Low Crease vs High Crease Surgery

Choosing between a low crease and a high crease is one of the most important decisions in double eyelid surgery. Korea places strong emphasis on eyelid design that suits each person’s natural anatomy, facial proportions, and aesthetic goals.

Below is a clear guide comparing low vs high crease designs, who each option suits best, and how Korean surgeons customize the result.

What Is a Low Crease?

A low crease sits close to the lash line, creating a subtle, natural fold commonly seen in Asian eyelid aesthetics.

Characteristics of a Low Crease

• Very natural and understated
• Minimal eyelid show
• Soft, smooth transition when eyes open
• Harder for others to detect as “surgery”
• Works well with monolid-like features

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Low Crease?

• Those wanting the most natural look
• Men seeking a subtle result
• Patients with thin or moderate skin
• Individuals who prefer a minimal eyelid show
• People who want to avoid a “Westernized” appearance
• Professionals who want a barely noticeable change

Benefits of a Low Crease

• Extremely natural look
• Lower risk of multiple folds
• Better long-term stability for many Asian eyelid anatomies
• Works well for people with ptosis correction
• Less noticeable swelling during recovery

What Is a High Crease?

A high crease sits further above the lash line, giving a more noticeable eyelid fold and greater eyelid show.

Characteristics of a High Crease

• More dramatic and open-looking eyes
• Larger eyelid platform (good for makeup)
• More pronounced “double eyelid” effect
• Stronger crease definition

Who Is a Good Candidate for a High Crease?

• Patients with naturally larger or deeper-set eyes
• Those who want a more defined or glamorous look
• Individuals who apply heavier eye makeup
• Patients with enough eyelid skin to support the crease
• Younger patients with good skin elasticity

Benefits of a High Crease

• Bigger, brighter eye appearance
• Excellent for aesthetic or makeup-focused goals
• Creates the illusion of larger eye shape

How to Choose: Key Factors

1. Skin Thickness

• Thick eyelids → low or medium crease for stability
• Thin skin → any crease height is possible

High creases on thick eyelids often look unstable or artificial.

2. Eye Shape & Brow Distance

• Short brow–lid distance → low crease
• Long brow–lid distance → medium or high crease

A high crease with a low brow can appear unnatural or crowded.

3. Muscle Strength (Ptosis Factor)

• Weak levator muscle → low/medium crease
  Even with ptosis correction, high creases may fade if the muscle is too weak.

4. Your Makeup Style

• Daily natural makeup → low crease
• Dramatic or glam makeup → high crease

A higher crease provides more lid space for eyeshadow.

5. Gender & Aesthetic Preference

• Men often prefer low creases for subtlety
• Women often choose medium-to-high creases depending on style

6. Natural vs Dramatic Outcome

• Natural look → low crease
• Defined look → high crease

Korea’s Approach to Crease Height

Korean surgeons prioritize balance, meaning:

• A crease should match the skin thickness
• Should not sit too high on thick eyelids
• Should transition naturally when blinking
• Should complement the brow, orbital bone, and face shape

Most Korean clinics recommend a medium or low crease for long-term natural results unless the patient specifically wants a high crease for aesthetic reasons.

Risks of Choosing Too High a Crease

• Multiple or irregular folds
• Crease collapsing or disappearing
• Eyes appearing hollow or aged
• Unnatural look when blinking
• Greater tension on the eyelid skin
• Increased risk of revision surgery

This is why crease height customization is essential.

Recovery Differences

Low Crease

• Swelling appears lighter
• Heals faster
• Settles into a natural look sooner

High Crease

• More swelling
• Takes longer to look natural
• Requires more maintenance of symmetry