What is upper blepharoplasty?
As skin loses elasticity, the upper lid folds over the crease and the eyes start to look smaller, sad or tired. Some patients also notice heaviness by the end of the day, or that the lid rests on their lashes. Upper blepharoplasty removes that surplus skin and, when needed, a little orbicularis muscle and fat, then closes the incision inside the eyelid crease.
For Asian eyelids the crease height and shape matter as much as the amount of skin removed. Dr. Lee designs the line with you in front of a mirror before surgery. If your brow has also dropped, a sub-brow lift or brow lift may give a more natural result than removing more lid skin.
Who is a good candidate?
- Hooding — skin folding over the lid crease or touching the lashes.
- Tired or heavy-looking eyes , even when well rested.
- Puffiness in the inner upper lid from protruding fat.
- Faded or uneven double eyelid lines — see revision blepharoplasty.
- Good eye health — no untreated dry eye, thyroid eye disease or recent eye surgery.
If the eyelid muscle itself is weak and the lid covers the pupil, you may need ptosis correction instead of, or together with, blepharoplasty. Dr. Lee checks this at consultation.
Which eye surgery is right for you?
| Upper bleph | Ptosis correction | Sub-brow lift | |
| Main problem | Excess lid skin / fat | Weak lifting muscle | Heavy outer lid, low brow |
| Scar | In the eyelid crease | In the eyelid crease | Under the eyebrow |
| Changes the crease? | Yes, can be redesigned | Yes | Keeps current crease |
| Downtime | About 1 week | 1–2 weeks | About 1 week |
How the procedure works
Before & after
Before
After
More cases are in our before & after gallery.
Recovery timeline
| Day 1–3 | Swelling peaks; cold compresses and sleeping with the head raised. |
|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | Stitches removed. Most bruising has faded. |
| Week 2 | Make-up and contact lenses allowed; back to work for most people. |
| Month 1–3 | The crease softens and the scar fades into the fold. |
“A good eyelid result is one that nobody notices. They just think you slept well.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorRisks, honestly
Possible risks include temporary dry or watery eyes, asymmetry of the crease, a scar that is visible for a few months, and, rarely, difficulty closing the eye fully if too much skin is removed. That last risk is why we remove conservatively. Small asymmetries are reviewed at your follow-up and corrected if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is upper blepharoplasty the same as double eyelid surgery?
They overlap. Double eyelid surgery mainly creates a crease; upper blepharoplasty also removes excess skin and fat, which is why it suits mature or hooded eyelids.
How long do I need to stay in Korea?
About 7–10 days, so the stitches can be removed and Dr. Lee can check the result before you fly.
Does it hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia with sedation. Afterwards most patients describe tightness rather than pain, controlled with oral painkillers.
How long do the results last?
Removed skin does not grow back, so results typically last 10 years or more, although natural ageing continues.
Can it be combined with lower blepharoplasty or a facelift?
Yes. It is often combined with lower blepharoplasty, eye bag removal or a facelift in one session.
Who performs my surgery?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung performs your consultation, surgery and follow-up herself.