Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery: Pros and Cons

December 19, 2025

Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery: Pros and Cons

Incisional double eyelid surgery is one of the most established techniques used to create a defined eyelid crease. In Korea, it is widely chosen for its durability, versatility, and ability to address complex eyelid structures. However, like any surgical procedure, it comes with both benefits and limitations.

Understanding the pros and cons can help patients make an informed decision.

What Is Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery?

Incisional double eyelid surgery involves making a precise incision along the upper eyelid crease. Through this incision, the surgeon can adjust skin, fat, and muscle to create a stable and well-defined fold.

This method allows for greater structural correction compared to non-incisional techniques.

Pros of Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery

1. Long-Lasting Results

One of the biggest advantages is durability. Incisional surgery typically provides permanent or very long-term crease stability, making it less likely for the fold to loosen over time.

2. Suitable for Most Eye Types

This method works well for:

  • Thick eyelid skin
  • Excess eyelid fat
  • Sagging or loose skin
  • Patients with mild to moderate ptosis

It is often recommended when non-incisional methods are not suitable.

3. Greater Customization

Surgeons can precisely control:

  • Crease height
  • Crease shape (parallel or tapered)
  • Symmetry between both eyes

This flexibility allows for more individualized results.

4. Ability to Combine Procedures

Incisional surgery allows simultaneous correction of:

  • Eyelid drooping (ptosis repair)
  • Excess fat or muscle removal
  • Asymmetry correction

This makes it ideal for patients needing more than simple crease creation.

5. Predictable Outcomes

Because the crease is surgically formed and secured, results tend to be more consistent and predictable, especially in complex cases.

Cons of Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery

1. Longer Recovery Period

Swelling and bruising typically last longer compared to non-incisional methods. While daily activities can resume relatively quickly, final results may take several weeks to fully settle.

2. Temporary Scarring

An incision means there will be a scar, though:

  • It is usually hidden within the crease
  • It often fades significantly over time

Proper technique and aftercare are essential for optimal scar healing.

3. More Invasive Than Suture Methods

Incisional surgery involves deeper tissue manipulation, which can result in:

  • Increased initial swelling
  • Slightly higher discomfort during recovery

However, this is also what allows for stronger, longer-lasting results.

4. Not Ideal for Patients Wanting Minimal Downtime

Patients seeking the fastest possible recovery or a reversible option may find non-incisional techniques more suitable.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Incisional double eyelid surgery is generally recommended for:

  • Patients with thick or heavy eyelids
  • Individuals with excess skin or fat
  • Older patients experiencing eyelid laxity
  • Those seeking permanent results
  • Patients needing revision surgery

A thorough consultation is necessary to determine suitability.

Final Thoughts

Incisional double eyelid surgery offers durability, precision, and versatility, making it a preferred option for many patients in Korea. While it requires a longer recovery period and involves an incision, the long-term stability and customization it provides often outweigh these drawbacks.

Choosing an experienced surgeon and undergoing proper evaluation are key factors in achieving natural, balanced results.

January 16, 2026
Double Eyelid Surgery Cost in Korea: What Affects the Price and What to Expect Double eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in Korea, performed to create a natural-looking crease that enhances eye shape while maintaining facial harmony. While Korea is known for affordable and high-quality eye surgery, prices can vary significantly depending on technique, surgeon expertise, and case complexity. This guide explains average cost ranges, what influences pricing, what is usually included, and how to avoid common cost-related mistakes. What Is Double Eyelid Surgery? Double eyelid surgery creates a visible upper eyelid crease to: Make eyes appear larger and more defined Improve symmetry Enhance makeup appearance Create a more alert and youthful look It can be performed alone or combined with other eye procedures such as ptosis correction or epicanthoplasty. Average Cost of Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea Prices vary by method and clinic, but typical ranges for international patients are: Non-incisional (suture method): lower cost range Incisional method: mid-range pricing Revision double eyelid surgery: higher cost range Revision cases and combination surgeries usually cost more due to surgical complexity and longer operating time. Cost reflects not only the procedure, but surgeon skill, safety systems, and long-term stability of results. What Affects the Cost of Double Eyelid Surgery? Several factors influence pricing in Korea: 1. Surgical Method Non-incisional: Faster recovery Suitable for thin eyelids Lower cost, but not permanent for everyone Incisional: Allows fat removal and skin adjustment More stable results Higher cost due to surgical complexity 2. Eyelid Structure and Fat Thickness Patients with: Thick eyelid fat Excess skin Drooping eyelids often require incisional methods or additional procedures, which increases cost. 3. Surgeon Experience and Specialization Highly experienced surgeons: Design crease height precisely Minimize asymmetry Reduce revision risk This expertise is reflected in higher pricing, but often lowers long-term correction costs. 4. Combination Procedures Cost increases when combined with: Ptosis (droopy eyelid) correction Epicanthoplasty (inner corner surgery) Lower eyelid surgery Many Korean clinics recommend combination planning to avoid imbalance. What Is Usually Included in the Quoted Cost? In reputable Korean clinics, pricing often includes: Surgeon fee Operating room use Local anesthesia Post-op checkups Suture removal However, always confirm whether: Medications Swelling treatments Additional correction visits are included or charged separately. Double Eyelid Surgery Cost vs Results: What Matters More? Choosing based only on price is risky. Lower-cost clinics may: Use standardized crease designs Spend less time on symmetry adjustments Increase revision risk High-quality surgery focuses on: Facial proportions Natural fold depth Stable crease formation A slightly higher initial cost can reduce the chance of paying for revision surgery later. Recovery Time and Cost Considerations Recovery is generally short: Stitches removed: 5–7 days Visible swelling: 1–2 weeks Final crease shape: 1–3 months Short recovery means: Minimal hotel stay extension Lower travel-related expenses for medical tourists This is why many foreign patients choose Korea for eye surgery. Common Cost-Related Mistakes to Avoid ❌ Choosing method based on price instead of eyelid structure ❌ Ignoring need for ptosis correction ❌ Underestimating revision surgery costs ❌ Choosing clinics with unclear post-op care policies ❌ Prioritizing discounts over surgeon expertise Revision double eyelid surgery is more expensive and more difficult than primary surgery. Who Is a Good Candidate for Double Eyelid Surgery? You may be a good candidate if you: Have no visible eyelid crease Want natural enhancement rather than dramatic change Have realistic expectations Prefer stable, long-term results Are open to surgical recommendations based on anatomy Proper consultation is essential to select the correct technique. Why Korea Is Known for Cost-Effective Double Eyelid Surgery Korean eye surgeons are known for: High surgical volume and specialization Detailed eyelid anatomy analysis Balanced crease design for natural results Efficient surgical systems that reduce overall costs This combination allows competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. Final Thoughts Double eyelid surgery cost in Korea varies depending on technique, anatomy, and surgeon expertise, but the true value lies in achieving natural, balanced, and long-lasting results. Rather than choosing based on price alone, patients should focus on proper surgical planning and realistic outcome expectations. A well-performed primary surgery is always more cost-effective than paying for revision later.
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