Eye Surgery

Eye Surgery

Reviewer Details

Medically reviewed by Dr. Choi deokho, Representative Director & Plastic Surgeon, Good-Line Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Registered as the clinic's legal representative in the Korean National Tax Service registry, Full Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons · Last reviewed 2026-08-18 · Good-Line Plastic Surgery Clinic, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Eye surgery at Good-Line Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seoul is a group of eyelid procedures — double eyelid surgery, ptosis correction, eyelid revision, and under-eye fat repositioning — chosen according to each patient's eyelid fat, skin elasticity, and eyelid shape, aiming for a natural, balanced eye appearance.

What Is Eye Surgery?

Eye surgery reshapes, lifts, or restructures the upper or lower eyelid to address asymmetry, drooping, excess skin, wrinkles, or under-eye fat.

• Covers non-incision, partial-incision, and incision double eyelid techniques.

• Includes eyelid ptosis correction to raise a drooping upper lid.

• Includes revision surgery for a prior unsatisfactory result.

• Includes under-eye fat repositioning through a scarless, transconjunctival approach.

• Technique selection is based on eyelid fat volume, skin elasticity, and existing eyelid crease.

Who Performs Eye Surgery at Good-Line Plastic Surgery Clinic

Dr. Choi Deokho, M.D.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Choi deokho is the Representative Director and plastic surgeon at Good-Line Plastic Surgery Clinic, with approximately 25 years associated with the clinic since its establishment in 2001. His stated core specializations include facial plastic surgery with a specific focus on eye surgery and eye revision, alongside rhinoplasty and facial contouring. He holds full membership in the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the Korean Society for Microsurgery, the Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, the Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Patients considering eye surgery are evaluated according to eyelid fat, skin, and crease characteristics before a technique is recommended.

Because eye surgery covers such a wide range of concerns — from a first-time double eyelid procedure to a complex revision of a prior surgery performed elsewhere — Dr. Choi's evaluation process places particular weight on distinguishing which category a patient's concern actually falls into before recommending a technique. A patient requesting "double eyelid surgery" who is actually describing age-related upper-lid drooping may be better served by ptosis correction than by crease-creation surgery alone, and a patient unhappy with an existing crease from a previous procedure is evaluated differently from a patient having eye surgery for the first time, since revision cases carry their own distinct set of anatomical considerations tied to existing scar tissue. This distinction is treated as a core part of the surgeon's role, not a formality before booking a standard procedure.

Eye Surgery Options Available at Good-Line Plastic Surgery Clinic

Non-Incision Double Eyelid	Partial-Incision Double Eyelid	Incision Double Eyelid
Eyelid skin and muscle connected with 2-3 sutures through small openings, no conventional skin incision	Small (~3mm) incision to remove accumulated fat, then the crease is created with the non-incision technique	Full incision along the planned eyelid crease for direct tissue adjustment
Best for smaller eyes with low fat and elastic skin	Best for eyelids with some fat that needs removing before crease creation	Best for thicker eyelids, more fat, or looser/excess skin
Shorter surgery and recovery time	Combines features of both approaches	Allows more extensive correction of fat and skin

Beyond double eyelid creation, the clinic separately offers eyelid ptosis correction (levator muscle/tendon adjustment to raise a drooping lid), double eyelid revision surgery for a prior unsatisfactory result, and under-eye fat repositioning, which uses a transconjunctival (inner-eyelid) incision and a technique the clinic describes as "passive septum banding" to redistribute — rather than simply discard — under-eye fat around the orbital bone, avoiding a visible external scar. Upper blepharoplasty removes or repositions excess upper-eyelid skin and, where appropriate, underlying fat; lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags and fat-related changes through an incision along the lower eyelid.

Ptosis correction is typically performed under local anesthesia, with marking, an eyelid-crease incision, levator adjustment, a symmetry check, and closure with fine sutures, commonly taking around 30-90 minutes. Revision surgery reviews the previous surgery, existing scar tissue, and eyelid skin and function before a revision technique is selected, and commonly takes longer than a primary procedure because existing scar tissue and altered anatomy must be addressed. Not every eyelid concern requires surgery: for mild upper-eyelid drooping, options short of full ptosis correction can include ptosis crutch glasses, prescription oxymetazoline eye drops, a brow lift, or upper blepharoplasty alone — the right option depends on the degree and cause of drooping and is determined at consultation.

Upper and lower blepharoplasty are generally performed with local anesthesia, sometimes combined with sedation, and follow the same general recovery pattern as other eyelid procedures — swelling and bruising most noticeable in the first several days, gradually improving over one to two weeks, with the final contour visible only once tissue has fully settled. Independent guidance from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that most eyelid-surgery patients are presentable in public within ten to fourteen days, though complete healing can take several months. For patients whose primary concern is under-eye hollowing without significant fat bulging, an examination of the three under-eye fat compartments and a skin-elasticity check are used to decide whether a transconjunctival-only approach is sufficient or whether skin excision or laser resurfacing should be added to the plan.

