protect results - Sunscreen, good sleep, no smoking

With proper planning and an experienced surgeon, lower blepharoplasty can dramatically refresh your appearance, making you look more rested and youthful for years to come.

Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure with inherent risks. Results vary based on individual anatomy, surgical technique, and healing. Always consult with qualified, board-certified surgeons and discuss your specific situation, medical history, and realistic expectations before proceeding.

Price Accuracy: All prices are approximate and based on 2025 market research in Seoul, South Korea. Actual costs vary by clinic, surgeon experience, procedure complexity, and additional treatments. Exchange rates fluctuate (₩1,300 = $1 USD used for estimates). Always confirm exact pricing during consultation.