Non-Surgical Double Eyelid in Korea: Complete Guide 2025

Want a double eyelid crease without surgery? Korea offers several non-surgical and minimally invasive options that can create or enhance your eyelid fold with minimal downtime.

Eye enhancement

Understanding Double Eyelids

What is a Double Eyelid?

A double eyelid has a visible crease above the eye, while a monolid (single eyelid) lacks this fold. Many Asian individuals have monolids or partial creases.

Why Seek Treatment?

Create defined eyelid crease
Make eyes appear larger
Easier makeup application
Enhance natural partial crease
Avoid surgical blepharoplasty

Non-Surgical Options Overview

Method	Duration	Invasiveness	Price Range
Eyelid Tape/Glue	Hours	None	$5-20/pack
Thread Method	1-3 years	Minimal	$230-540
Filler Method	6-12 months	Minimal	$155-310
HIFU for Eyelids	6-12 months	Non-invasive	$155-385

1. Thread Double Eyelid (매몰법)

What is It?

The thread method (also called "buried suture" or "non-incisional") uses stitches to create a crease without cutting the skin.

How It Works

Local anesthesia applied
Small needle entries (no incisions)
Thread creates connection points
Crease forms when eyes open

Prices in Korea

Thread Method	Price (KRW)	Price (USD)
Basic (3-point)	₩300,000-500,000	$230-385
Premium (5-7 point)	₩500,000-700,000	$385-540

Results

Duration: 1-5 years (varies greatly)
Downtime: 3-7 days swelling
Best for: Thin eyelids without excess skin
Reversible: Somewhat (threads can be removed)

Limitations

Not permanent
May loosen over time
Not suitable for thick/hooded lids
Results vary by individual

2. Filler Double Eyelid

What is It?

Small amounts of filler injected above the crease line to create the appearance of a fold.

How It Works

Crease line marked
Tiny filler injections placed
Creates slight elevation above crease
Natural-looking fold appears

Prices in Korea

Treatment	Price (KRW)	Price (USD)
Filler Double Eyelid	₩200,000-400,000	$155-310

Results

Duration: 6-12 months
Downtime: Minimal (hours)
Best for: Very subtle enhancement
Reversible: Yes (dissolvable)

Limitations

Temporary results
Very subtle effect
Not for defined creases
Requires touch-ups

3. HIFU for Eyelids

What is It?

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound can tighten and lift upper eyelid skin, potentially creating or enhancing a crease.

How It Works

Ultrasound energy delivered
Tightens loose skin
May create mild crease effect
Lifting of upper lid

Prices in Korea

Treatment	Price (KRW)	Price (USD)
Eyelid HIFU	₩200,000-500,000	$155-385

Results

Duration: 6-12 months
Downtime: None to minimal
Best for: Mild lifting, subtle crease
Reversible: N/A (non-invasive)

Limitations

Very subtle crease effect
Better for tightening than creating
Not for defined double eyelid

4. Temporary Solutions

Eyelid Tape

Pros:

Instant results
Completely reversible
Very affordable
Good for testing desired look

Cons:

Daily application
May cause skin irritation
Visible up close
Can stretch skin over time

Eyelid Glue

Pros:

Less visible than tape
Creates temporary crease
Easy to use

Cons:

May irritate eyes
Temporary only
Can look unnatural

Korean Products

Korea offers high-quality eyelid tapes and glues:

Dolly Wink
D-UP
Koji
ARITAUM
Available at Olive Young, road shops

Comparing Options

Factor	Thread	Filler	HIFU	Tape/Glue
Duration	1-5 years	6-12 months	6-12 months	Hours
Naturalness	Good	Subtle	Subtle	Varies
Defined crease	Yes	No	No	Yes
Downtime	3-7 days	Hours	None	None
Price	$$$	$$	$$	$

Thread Method: Deeper Look

Types of Thread Techniques

2-Point Method

Simplest approach
May loosen faster
Most affordable

3-Point Method

Standard technique
Better durability
Most common

5-7 Point Method

Most secure
Longest lasting
Higher cost

Ideal Candidates for Thread

✅ Young with thin eyelid skin ✅ No excess skin or fat ✅ Want to try before committing to surgery ✅ Minimal hooding

Not Ideal For

❌ Thick, heavy eyelids ❌ Significant excess skin ❌ Very deep-set eyes ❌ Previous eyelid surgery

What to Expect

Thread Method Recovery

Day	What to Expect
Day 1-3	Significant swelling
Day 4-7	Swelling reducing
Week 2	Most swelling gone
Week 4	Final result visible

Aftercare

Cold compress for swelling
Avoid rubbing eyes
No eye makeup for 1-2 weeks
Sleep with head elevated
Avoid strenuous activity

FAQ

Q: Is the thread method really "non-surgical"? A: It's minimally invasive with no incisions, but involves needles and sutures. Some consider it a minor surgical procedure.

Q: How long does thread method last? A: Varies widely—1-5 years. Thin lids last longer than thick ones.

Q: Can I get surgery later if threads loosen? A: Yes, having thread method first doesn't prevent future surgery.

Q: Which method looks most natural? A: Thread method typically creates the most natural-looking defined crease.

Q: Will my eyes look obviously different? A: Changes are noticeable but can look very natural when done well.

Q: Is there an age limit? A: Adults of any age can consider these options, but young people typically have better thread method results.

Finding Quality Treatment

What to Look For

✅ Before/after photos of similar cases ✅ Experience with non-surgical options ✅ Honest about limitations ✅ Discusses alternatives

Questions to Ask

What method do you recommend for my eyelids?
How long will results realistically last?
What if I'm not satisfied?
Should I consider surgery instead?

Conclusion

Non-surgical double eyelid options offer ways to create or enhance an eyelid crease without major surgery. The thread method provides the most defined and longest-lasting results among minimally invasive options, while fillers and HIFU offer more subtle, temporary effects.

Curious about double eyelid options? Consult with a Seoul specialist to discuss which approach suits your anatomy and goals.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about non-surgical double eyelid procedures. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.

Last Updated: January 2025