A Comprehensive Analysis of Eye and Eyelid Surgery in South Korea 2026 | Guide to Avoiding Common Problems Such as Suture Rejection, Complete Resection and Three-Dimensional Eyelid Correction – Costs & Doctors to Choose

To be honest, the topic of Double eyelid surgery is one that is often discussed in South Korea’s plastic surgery community, but yet not thoroughly explored enough. I have met many friends who came to South Korea for consultation, and seven out of ten of them had concerns about their eye surgery results—they were either unhappy with the results or wanted to undergo further corrections. Some experienced the retraction of the sutures used in the procedure, while others had noticeable scars from the full incision. Still others complained about asymmetrical Double eyelid widths, which caused them a lot of anxiety. Only by encountering these problems firsthand can one truly understand the complexities involved in this type of surgery.

What exactly is eye correction surgery intended to correct?

Many people think that eye surgery simply means “doing it again,” but in fact, it’s not that simple. Plastic surgeons in South Korea generally categorize eye surgeries into several types:

• Loosening or rebound of the inserted threads: This is usually caused by the aging of the threads or insufficient depth of the initial procedure, and it most commonly occurs between 6 months and 2 years after the surgery.
• The incision is too wide or asymmetrical: The position of the fold line on the upper eyelid is incorrect, resulting in a difference in height between the left and right sides.
• Scar tissue: Redness and swelling at the incision site after complete excision, especially in individuals with a tendency to develop scar tissue.
• Triple eyelids / multiple eyelids: Excessive fat removal or improper suturing techniques can result in the formation of multiple folds.
• The overall shape of the eyes is unharmonious: Although Double eyelid surgery has been performed, it has not been combined with canthoplasty or levator muscle correction, resulting in an uneven overall proportion.

To put it simply, the difficulty of eye surgery is much greater than that of the initial procedure. This is because the second operation must be performed in an environment where scar tissue already exists, which requires higher technical skills from the surgeon and results in a longer recovery period.

Common procedures in eye surgery in South Korea

1. Suture repair → Total resection with improvements

The repair solution for the rebound effect of thread embedding surgery is usually to “switch to a full incision procedure.” The thread material used in the original embedding is removed, and after redesigning the folding position, an incision is made. The challenge with this type of surgery lies in the fact that there may be slight adhesions at the original embedding site; if not handled properly, this can easily lead to new asymmetries.

2. Full incision eye correction (revision using the Full incision method)

This is the most common type of cosmetic eye surgery. It involves reopening the original incision, adjusting the excised area if it has been removed excessively or in the wrong location, and then suturing it back up. It is generally recommended to wait at least 6 months after the initial full incision surgery before undergoing any further procedures, to allow the tissues to stabilize first.

3. Correction of drooping eyelids (blepharoplasty)

Some people find that after undergoing Double eyelid surgery, their eyes are unable to open wide enough, and their vision still appears tired. This is due to insufficient function of the levator muscles; simply performing Double eyelid surgery is not sufficient to resolve this issue; levator muscle correction must also be carried out simultaneously.

4. Scar repair

If the scar is noticeable after a full excision, laser treatment (such as fractional laser or CO2 laser) can be used to smooth it out first; only in severe cases should a second excision be considered for scar revision. It is generally not recommended to manipulate the scar within 6 months after the surgery, as the tissue has not yet stabilized.

5. Smoothing triple or multiple eyelids

This is truly the most disheartening aspect. Excess folding lines usually result from excessive fat removal, leading to uneven skin adhesion. The solutions include fat grafting to restore the proper layers or readjusting the locations of the skin incisions.

Summary of eye surgery costs in South Korea in 2026

The following fees are from mainstream plastic surgery clinics in Gangnam District and are for reference only. For actual costs, please visit the clinic for a personal assessment.

Procedure	Cost range (Korean won)	Converted into RMB (approximately)	Duration of the surgery
Suture placement → Complete resection and revision	1.5 million to 2.5 million Korean won	Approximately 8,000 to 13,500 yuan	1 to 1.5 hours
Full incision eye surgery (without levator muscle repair)	2 million to 3.5 million Korean won	Approximately RMB 10,800 to 19,000	1.5 to 2 hours
Full incision eye surgery + muscle lifting correction	3 million to 5 million Korean won	Approximately RMB 16,200 to 27,000	2 to 3 hours
Triple eyelid correction (fat grafting)	1.5 million to 2.8 million Korean won	Approximately 8,100 to 15,100 yuan	1 to 2 hours
Scar removal and repair	1 million to 2 million Korean won	Approximately RMB 5,400 to RMB 10,800	1 hour

Exchange rate reference: 1 Korean won ≈ 0.0054 Chinese yuan (as of May 2026). The above fees do not include the cost of anesthesia or post-operative care; the actual total may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.

