Eyes · Sinsa, Gangnam · Seoul

Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea

For monolids, faint creases or folds that disappear by afternoon. Dr. Lee Yoo-jung designs the crease height and curve with you in the mirror, then chooses sutures or an incision according to your lid, not a menu.

Free consultation on WhatsApp → See before & after
Soft, natural double eyelid crease after surgery at UE Plastic Surgery, Gangnam
30–60 min per session, local anaesthesia
5–7 days until stitches out (incisional)
5–7 days recommended stay in Seoul
1:1 same surgeon from design to aftercare

The short answer

Double eyelid surgery creates a fold in the upper eyelid by linking the skin to the muscle that opens the eye, so a crease forms each time you look up. The non-incisional method uses buried sutures through tiny punctures; the incisional method uses a short cut in the planned crease and suits thicker or fuller lids. Swelling eases over two to four weeks.

Dr. Lee Yoo-jung, board-certified plastic surgeon
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lee Yoo-jung , board-certified plastic surgeon · M.D., Ajou University · former director, Banobagi
Last reviewed
i.

What is double eyelid surgery?

In a lid with a natural crease, fine fibres connect the skin to the levator muscle; when the eye opens, the skin above folds neatly. A monolid lacks those connections, so the lid opens as one smooth surface and can hide the lashes.

Double eyelid surgery recreates that connection. The two main techniques are the non-incisional (buried suture) method and the incisional method, and they are part of the wider family of Asian eyelid surgery. If your eyes also open weakly, the crease is often combined with ptosis correction through the same incision.

ii.

Am I a good candidate for double eyelids?

  • No crease, or a very low one that leaves no visible lid space.
  • One crease on one eye only or folds that change through the day.
  • Reliance on eyelid tape or glue every morning.
  • Lashes pointing down because heavy skin pushes them.
  • Adults in good health including men who prefer a subtle fold.

Men usually want a lower, straighter result — see male eyelid surgery for the design differences.

iii.

Non-incisional vs incisional double eyelid surgery

Non-incisional Partial incision Full incision
Suits Thin lids, little fat Mild fullness Thick lids, extra skin
Fat removal Very limited Small amount Yes
Scar Barely visible points Short line in crease Fine line in crease
Main swelling About 1 week 1–2 weeks 2–3 weeks
Risk of crease loosening Higher over years Moderate Lowest
iv.

What happens during double eyelid surgery?

01 Crease simulation Dr. Lee uses a thin probe to preview different heights and shapes — in-out, inside or parallel — and you choose together.
02 Numbing Local anaesthetic with optional mild sedation, so you can open your eyes for checks.
03 Creating the fold Buried sutures or a small incision fix the skin to the levator layer; excess fat is trimmed if needed.
04 Symmetry check You sit up and open your eyes before closing so both creases are matched.
v.

Before & after

Before and after double eyelid surgery: natural crease with clearer lash line Before After
Case by Dr. Lee Yoo-jung at UE Plastic Surgery. Shared with the patient's written consent. Individual results vary.

More eyelid results are in our before & after gallery.

vi.

Double eyelid surgery recovery, week by week

Day 1–3 Swelling makes the crease look high and full; this is expected.
Day 5–7 Stitches out after incisional surgery; most people go out with glasses.
Week 2–4 Make-up and contact lenses resume; the fold looks more natural.
Month 2–6 The crease relaxes to its final height and any scar fades.

“The most common request I hear is: I want it to look like I was born with it. That is exactly how I plan it.”

Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief Director
vii.

What are the risks of double eyelid surgery?

Possible problems include asymmetry, a crease that is higher than intended or loosens over time (more likely with sutures), extra or multiple folds, prolonged swelling and, rarely, a visible suture knot. Removing too much fat can leave a hollow, aged look, so Dr. Lee is conservative. If you have had eyelid surgery before and are unhappy with it, revision blepharoplasty explains what can be corrected.

viii.

Frequently asked questions

Is double eyelid surgery permanent?

Incisional creases are long-lasting. Suture creases can loosen over the years, especially with thicker lids.

Will my new crease look natural?

It looks high and puffy at first, then softens over two to three months into its natural height.

Can I choose the shape?

Yes. You preview in-out, inside and parallel shapes with Dr. Lee and agree the design before surgery.

Do I need epicanthoplasty too?

Only if an inner-corner fold hides the start of the crease. Many patients do not; see epicanthoplasty.

When can I wear make-up?

Usually about two weeks after incisional surgery, and sooner after the suture method.

Can foreign patients have it on a short trip?

Yes. A five to seven day stay is generally enough for stitch removal and a check.

Continue reading

Related procedures.

i. Asian Eyelid Surgery The full East Asian eyelid toolkit. ii. Epicanthoplasty Opening the inner corner. iii. Ptosis Correction Strengthening a weak eye opening. iv. Male Eyelid Surgery Lower, straighter creases. v. Revision Blepharoplasty Fixing an unhappy result. vi. Eye Bag Removal Puffy under-eyes, no scar.

Free consultation · English-speaking

Let’s talk.

Send Dr. Lee a close-up of your open eyes, plus one looking down, on WhatsApp and she will suggest a crease design and method.

WhatsApp us → +82 2 516 6160
Address
16F, 616 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Sinsa Station Exit 6
Hours
Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 · Sat 09:30–15:30
Surgeon
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung, board-certified plastic surgeon

This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. Results and recovery differ between individuals.