Choosing between these approaches is not simply a matter of patient preference — skin elasticity and existing fat volume meaningfully constrain which technique will hold up over time. A patient with thin, elastic skin and minimal excess fat is generally a better fit for a non-incision approach, since there is little tissue to remove and the smaller openings heal with less visible trace; a patient with thicker skin, more fat, or looser tissue from natural aging is more likely to see the crease relax or disappear over time with a non-incision technique alone, which is why the surgeon's physical examination — not a menu selection — determines the recommended approach.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Eye Surgery?

• Adults who want to create or improve a defined upper-eyelid crease, with realistic expectations about outcome.

• Patients with under-eye fat bulging or an aging orbital skeleton, with reasonably elastic skin, for fat repositioning.

• Patients with drooping upper eyelids affecting vision or appearance, for ptosis correction.

• Patients dissatisfied with a prior double-eyelid result who want crease symmetry or position corrected, for revision surgery.

• Generally healthy individuals without active eye or skin infection and without uncontrolled medical conditions.

• Not suitable candidates generally include those with unstable thyroid eye disease, bleeding disorders, or severe dry eye, until these issues are medically addressed.

• Patients whose main goal is stopping the natural aging process entirely rather than achieving a realistic, natural-looking improvement should discuss expectations candidly with the surgeon before proceeding.

What to Expect: Procedure, Recovery, and Results Timeline

Anesthesia is typically local, sometimes combined with sedation depending on the technique and whether procedures are combined; the exact plan is confirmed with the surgeon.

Stage	What typically happens
Day of surgery	Local anesthesia (± sedation); non-incision surgery uses small sutured openings, incision/partial-incision use a marked incision line
Day 1-3	Swelling and bruising are most noticeable; non-incision swelling is commonly reduced within 2-3 days
Week 1-2	Most routine activity resumes; incisional techniques generally need a longer recovery than non-incisional
Month 1-3	Eyelid crease and tissue continue to settle; revision cases can take longer to stabilize
Month 3+	Final result assessed once residual swelling has resolved

Before surgery, patients are generally asked to disclose their full medical and medication history, including any prior eyelid or eye surgery, and to review medications that can increase bleeding risk, typically stopping them 1-2 weeks beforehand only on the surgeon's advice. Smoking and excess alcohol are generally discouraged before surgery because both can affect healing and bleeding risk, and patients should arrange transportation home after the procedure since sedation or anesthesia may be used. Aftercare commonly includes cold compresses during the first 24-48 hours, prescribed eye ointment or drops when indicated, keeping the head elevated while sleeping, avoiding rubbing the eyes, and attending scheduled follow-up visits — particularly important for the transconjunctival under-eye fat repositioning technique, which leaves no external stitches to remove.

International patients evaluating eye surgery in Seoul commonly weigh the accreditation of Korean clinics, language support during consultation and aftercare, and how to manage recovery once they have returned home. Good-Line Plastic Surgery Clinic offers English-language consultation and an online contact channel for international patients. Because recovery timelines vary by exact procedure, the appropriate length of stay in Korea and the earliest safe date to fly home should always be confirmed individually with the surgeon rather than assumed from a general guideline; some patients undergoing eyelid procedures have been advised to allow approximately five to ten days for surgery and early follow-up before traveling home.

Patients dissatisfied with a previous double-eyelid result — including asymmetry, an overly high or low crease, scarring, or loss of the crease — are evaluated for revision through a consultation that reviews the previous surgery, existing scar tissue, and eyelid skin and function; the exact revision approach depends on the patient's anatomy and what was done previously. Swelling and bruising are usually most noticeable in the first one to two weeks after revision surgery, while the eyelid crease itself may continue settling for several months. Results are described as capable of improving crease symmetry and position, but perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed given the influence of prior surgery and individual healing.

Combining Eye Surgery with Other Treatments

• Double eyelid surgery can be performed together with upper-eyelid wrinkle (eye-wrinkle removal) surgery when both are needed in the same session.

• Under-eye fat repositioning is offered as its own procedure, separate from upper-eyelid correction, for patients whose primary concern is the lower lid.

• Eye surgery patients considering facial rejuvenation more broadly may also review the clinic's Facial Contouring Surgery page.

Safety, Precision, and Clinic Standards

Good-Line Plastic Surgery Clinic is a Registered Medical Institution for Attracting Foreign Patients, certified by Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare under the Medical Overseas Expansion and Foreign Patients Attraction Act. Dr. Choi deokho is a full member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. Patient assessment before surgery includes a review of eyelid fat, skin elasticity, and existing crease, along with medical history and current medications. As with any eyelid surgery, temporary swelling, bruising, and asymmetry are possible, and rare complications can affect eyelid position or vision — a consultation with the surgeon is required to review individual risk (see ASPS Eyelid Surgery Safety).

Sterile surgical technique and appropriate technique selection for each eyelid are treated as baseline requirements rather than differentiators, and postoperative risk reduction relies as much on scheduled follow-up monitoring as on the surgery itself — a missed follow-up visit can delay identification of a complication that would otherwise be manageable if caught early. Patients are encouraged to raise any concerning symptom (unusual pain, vision changes, or asymmetric swelling) with the clinic promptly rather than waiting for the next scheduled appointment.

