To be honest, Double eyelid surgery is the cosmetic procedure that people ask about the most and make the most mistakes regarding.
If you ask ten people who have undergone Double eyelid surgery in South Korea, about six of them will say they have no regrets. But the remaining four… some claim that the results are too wide, others say it’s asymmetrical, and still others mention that the effects don’t last long before the eyes sink back to their original state. What’s the difference? Simply put, it’s either because the necessary preparations before the surgery weren’t done properly, the wrong method was chosen, or the wrong doctor was selected.
In this article, I have compiled all the pitfalls I have encountered and the information I have gathered into a relatively comprehensive guide, aimed at those who are considering having Double eyelid surgery in South Korea or are still hesitating whether to proceed with it.
Double eyelid surgery in South Korea: A comparison of three mainstream procedures
Before going to South Korea for consultation, you need to at least understand these three basic procedures; otherwise, you won’t understand what the doctor is saying.
1. Non-incisional (buried suture) method
It is most commonly recommended for those who are doing this procedure for the first time, or for those whose eyelids have little fat and whose skin is not sagging. During the procedure, a doctor will use fine threads to pass through the eyelids and sew the skin to the lifting muscles in place.
- Short recovery period: The swelling usually subsides significantly within 2 to 3 weeks, and it returns to normal within about 1 month.
- No scarring: Since there are no incisions, only a few needle holes remain.
- Disadvantage: The duration of effect varies from person to person; those with more fat or thicker skin may experience the effects fading after 2 to 3 years.
- It can be redone: After the relaxation, the injection can be repeated or the incision can be modified.
2. Full incision method
This procedure is suitable for those with thick eyelids, excess fat, slightly loose skin, or who desire clearer and more lasting results. The doctor makes an incision along the designed line, removes the excess fat and skin, and then stitches the incision closed to create the Double eyelid surgery scar.
- Long-lasting effects: The results generally last a lifetime, unless the skin ages.
- Suitable for eyes with larger eye sockets: It can address both sagging eyelids and puffy eyes simultaneously.
- Disadvantages: The recovery period is long; the swelling peaks within 3 to 5 days, and it takes 3 to 6 months for the results to become completely natural.
- Scarring is likely to occur: The scars are noticeable in the initial stage and only begin to fade after six months to a year.
3. Partial incision method (mini-incision)
Between these two approaches, making 2 to 3 small incisions in the middle section of the eyelid allows for the removal of some fat while also using sutures to secure the results.
- Recovery is faster than with full incision, and the results are more stable than those achieved with thread lifting.
- Suitable for those with slightly thicker eyelids who do not require major modifications.
- Disadvantages: Not all clinics are proficient in this area, and it requires a high level of technical expertise.
Trends in the costs of Double eyelid surgery in South Korea in 2026
When it comes to costs, the difference is indeed significant. I have collected quotes from several mainstream clinics in Gangnam District, Seoul, to provide you with some reference information.
| Procedure | Average price in Gangnam, Seoul | Price range | Recovery time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-incisional (buried suture) method | Approximately 500,000 Korean won | 300,000 to 800,000 Korean won | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Partial incision method | Approximately 800,000 Korean won | 600,000 to 1.2 million Korean won | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Full incision method | Approximately 1.2 million Korean won | 800,000 to 2 million Korean won | 3 to 6 months |
| Double eyelid surgery + canthoplasty (package) | Approximately 1.8 million Korean won | 1.5 to 3 million Korean won | 4 to 6 months |
| Revision Surgery (to correct what was done previously) | Starting from approximately 2 million Korean won | 1.5 to 4 million Korean won | More than 6 months |
Converted into RMB: 10,000 South Korean won ≈ 54 RMB (at the exchange rate in 2026). Therefore, the cost of thread lifting procedures ranges approximately from 2,000 to 4,000 RMB, while full facelift surgeries cost around 4,500 to 10,000 RMB.
Without further ado, why is there such a big difference in prices? The location of the clinic (Gangnam vs. Hongdae), the qualifications of the doctors, whether post-operative care is included, and the complexity of the patient’s eye condition are all factors that affect the pricing. Even at the same clinic, for the same procedure, it is completely normal for the prices to differ by up to 200,000 Korean won.
How to determine the width of the Double eyelid surgery? This is probably the decision for which one will regret it the most in the future.
I’ve made this mistake before. During the consultation, the doctor asked me to choose the width myself, but since I had no idea what to pick, I simply said, “Something that looks a bit more natural.” In the end, the result was that the lines appeared too high, making it seem like my eyelids were always exposed and looking unnatural.
The common widths for Double eyelid surgery in South Korea can be roughly categorized into several ranges:
- 6–7 mm (low double): The most natural result; in daily life, it is almost impossible to tell that any cosmetic procedure has been performed. This option is suitable for those who wish to make subtle changes to their appearance.
- 7–8 mm (medium Double eyelid surgery): The most common option, providing a noticeable Double eyelid effect without being excessive.
