Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery in Seoul
Incisional double eyelid surgery is one of the most requested eyelid procedures for international patients considering incisional double eyelid surgery Seoul clinics for a defined, lasting crease. This page explains what the procedure involves, who tends to benefit, and what recovery typically looks like at MOOi Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
What It Is
Incisional double eyelid surgery, known in Korean as 절개 쌍꺼풀, creates a defined upper eyelid fold through a surgical incision along the eyelid line. Unlike non-incisional methods that use small stitches to form a temporary fold, the incisional technique allows the surgeon to remove excess skin, adjust fat or muscle tissue, and shape a crease designed to hold over time. It is often recommended for patients with thicker eyelid skin, existing puffiness, or those who previously had a non-incisional procedure that did not hold. Revision surgery is also available for patients unhappy with a prior eyelid result, though revision cases are individually assessed.
Who It Suits
This procedure tends to suit patients who:
- Have thicker or heavier upper eyelid skin that does not respond well to non-incisional methods
- Want a more defined, symmetrical eyelid crease with a designed shape
- Have some upper eyelid drooping or excess skin they would like reduced
- Are seeking a revision after a previous double eyelid procedure
- Understand that healing takes several weeks and are able to plan time away from work or social commitments
Because eyelid anatomy varies significantly between individuals, a suitable candidate profile can only be confirmed through an in-person or photo-based consultation with the surgical team.
Who Should Avoid It
Incisional eyelid surgery is not appropriate for everyone. Patients with active eye infections, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, or certain autoimmune conditions affecting wound healing may need to delay or avoid surgery. Those currently on blood-thinning medication, pregnant patients, and individuals with unrealistic expectations about symmetry or crease height should discuss these factors openly during consultation. Patients with very thin eyelid skin or minimal excess tissue may be better suited to a non-incisional approach, which your surgeon can advise on. A full medical history review is required before any surgical decision is made.
How the Session Goes
The process generally begins with a consultation where the surgeon evaluates eyelid shape, skin thickness, muscle strength, and facial proportions. Measurements and marking are done while the patient is upright, since eyelid position can shift when lying down. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, sometimes with light sedation, and involves an incision along the planned crease line, followed by removal of excess skin, fat, or muscle as needed, and precise suturing to form the new fold. Surgery duration varies depending on complexity but is usually completed within the same visit, with the patient going home the same day.
Downtime and Recovery
Swelling and bruising are expected after incisional double eyelid surgery and generally peak within the first few days. Most patients see a noticeable reduction in swelling within one to two weeks, though subtle changes in the eyelid crease can continue for a few months as tissues settle. Stitches, if not dissolvable, are usually removed within about a week. Patients are typically advised to:
- Apply cold compresses in the initial days to reduce swelling
- Sleep with the head elevated for a period after surgery
- Avoid rubbing the eyes and strenuous exercise during early healing
- Attend follow-up appointments so the surgical team can monitor healing
- Wear sunglasses or avoid direct sun exposure while bruising resolves
Recovery experience differs between patients, and some may take longer to return to normal activity than others. Final results are generally assessed several months after surgery once residual swelling has fully resolved.
Pricing
| Treatment | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery | 2,449,000 |
This price reflects the surgical procedure itself; VAT, anesthesia fees, and consultation charges may vary and should be confirmed directly with the clinic before booking. International patients are encouraged to request a written quote after consultation to avoid any confusion about included services.
Safety
Any surgical procedure carries some degree of risk, including infection, asymmetry, scarring, or an unsatisfactory crease shape that may require revision. Individual healing responses vary, and results are influenced by factors such as skin type, age, and how closely post-operative instructions are followed. At MOOi Plastic Surgery Clinic, procedures involving eyelid and rhinoplasty surgery are led by Hwang Sungoh, M.D., Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, with fellowship training at The Royal London Hospital in the UK and Kyushu University Hospital in Japan. Patients considering incisional double eyelid surgery in Seoul should discuss their medical history, expectations, and any prior eyelid procedures in detail during consultation so the surgical plan can be tailored appropriately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the double eyelid crease typically last?
Incisional double eyelid surgery is designed to create a long-lasting fold, though how a crease looks over time can vary between individuals due to factors like skin elasticity and aging.
Is incisional surgery more effective than non-incisional methods?
It is generally considered more suitable for thicker eyelid skin or cases needing skin or fat removal, while non-incisional methods may suit patients with thinner eyelids and minimal excess tissue; suitability depends on individual anatomy.
Will there be a visible scar after surgery?
The incision is placed along the natural eyelid crease line, which typically helps the resulting scar become faint over time, though visibility can vary by skin type and healing.
Can this procedure correct a previous double eyelid surgery?
Revision surgery is available for patients unhappy with a prior result, but each case is assessed individually since existing scar tissue and eyelid structure affect the approach.
How soon can I travel home after the procedure?
Travel timing depends on individual healing and swelling reduction, so international patients should discuss a realistic travel plan with the clinic during consultation before booking flights.