Lower Blepharoplasty in Seoul: Treating Under-Eye Bags and Loose Skin
The short answer
Lower blepharoplasty treats under-eye bags and loose lower lid skin, usually through a fine incision just below the lashes that lets the surgeon trim or redistribute fat, support the outer lid corner and remove a little excess skin. In Gangnam it typically costs about KRW 2–4 million, takes 1–1.5 hours, and stitches come out at about 5 days. Most bruising fades within 2 weeks.
Key facts
- What it treats: Under-eye bags, loose lid skin, crepey texture, lid-cheek groove
- Typical cost in Gangnam: About KRW 2–4 million
- Procedure time: About 1–1.5 hours
- Anesthesia: Local with sedation, or general
- Incision: Just below the lash line
- Stitches out: About 5 days
- Downtime: About 10–14 days
What lower blepharoplasty corrects
Fat pads sit behind your lower eyelid, held in place by a thin membrane called the orbital septum. With age the septum weakens and the fat pushes forward into a bag. At the same time, the lid skin and the orbicularis, the ring-shaped eyelid muscle, loosen, and a groove can form where the lid meets the cheek. Together these create a tired, older look that sleep and creams do not change.
Lower blepharoplasty is usually done through a fine incision just under the lashes. Through it the surgeon lifts a thin skin-and-muscle flap, trims or redistributes the bulging fat, supports the outer corner of the lid and removes only the extra skin. Plans range from simple fat removal to a combined approach where fat is moved into the groove and the lid is tightened. The key safety principle is to remove skin conservatively, because too much removal can pull the lid down.
Most often chosen for and combined with
- Prominent bags with loose or wrinkled lid skin
- Lower eyelid laxity
- A deep lid-cheek junction
It is often combined with upper blepharoplasty, a mid-face lift or fat grafting. See the overview in lower blepharoplasty for bags and tear troughs.
The procedure, step by step
Incision
A fine cut is made 1–2 mm below the lashes, extending slightly into a crease at the outer corner.
Fat and support
Fat is trimmed or draped into the groove. A canthopexy stitch often tightens the outer corner so the lid holds its position. Excess skin is pinched and trimmed with you looking up and mouth open, which prevents over-removal.
Where the incisions are made
Just below the lashes, where the scar is masked by the lash line.
How the scar heals over 12 months
The line is pink for 3–6 weeks and usually becomes very hard to see by 3–6 months, hidden by the lashes.
Recovery timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling, bruising, watery or gritty eyes |
| Day 5 | Stitches removed |
| Days 10–14 | Bruising fades; makeup covers the rest |
| Months 1–3 | Lid position and contour settle |
Taping the outer lid and gentle massage may be advised during early healing.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have bags plus loose skin or fine crepey lines
- Have reasonable lower lid tone
- Do not have untreated dry eye
Another option may suit you better if
- You have bags but tight, smooth skin: fat repositioning from inside the lid avoids an external scar
- Your concern is pigment or texture only
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about lower lid retraction or ectropion (lid pulling down or out), dry eye, hollowness from over-removal of fat, asymmetry and visible scars. Ask how the surgeon protects lid position and how they handle retraction if it occurs.
Lower blepharoplasty cost in Seoul
Typical Gangnam quotes are KRW 2–4 million, higher with canthopexy or fat grafting. Read eye bag removal cost comparisons for context.
Lower blepharoplasty vs. fat repositioning
| Lower blepharoplasty | Fat repositioning | |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | Below lashes | Usually inside lid |
| Skin removal | Yes | Minimal or none |
| Best for | Bags plus loose skin | Bags plus groove, good skin |
| Lid malposition risk | Higher | Lower |
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
Will the lash-line scar be visible?
It is usually well hidden by the lashes after a few months.
Can lower blepharoplasty change my eye shape?
If the lid is pulled down by over-removal it can. Careful skin removal and outer corner support help prevent this.
How long do results last?
Bag removal results usually last many years; ageing of skin continues gradually.
Is general anesthesia required?
Not always. Many Gangnam clinics use local anesthesia with sedation.
When can I fly home?
Usually after stitch removal at about day 5–7 and a check-up.
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.