- 8mm or more (high double): This design has a strong European style and delivers a strong visual impact; however, it may not be suitable for the facial structure of Asians.
Recommendation: When going for a consultation, bring along reference pictures of Double eyelid surgery that you think look good, rather than giving vague descriptions like “I want something that looks more natural.” Only by seeing these pictures can the doctor determine whether the desired width is suitable for your eye shape.
Should the canthoplasty be performed at the same time? This question is quite controversial.
Many people who go for consultation regarding Double eyelid surgery are also advised by doctors to have their canthioplasty done at the same time, as this can make their eyes appear larger.
To be honest, my advice is to proceed with caution.
The recovery period after canthoplasty is much longer than that after Double eyelid surgery, and the scar formation is more noticeable, especially in the inner canthus area. I have seen several people say after the procedure, “The scar is too obvious; I regret having this surgery even more than I regret having Double eyelid surgery.”
If you have obvious epicanthic folds (skin that covers the inner corners of your eyes), having the corners of your eyes widened will be more worthwhile. However, if the epicanthic folds are not very noticeable and you just want to make them “slightly larger,” I personally don’t think it’s worth it.
What factors should I consider when choosing a clinic for a consultation?
Many people go to South Korea for plastic surgery, but there are also many pitfalls. Here is the logic I used when selecting a clinic:
1. Note that the “surgeon performing the procedure” does not represent the “brand of the clinic”.
Many well-known chain clinics in South Korea are large in scale, but the turnover rate of their doctors is also high. Before going there, make sure you know who the doctor will be performing the procedure on you and review his previous cases. Many people choose a clinic based solely on its reputation, only to find that the procedure is actually performed by a newly graduated resident doctor.
2. It is essential to see “real post-operative cases” rather than promotional photos that have been digitally altered.
Reputable clinics all have their own post-treatment follow-up systems, which allow patients to see photos showing their recovery progress at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure. If a clinic only shows you comparison images that have been edited in Photoshop, you should be cautious.
3. The Chinese translation must be accurate and reliable.
Many clinics offer Chinese-speaking customer service, but the quality of their translation varies greatly. During pre-operative consultations, it is essential that you are able to fully understand what the doctor is saying. If there are any communication issues, the consequences can be serious—for example, if you ask for something to look “natural,” and the doctor misunderstands you as asking for something to look “very noticeable.”
4. Make sure to inquire about post-treatment services.
It’s impossible for you to wait in Seoul until you have fully recovered before coming back. You should consult a clinic:
- Is it possible to have a follow-up appointment after the procedure via video consultation?
- If there are any issues, how can I get in touch after returning to my home country?
- Is there any guarantee for Revision Surgery? How are the costs calculated?
Frequently Asked Questions QA
Q: If the threads used in the cosmetic procedure become loose, can they be replaced?
Sure. In most cases, it is possible to reinsert the sutures for reinforcement. However, if the sutures have become too loose or if too many insertions have been performed, the doctor may recommend adopting the Full incision method instead. The cost is generally 50% to 70% of the original price.
Q: How soon after undergoing Double eyelid surgery can one return to work?
Suture embedding: Swelling is most noticeable 3 to 5 days after the procedure; it is possible to return to work one week later (with the use of sunglasses or a hat). Full incision method: At least 2 weeks are required, during which the swelling can be so severe that you may not want to go out.
Q: Can I wear contact lenses after having Double eyelid surgery?
It is generally not recommended to wear it within 2 weeks after the surgery (due to the risk of irritation to the wound); after that, it can be used normally.
Q: I have had thread lifting done for 2 years, and now it seems a bit loose. Do I need to have the entire procedure redone through open surgery?
Not necessarily. It depends on the specific situation after consulting a doctor. If it’s just slightly loose, you can try getting more fillers or undergoing reinforcement procedures; only if it’s completely detached or if the eyelid has become thicker is it recommended to opt for surgical revision.
Without further ado, let’s summarize it all at the end.
Double eyelid surgery is considered a “basic” procedure in South Korea’s cosmetic surgery industry, but just because it’s basic doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. I’ve seen too many people regretting their decisions after saying, “It’s just double eyelid surgery, let’s just do it casually.”
Several key aspects:
- Choosing the right surgical method is far more important than choosing an expensive clinic; first, it is essential to understand which technique is suitable for your specific eyelid conditions.
- When designing the width, refer to relevant diagrams; don’t just say “make it look more natural”.
- During the consultation, make sure to ask in detail about the post-treatment plan, especially if you are a patient traveling from another location.
- Revision Surgery is much more expensive than the initial procedure, so it is essential to be cautious when performing the first operation.
If you have already decided to undergo cosmetic procedures in South Korea and are looking for a reliable clinic for consultation, you can start by checking out the reservation portal listed below. It offers consultation services in Chinese, so you don’t have to try to figure out Korean on your own.
🇰🇷 Free online consultation at South Korea’s medical aesthetics clinics
Want to have Double eyelid surgery? Consult first before making a decision. We offer Chinese-speaking services and free evaluations to help you find the right procedure and clinic for you.