Blepharoplasty in Seoul: Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
The short answer
Blepharoplasty removes or repositions excess skin, muscle and fat from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both, so the eyes look more open and less tired. In Gangnam it typically costs about KRW 1.5–3 million for upper lids, KRW 2–4 million for lower lids and KRW 4–7 million for both. Each takes about 1–2 hours, stitches come out at 5–7 days, and most bruising fades within 2 weeks.
Key facts
- Types: Upper, lower or combined (four-lid)
- Typical cost in Gangnam: Upper KRW 1.5–3M; lower KRW 2–4M; both KRW 4–7M
- Procedure time: About 1–2 hours per pair
- Anesthesia: Local with sedation, or general for combined
- Stitches out: About 5–7 days
- Visible bruising: About 10–14 days
- Results last: Typically many years
Upper lids, lower lids or both
Your eyelids have layers: thin skin, the orbicularis muscle (the ring muscle that closes your eye), the orbital septum (a membrane that holds the eye's fat in place) and pads of fat behind it. With age, the skin stretches and the septum weakens, so skin folds over the upper lid and fat pushes forward as bags under the eye. The result is a heavy, tired look even when you feel rested.
On the upper lid, the surgeon works through the natural crease to remove excess skin and trim bulging fat. On the lower lid, the surgeon either works through a fine cut just below the lashes, which also allows a little skin to be removed, or from inside the lid (transconjunctival), which leaves no visible scar. The aim is a fresher eye that still looks like yours, not a hollow or startled one.
Most often chosen for and combined with
- Upper lid skin resting on the lashes
- Puffy under-eye bags
- A tired look that makeup cannot fix
- Upper lid skin limiting your side vision
It is commonly combined with brow lifting, ptosis correction or under-eye fat repositioning.
The procedure, step by step
Incision
Upper: along the crease, with skin removal measured so the eye still closes fully. Lower: just below the lashes, or inside the lid.
Treat the fat
Bulging fat is trimmed conservatively, or on the lower lid repositioned into the tear trough to avoid hollowness.
Where the incisions are made
The upper scar hides in the crease. A lower lash-line scar sits just below the lashes and fades quickly. Inside-the-lid incisions leave no external mark.
How the scar heals over 12 months
Eyelid skin heals well. Scars are pink at 2–4 weeks, then fade over 3–6 months to fine lines that are hard to spot.
Recovery timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling and bruising; cold compresses |
| Days 5–7 | Stitches out |
| Days 10–14 | Bruising fades; makeup covers the rest |
| Months 2–3 | Final shape visible |
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have excess lid skin or bags that bother you
- Have no untreated dry eye or thyroid eye disease
- Can stay about 7–10 days in Seoul
Another option may suit you better if
- You are younger and want a new crease: see double eyelid surgery
- Your brow has dropped, which makes upper lids look heavy
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about dry eye, asymmetry, difficulty closing the eyes after over-removal of upper skin, lower lid pulling down (ectropion), hollowness and, very rarely, bleeding behind the eye. Ask how the surgeon supports the lower lid.
Blepharoplasty cost in Seoul
See the price ranges above. Our article on upper and lower blepharoplasty prices in Korea covers what is included.
Blepharoplasty vs. double eyelid surgery
| Blepharoplasty | Double eyelid surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Remove excess skin and fat | Create a crease |
| Lower lids | Can be treated | No |
| Typical age | Usually 40+ | Any adult age |
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Can upper and lower blepharoplasty be done together?
Yes, many patients have all four lids treated in one session, usually under sedation or general anesthesia.
How long do results last?
Results typically last many years, though ageing continues and the brow may descend over time.
Will I have visible scars?
Upper scars hide in the crease and lower scars sit under the lashes; both usually fade to fine lines.
When can I return to screen work?
Most people use screens comfortably after 3–5 days, with lubricating drops.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
Around 7–10 days lets the stitches come out and the surgeon check healing.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.