That split is a useful starting point, but it is incomplete. At SM Plastic Surgery, double eyelid surgery is not described as a choice between only two methods. Depending on your eyelid, the plan can involve how well the eyelid lifts, the corners of the eye, or upper-lid skin that has loosened with age — and each of those changes which approach makes sense.
Hello, this is SM Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul. If you grew up with monolids or a faint crease and have been reading about double eyelid surgery in English, you have probably seen it split into two camps: incisional or non-incisional.
That split is a useful starting point, but it is incomplete. At SM Plastic Surgery, double eyelid surgery is not described as a choice between only two methods. Depending on your eyelid, the plan can involve how well the eyelid lifts, the corners of the eye, or upper-lid skin that has loosened with age — and each of those changes which approach makes sense.
Why isn't double eyelid surgery just incisional or non-incisional?
Because two eyelids that look similar in a photo can have different reasons for looking the way they do. One person may simply lack a crease. Another may have a crease that is hidden by skin or fat. Another may have eyelids that do not lift fully, so the eye looks sleepy even when a crease is present. A crease alone does not address all three.
Dr. Lee Moo-young, the medical director, does not describe double eyelid surgery as only two methods: there are several approaches for different goals, including ptosis correction (surgery to improve how far the upper eyelid lifts). Natural adhesion double eyelid surgery (the clinic's own term for one of its techniques) and revision eyelid surgery are among his main areas.
| What the examination looks at | Why it matters | Related approach at the clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Whether a crease forms, and where | Determines the crease line | Double eyelid surgery (incisional, non-incisional, natural adhesion) |
| How fully the eyelid lifts | A weak lift can make any crease look heavy | Ptosis correction (incisional or non-incisional) |
| The inner and outer corners of the eye | Affects the length and shape of the eye | Epicanthoplasty and other eye-corner procedures |
| Excess upper-lid skin with age | Skin can cover the crease | Upper eyelid surgery for age-related skin laxity |
What does ptosis have to do with a double eyelid?
The crease is only part of how an eye looks. If the upper eyelid does not lift fully — for reasons that range from a stretched muscle tendon to other causes — the eye can look tired, and a new crease may sit lower or look thicker than you expected. Ptosis correction adjusts how far the lid lifts, and it can be done with or without an incision. Whether it is needed is checked at the consultation, by looking at your eyes relaxed, fully open and closed.
This is also why a photo of someone else's eyes is a limited guide. It can show the look you like, but it cannot show whether your eyelid lifts the same way.
Is double eyelid surgery done for men as well?
Yes. Eyelid surgery for men is offered as its own category at SM Plastic Surgery, and the same examination — crease, lid lift, skin — applies.
How does stitch removal timing affect my trip?
If an incision is closed with stitches that need removing, timing matters. At SM Plastic Surgery, about one week is the standard; stitches may be removed as early as day 5 or as late as two weeks. Because the timing varies, a trip that ends on day 4 may not allow stitch removal at the clinic. Discuss your travel dates at the consultation so the plan fits the method.
Swelling and bruising also take time to settle, and the speed differs between individuals. The first days after surgery are not the time to judge the final line.
How do I prepare for a consultation from abroad?
- Note what bothers you most: no crease, an uneven crease, tired-looking eyes, or extra skin.
- Bring photos of your eyes at rest and fully open, taken in natural, even light.
- If you have had eyelid surgery before, say so and bring any records, since that changes the plan.
Frequently asked questions
Q1) Which is better for Asian eyelids, incisional or non-incisional?
A1) Neither is better for everyone. The choice depends on your crease, skin, fat and how fully your eyelid lifts, which are checked at examination. There are several approaches for different goals.
Q2) Can I choose the height of my crease?
A2) You can describe the look you want, and you decide it together with the surgeon. The surgeon explains which heights suit your eyelid and which may not.
Q3) When are stitches removed after incisional surgery?
A3) About one week is the standard, and they may be removed as early as day 5 or as late as two weeks.
Q4) Who performs the surgery?
A4) Dr. Lee Moo-young, a plastic surgery specialist certified in Korea, handles your care directly from consultation to surgery.
Results and recovery differ between individuals. Please make decisions after a full consultation with a plastic surgery specialist.
Double eyelid surgery can cause swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Asymmetry or uneven crease lines, loosening or fading of the crease (non-incisional suture method), visible scarring (incisional method), and temporary discomfort when closing the eyes or dry eyes may occur. Under- or over-correction is possible and may require revision surgery. How quickly swelling settles and the final result vary from person to person. Ptosis correction (eye-opening surgery) can cause swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. The eyelid may be lifted too little or too much, and incomplete eye closure, dry eyes, or a foreign-body sensation may occur temporarily. Asymmetry, changes in the double eyelid line, and scarring may occur, and revision surgery may be needed. Results and recovery speed vary from person to person.