Double eyelid surgery is one of the shortest trips in Korean cosmetic surgery. Most of our guests plan a week to ten days. The decisions that matter are made before you fly: which method, and whether anything else is added.
How long to stay: plan 7 to 10 days
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Arrive, consultation(s), decide |
| Day 1 | Surgery, usually under local anesthesia with or without sedation. Back to your room the same day |
| Day 2–3 | First check-up. Swelling and bruising are at their peak |
| Day 5–7 | Stitches removed |
| Day 7–10 | Final check-up, then you can usually fly |
Incisional vs non-incisional: what is the difference?
| Non-incisional (suture / buried) | Incisional | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Small punctures, the fold is created with stitches under the skin | An incision along the new fold; skin and fat can be removed |
| Suits | Thin eyelids, little excess skin | Thicker eyelids, excess skin, more change wanted |
| Recovery | Shorter | Longer swelling |
| Stitches | Few or none to remove | Removed around day 5–7 |
There are also partial-incision methods in between. Clinics name their techniques differently, so ask them to describe exactly what they do.
Is anything else added?
Many consultations end with a plan that includes more than the fold. The two most common additions:
- Ptosis correction (eye opening correction): for eyes that look tired because the lifting muscle is weak.
- Epicanthoplasty (inner corner): changes the fold of skin at the inner corner of the eye.
These add time to the surgery and the recovery, and they change the price. If a clinic suggests them, ask why, and ask what the result would be without them.
In-fold, out-fold, or in-out: which fold shape?
Korean clinics describe the shape of the new fold in three ways. Knowing the words helps you explain what you want.
| Shape | What it looks like | Often chosen by |
|---|---|---|
| In-fold (inline) | The fold starts inside the inner corner and runs along the lash line | People who want a subtle change |
| Out-fold (outline) | The fold is visible across the whole eyelid, including the inner corner | People who want a more defined look |
| In-out | Starts close to the inner corner, then widens toward the outer corner | A middle option |
The shape that suits you depends on your eyelid skin, the inner corner, and how the eye opens. A fold that looks natural on one person can look too high on another. Bring two or three photos of eyes you like, but expect the surgeon to adjust the plan to your face.
What should I ask at consultation?
Ask every clinic the same questions:
- Which method do you recommend for my eyelids, and why?
- How high will the fold be? Can you show me with a simulation tool during consultation?
- Is ptosis correction or an inner-corner procedure included in the plan?
- Who operates, and who does the stitch removal and check-ups?
- What is included in the price, and is VAT included?
- What happens if the two sides heal differently?
Write the answers down. Prices vary by clinic and are confirmed at consultation. We put every quote our guests receive into one table so they compare the same plan.
Clinics our guests often consult
These Gangnam-area clinics perform eyelid surgery for many foreign patients. KBW partner clinics can be booked through us for a free consultation, coordinated in English.
KBW DirectOHO Plastic SurgeryGangnam · Plastic surgery · ★ 5.0Get a free consultation ›
KBW DirectBe & Me Clinic ApgujeongGangnam · Plastic surgery · ★ 4.8Get a free consultation ›
KBW DirectPascal ClinicGangnam · Plastic surgery · ★ 5.0Get a free consultation ›Check registration before you book: our guide on how to check a clinic's license in Korea takes five minutes.
Recovery tips that help
Our guests who recover most comfortably tend to do the same few things:
- Sleep with your head raised on two pillows for the first nights.
- Cold compresses for short periods in the first 48 hours, then follow the clinic's advice.
- Skip salty food and alcohol, which make swelling worse.
- Avoid screens for long periods in the first days; your eyes tire quickly.
- No eye makeup until the clinic says so, usually some days after stitch removal.
- Keep the follow-up appointment even if you feel fine. It is your last chance to ask questions in person before you fly.
Where to stay
With a short trip, staying close to the clinic saves time on check-up days. In the first days you will want to rest, keep your head raised, and avoid salty food and alcohol.
Pack sunglasses, a cap, and a small cooler bag or reusable ice packs. Contact lenses are usually not allowed for a while after surgery, so bring glasses.
Combining eyelid surgery with sightseeing
Plan your sightseeing for after the stitches come out. Before that, keep days light: shopping in Gangnam or a café near your stay. Our guide to things to do in Seoul has low-effort ideas for the end of your trip.
Next step
Message us on WhatsApp with a clear photo of your eyes (open, and looking down) and your travel dates. We arrange consultations at clinics that fit your plan and send you the quotes in one comparison.