How long does it take to recover after eye surgery?

Without further ado, let’s get to the point:

• First 3 days: The swelling is at its most severe; it’s almost impossible to open the eyes. Apply ice packs primarily, and avoid crying or rubbing the area.
• Days 5 to 7: The stitches are removed, and the swelling reduces by 30% to 40%. At this point, the appearance may still be somewhat unusual, so don’t worry.
• Weeks 2 to 4: The swelling subsides significantly, but the eyelids become firmer and less flexible in movement.
• 1 to 3 months: The external appearance begins to take shape, but the eyelids are still continuing to soften.
• 6 months to 1 year: The final stable stage, during which the scars fade and the shape of the eyes becomes permanently established.

The recovery period after eye surgery is longer than that after the initial procedure, and this is something that many people are not mentally prepared for. I have seen people who, in the first month after the surgery, claimed that the results were even worse, but those who persisted until six months found that the outcomes were actually quite good. Patience is truly essential in this case.

The most important factors when choosing a doctor for medical aesthetics treatments

I’ve made mistakes in the past, so I know that when choosing a doctor for eye surgery, you can’t just rely on whether the pre-surgery photos look good. The most important thing to consider is…

1. Have you handled a large number of revision cases? Eyelid surgery is not a routine procedure; it is essential to find a specialist with genuine experience. Some clinics may perform many initial surgeries but rarely handle revision cases.
2. Was your initial consultation thorough in analyzing your specific issues? If the consultant or doctor simply presented you with a treatment plan without first carefully examining what your actual problems were, it’s probably time to find another professional.
3. Whether post-operative follow-up services are provided – it may be necessary to return for a check-up and adjustments six months after the eye surgery; it is essential to ensure that the clinic provides adequate post-operative care.
4. Is it possible to see cases of similar types of repairs? Thread lift, full incision repair, and muscle lifting repair each involve their own specific technical approaches. It would be very helpful to see cases that are similar to your own situation.

Which clinics in Gangnam District have a good reputation for eye surgery?

The area around Cheongdam-dong in Gangnam is the region in South Korea where plastic surgery procedures are most concentrated. There are several types of eye surgery clinics with high reputations in this area:

• Large-brand clinics such as MADE/THE PLUS/ID have comprehensive post-treatment management systems, but their fees are relatively high.
• Specialized clinics focusing on eye treatments: Some clinics specialize solely in eye surgeries, and their doctors have extensive experience in dealing with complex cases, making them ideal for more complex cosmetic eye procedures.
• Small and medium-sized premium clinics: The director personally performs most of the procedures, ensuring more personalized consultations and more flexible pricing.

Regardless of which option you choose, it is highly recommended that you visit at least 2 to 3 clinics in person. Clearly explain your situation and needs to them, and then compare the various treatment plans and prices offered by each clinic.

The most frequently asked questions before undergoing eye cosmetic procedures

Q: How long after the reaction to thread embedding surgery can one undergo eye correction procedures
?
It is generally recommended to wait at least 3 to 6 months after the thread embedding surgery, until the affected tissues have healed and stabilized, before proceeding with any major corrective procedures.

Q: Can eye surgery also involve the widening of the canthi at the same time?
Yes
, but it depends on the condition of your existing canthi. Performing these procedures simultaneously is more challenging, so it is recommended to consult a doctor with experience in performing such combined surgeries for an assessment.

Q: I have already undergone two eye surgeries – is it still possible to make further correctio
ns?
It is technically feasible to perform a second or even a third correction, but with each surgery, the amount of scar tissue increases, making the procedure increasingly difficult. It is crucial to find a doctor with extensive experience in performing such revisions.

Q: What are the advantages of getting eye surgery in South Korea compared to doing it in one’s
home country?
South Korea has a large number of plastic surgery cases in general, and thus even more complex cases related to eye surgery. Some doctors indeed possess a higher level of expertise in performing eye surgeries. However, in the end, it still depends on the individual skills of the doctor, and it cannot be generalized.

Summary

Eye surgery is a procedure that requires caution and patience. To put it simply, spending more money doesn’t necessarily guarantee good results; the key lies in finding a doctor who truly understands your specific issues and has the expertise to handle complex cases. If you are considering going to South Korea for eye surgery, it is recommended that you do your research through reliable channels, attend multiple consultations, and compare different options before making a decision under stress.

If you need to know more about South Korea’s clinics or schedule a consultation, you can click on the card below for additional information.