Upper Blepharoplasty in Seoul: Lighter, Fresher Upper Eyelids
The short answer
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess upper eyelid skin, often with a thin strip of muscle and some bulging fat, through an incision hidden in the eyelid crease, so heavy lids look lighter and more rested. In Gangnam it typically costs about KRW 1.5–3 million, takes about 1 hour under local anesthesia, and stitches come out at 5–7 days. Most swelling fades within 1–2 weeks.
Key facts
- What it treats: Heavy, sagging or puffy upper lids
- Typical cost in Gangnam: About KRW 1.5–3 million
- Procedure time: About 1 hour
- Anesthesia: Local, often with sedation
- Incision: Along the natural or new crease
- Stitches out: About 5–7 days
- Downtime: About 1–2 weeks
What upper blepharoplasty removes
Your upper eyelid has layers: thin skin, the orbicularis muscle (the ring muscle that closes your eye), the orbital septum (a membrane that holds fat in place), two small fat pads and, deepest, the levator muscle that opens the eye. Over time the skin stretches and the fat can bulge, so the lid looks puffy and the fold rests on the lashes. Some people notice makeup smudging, a tired look in photos or a heavy feeling at the end of the day.
The surgeon measures exactly how much skin can be removed while your eye still closes fully, then removes it along the crease, often with a thin strip of muscle. Bulging fat, most often in the inner corner, is trimmed with care, because over-removal can leave a hollow, aged look. The levator muscle is left alone unless you also need ptosis correction.
Most often chosen for and combined with
- Skin folding onto the lashes
- Puffy inner upper lids
- A crease that has become hidden with age
- Hooding that narrows side vision
It is commonly paired with ptosis correction, a brow lift or lower lid surgery. Compare brow options in brow lift vs forehead lift.
The procedure, step by step
Marking
With you seated, the surgeon marks the crease and then pinches the skin above it to find the safe amount to remove. At least about 20 mm of skin is normally left between the lashes and the brow so the lid can close.
Remove and close
Under local anesthesia, the skin (and a thin muscle strip if needed) is removed, fat is trimmed, and the incision is closed with fine stitches. Some surgeons add crease fixation for a clearer fold.
Where the incision is made
Along the crease, sometimes extending slightly past the outer corner into a laughter line when outer hooding is heavy.
How the scar heals over 12 months
The scar is pink for a few weeks, then softens. By 6–12 months it sits in the crease and is very hard to see with the eyes open.
Recovery timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling and tightness; cold compresses |
| Days 5–7 | Stitches removed |
| Weeks 1–2 | Bruising gone; light makeup allowed |
| Months 2–3 | Final lid shape |
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have excess upper lid skin with a normal brow position
- Have healthy eyes and tear film
- Can stay about a week in Seoul
Another option may suit you better if
- Your brow sits low, pushing skin down: a brow or forehead lift may be the real fix
- Your lid margin itself is low: see ptosis correction
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about difficulty closing the eyes after over-removal, dry eye, asymmetry, a hollow look from too much fat removal, and a scar extending visibly beyond the corner. Ask how the surgeon decides skin removal.
Upper blepharoplasty cost in Seoul
Typical Gangnam prices are KRW 1.5–3 million. Combined upper and lower surgery is about KRW 4–7 million. See blepharoplasty prices in Korea.
Upper blepharoplasty vs. ptosis correction
| Upper blepharoplasty | Ptosis correction | |
|---|---|---|
| Treats | Excess skin and fat | Weak levator muscle |
| Raises lid margin | No | Yes |
| Typical cost | KRW 1.5–3 million | KRW 2–4 million |
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 upper blepharoplasty change my eye shape?
It makes the lid look lighter and the crease clearer, but should keep your natural eye shape.
How long do the results last?
Typically 10 years or more, although skin continues to age and the brow may drop.
Is it painful?
Most people feel tightness and mild soreness, managed with simple painkillers.
Can I combine it with a brow lift?
Yes. If your brow is low, combining them often gives a more natural result than removing more lid skin.
When can I return to work?
Usually after 7–10 days, once the stitches are out and bruising has faded.
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.