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Surgery · 절개 쌍꺼풀 수술

Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery in Apgujeong

A permanent upper eyelid crease made through a full skin incision, with skin and fat trimmed at the same time.

Quick facts
  • Korean name: 절개 쌍꺼풀 수술
  • Procedure time: 60 to 90 minutes
  • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia, usually with IV sedation
  • Sessions: 1
  • Downtime: 7 to 14 days of visible swelling and bruising
  • Results: Crease shape visible after 2 to 3 weeks; final, softer line at 3 to 6 months
  • Lasts: Permanent in most cases; lid skin still ages
  • Typical price: ₩1,800,000–₩3,000,000 (per surgery, both eyes, before VAT)

What is Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery?

Incisional double eyelid surgery (절개 쌍꺼풀) creates a fixed crease by opening the upper lid along the planned fold line, removing excess skin or fat, and attaching the skin to the deeper tissue so it folds in the same place each time you open your eye.

It is the method surgeons choose for thicker lids, loose skin, or patients who already lost a crease made by sutures. The scar sits inside the fold and usually turns from pink to pale over 3 to 6 months.

How it works

The surgeon marks the crease height while you sit up, numbs the lid with local anesthetic (often with IV sedation), then makes an incision of roughly 2 to 3 cm. A strip of skin, some orbicularis muscle and, if needed, a small amount of fat are removed before the skin edge is fixed to the levator aponeurosis or tarsal plate with fine sutures.

Many Gangnam clinics combine it with ptosis correction or epicanthoplasty in the same session when the eye opening is weak or the inner corner is hooded.

Who it suits

  • Thick or puffy upper lids
  • Excess upper lid skin
  • A crease that has faded after buried-suture surgery
  • Patients who want a defined, lasting fold
  • Asymmetric creases that need correction

Who should skip it or wait

  • People who need to look normal at work within 5 days
  • Thin lids with no excess skin who prefer a reversible option
  • Active eye infection or untreated dry eye
  • Anyone expecting zero visible scar in the first months

Side effects and risks

  • Asymmetry between the two creases
  • Crease set too high, giving a sleepy or surprised look
  • Visible or thickened scar
  • Temporary difficulty closing the eye fully
  • Bleeding or infection

Aftercare

  • Cold compresses for the first 48 hours, then warm compresses
  • Sleep with your head raised on two pillows for a week
  • No eye makeup or contact lenses until after stitch removal
  • Avoid alcohol, saunas and swimming for 2 weeks
  • Use the prescribed antibiotic ointment on the incision

Planning around your trip

Plan at least 7 days in Seoul: stitches come out on day 5 to 7, and flying home is fine right after that visit.

Plastic Surgery clinics near Apgujeong

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery price in Apgujeong

₩1,800,000–₩3,000,000
per surgery, both eyes, before VAT

Typical range at clinics around Apgujeong, Sinsa and Cheongdam, checked 2026-10. Source: Korea Experience, Korea Plastic Surgery Cost Guide 2026. Cosmetic treatments in Korea carry 10% VAT; ask whether a quote includes it.

Full Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery price breakdown →

Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery questions

How high should my crease be?

Most Korean surgeons suggest an incision line of about 6 to 8 mm above the lash line for a natural in-out or tapered fold. Higher lines look more Western but carry more risk of a heavy or unnatural result.

When do the stitches come out?

Usually on day 5 to 7. Some clinics use a running suture that comes out in one pull, which takes a few minutes and stings only briefly.

Will people see the scar?

With your eyes open the scar hides inside the fold. With eyes closed it shows as a fine line, pink for the first 2 to 3 months, then fading.

Can I wear glasses afterwards?

Yes, regular glasses are fine from the next day. Contact lenses should wait until about a week after stitch removal.

Is the price for both eyes and does it include sedation?

Quoted prices are almost always for both eyes. Sedation, ointments and stitch removal may be listed separately, and 10% VAT is added on top, so ask for an itemised total.

Can a bad crease be redone?

Yes, but revision is harder because skin has already been removed. Surgeons usually wait 6 months for the tissue to soften first.

What tests do I need before surgery?

Expect basic blood tests, and sometimes an ECG if you are over 40 or take blood pressure medicine. You sign a written consent form in Korean and usually an English copy.