Double Eyelid Surgery in Seoul: Methods, Crease Design and Recovery
The short answer
Double eyelid surgery creates a visible upper eyelid crease by linking the lid skin to the muscle that lifts the eye, using either buried sutures (non-incisional) or a small incision along the new crease line. In Gangnam it typically costs about KRW 1–2 million for the suture method and KRW 1.5–3 million for the incisional method. It takes 30–90 minutes under local anesthesia, with 1–2 weeks of visible swelling.
Key facts
- Methods: Non-incisional (suture) or incisional
- Typical cost in Gangnam: About KRW 1–2 million (suture); KRW 1.5–3 million (incisional)
- Procedure time: About 30–90 minutes
- Anesthesia: Local, often with light sedation
- Visible swelling: About 3–7 days (suture) or 1–2 weeks (incisional)
- Stitches out: About 5–7 days for incisional
- Final crease: About 3–6 months
How a double eyelid crease forms
In an eyelid with a natural crease, fine fibres from the levator, the muscle that lifts the lid, reach up into the skin. When the eye opens, the levator pulls on those fibres and the skin folds along one line. Many East Asian eyelids lack these connections or have more fat in front of them, so the lid looks single or the crease is faint, partial or uneven between the two eyes.
Double eyelid surgery recreates that connection. The non-incisional (suture) method uses tiny punctures and buried stitches to link the skin to the levator or the tarsus, the firm plate inside the lid. The incisional method opens the crease line, removes extra skin or fat where needed, and stitches the skin edge to the deeper structures for a firmly fixed fold. Both aim for a crease that looks natural for your face, not a one-size template.
Most often chosen for and combined with
- Single (monolid) eyelids
- A faint, partial or disappearing crease
- Asymmetrical eyelids
- Makeup that smudges on a hooded lid
It is often combined with epicanthoplasty to open the inner corner, or with ptosis correction when the lid also sits low.
The procedure, step by step
Design the crease
The surgeon marks crease height with you seated, often using a thin probe to preview the fold. Common choices are an "in-fold" crease that tucks into the inner corner and an "out-fold" crease that runs parallel across the lid. A natural height for many Asian eyelids is about 6–8 mm from the lash line.
Where the incisions are made
Suture method: 2–6 tiny punctures on the crease line. Incisional method: a fine cut along the full crease, which hides in the fold when your eyes are open.
How the scar heals over 12 months
Incisional scars look pink for a few weeks and soften over 3–6 months. By a year they usually look like a natural crease line.
Recovery timeline
| When | Suture method | Incisional method |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Mild swelling | Moderate swelling and bruising |
| Days 5–7 | Presentable with makeup | Stitches out |
| Weeks 2–4 | Crease close to final | Most swelling gone |
| Months 3–6 | Final | Final |
Cold compresses and sleeping with your head raised help. Our list of hotels for recovery after eye surgery may help with planning.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Want a defined crease that suits your eye shape
- Have healthy eyes and no active dry-eye problem
Another option may suit you better if
- Your lid is heavy from excess skin with age: see upper blepharoplasty
- Your lid margin covers the pupil, which suggests ptosis
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about asymmetry, a crease that is too high or looks "surprised," loosening of sutures over time, a visible scar line, temporary dryness and, rarely, infection. Ask how revisions are handled and priced.
Double eyelid surgery cost in Seoul
Typical Gangnam prices: suture method about KRW 1–2 million; incisional about KRW 1.5–3 million; adding epicanthoplasty or ptosis correction raises the total. For clinic shortlists, see the double eyelid surgery clinics guide.
Double eyelid surgery vs. upper blepharoplasty
| Double eyelid surgery | Upper blepharoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Create a crease | Remove excess skin |
| Typical patient | Younger, monolid or faint crease | Older, heavy or sagging lids |
| Skin removed | Little or none | Yes |
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
Which double eyelid method lasts longer?
Incisional surgery is generally considered permanent; suture creases can loosen over years, especially with thicker lids.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
About 5–7 days is usually enough for the suture method, and about 7–10 days for incisional so stitches can be removed.
Will my eyes look "Westernised"?
Not if the crease is designed for your face. Most Gangnam surgeons favour natural crease heights of about 6–8 mm.
Can I wear contact lenses afterward?
Usually after about 1–2 weeks, once swelling has settled; ask your surgeon.
Is it painful?
The local anesthetic injection stings briefly; afterwards most people feel tightness rather than pain.
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.