The Bottom Line

• Eye surgery at Good-Line covers double eyelid creation (3 techniques), ptosis correction, revision, and under-eye fat repositioning.

• Technique choice depends on eyelid fat, skin elasticity, and existing crease characteristics — not a single default method applied to every patient.

• Reviewed and performed under Dr. Choi deokho, a board-registered, experienced plastic surgeon with roughly 25 years at the clinic.

• Non-incision techniques generally offer shorter surgery time and faster early recovery than incisional techniques.

• Results are considered long-lasting, though natural aging continues afterward, and no eyelid procedure halts the aging process for the surrounding face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eye surgery painful? Local anesthesia is used during the procedure itself, so significant pain during surgery is not expected. Afterward, mild swelling, tightness, or bruising is common and generally manageable with cold compresses and, if prescribed, pain medication.

How long does recovery take after double eyelid surgery? Swelling from the non-incision method is commonly reduced within about 2-3 days, while incisional techniques generally require a longer recovery. Most patients resume routine activity within 1-2 weeks, though final settling of the eyelid crease can take longer.

What is the difference between non-incision and incision double eyelid surgery? Non-incision surgery uses small sutured openings rather than a full incision, and is best suited to eyelids with less fat and elastic skin; it typically has a shorter surgery and recovery time. Incision surgery allows more direct adjustment of eyelid tissue and is generally better suited to thicker eyelids or more excess skin.

Can a previous double eyelid surgery be corrected if I'm not happy with the result? Yes — the clinic offers double eyelid revision surgery for concerns such as asymmetry, an overly high or low crease, or loss of the crease from a previous procedure. The appropriate revision technique depends on the existing eyelid anatomy and what was done previously.

What does under-eye fat repositioning involve? Rather than simply removing under-eye fat, this approach accesses it through a scarless incision inside the eyelid and repositions it around the orbital bone using a technique the clinic calls "passive septum banding," aiming to correct the aged appearance of the eye socket rather than leave a hollow contour. This differs from simple fat removal, which can leave a hollowed or overly flat under-eye area in patients whose concern is aging-related volume loss rather than pure excess.

What is eyelid ptosis correction and how is it different from double eyelid surgery? Ptosis correction adjusts the levator muscle or tendon to raise a drooping upper eyelid, primarily to restore visual field and reduce a tired appearance; double eyelid surgery instead focuses on creating or defining the upper-eyelid crease. Some patients need only one procedure, while others require both if drooping and crease definition are both a concern — this is determined at consultation.

Will eye surgery leave a visible scar? Non-incision double eyelid surgery uses small sutured openings rather than a continuous incision and is designed to avoid a conventional visible scar. Under-eye fat repositioning is performed through the inner eyelid (transconjunctival), leaving no external scar at all. Incisional techniques place the incision within the natural eyelid crease or just below the lower lash line specifically so any resulting scar is concealed.

Are the risks the same across all eye-surgery techniques? No — while swelling, bruising, and temporary asymmetry are common to most eyelid procedures, the specific risk profile differs by technique. Under-eye fat repositioning, for example, carries a comparatively low risk of visible scarring since the incision is internal, while incisional double eyelid surgery and revision surgery carry a somewhat longer recovery and, in revision cases specifically, a chance that further correction may eventually be needed.

Is English-language consultation available for eye surgery? Yes, Good-Line Plastic Surgery Clinic offers English-language support and an online consultation channel for international patients considering eye surgery, alongside a multilingual clinic website.

How many days should I plan to stay in Korea for eye surgery? The appropriate length of stay depends on the specific procedure and individual healing; allow approximately five to ten days for surgery and early follow-up as a general guide, though this should be confirmed directly with the clinic for your specific procedure and combination of treatments.

Can eye surgery be combined with other facial procedures in the same visit? In some cases, yes — for example, double eyelid surgery is sometimes combined with upper-eyelid wrinkle reduction in the same session. Whether combination surgery is appropriate depends on the patient's anatomy, overall health, and the total anesthesia and recovery time involved, and is assessed individually during consultation rather than offered as a standard package for every patient.

Book a Consultation at Good-Line Plastic Surgery Clinic

To discuss whether double eyelid surgery, ptosis correction, revision surgery, or under-eye fat repositioning is right for you, contact Good-Line Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam-gu, Seoul at +82 2 543 1830 or through the clinic's online contact form. A consultation is the only reliable way to determine which technique fits your specific eyelid anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Disclaimer

This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individualized medical advice. Candidacy, technique, and expected outcomes can only be determined through a consultation with a qualified physician. Because outcomes and recovery depend on individual eyelid anatomy and healing, none of the descriptions above should be read as a guarantee of a specific result, timeline, or level of symmetry — they describe what the clinic's stated techniques generally involve and what patients commonly experience.

Sources & Further Reading

• ASPS — Eyelid Surgery

• Aesthetic Surgery Journal — Simultaneous Double Eyelid Blepharoplasty and Ptosis Correction

• EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology) — Asian Blepharoplasty