Double eyelid surgery in Korea has become one of the most common cosmetic surgeries done in the country. By having one of the highest rates of operations per capita in the world, it is no question that double eyelid surgery has become a widely known and popular procedure. Double eyelid surgery is considered one of the most valuable gifts you can give to many high school and college students in Korea. By having this procedure, it can help many individuals to have more substantial and more pronounced eyes. It corrects any symmetrical defects to contribute to a perfect eyelid shape.
Double eyelids are visible creases that are present in some individuals most likely acquired through genetic factors. These are benign and present no medical problems.
Sometimes, due to stress and a busy lifestyle, our eyes may look tired and dull. It may seem that no matter what skincare regimen and rest we take, our eyes seem always exhausted. All in all, people want to see vibrant and radiant looking eyes! A more awake and wide-eyed appearance is associated with a more pleasing appearance overall.
In individuals whose eyes are generally smaller or have monolids (eyelids without creases), it can be challenging to improve their overall eye shape and appearance.
If you think your eyes are unsatisfactory, then getting double eyelid surgery may be just the way to go to improve your overall eye shape and appearance!
Keep on reading to learn more about double eyelid surgery in Korea.
What is double eyelid surgery
Double eyelid surgery, is a specialized type of eyelid surgery that creates creases in the upper eyelids, leading to the formation of double eyelids. Blepharoplasty or ptosis correction surgery could also be done if you have underlying cosmetic conditions that you want to correct, like droopy eyelids or eye bags or eyelids covering more than certain amount of eyes. In this case, this procedure could also be done to change the appearance of your eyelids.
Blepharoplasty is used more commonly to treat aging and sagging of the skin around the eyes. Double eyelid surgery is used to create a crease in the eyelid to produce a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Ptosis correction surgery is used when the patient doesn’t have enough muscle strength to open the eyes.
With most of the few options available on how this procedure could be done, most offer permanent results. The procedure can be done incisional, non-incisional, and partially incisional.
Do I need double eyelid surgery?
If you have a monolid and want a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, then you are a perfect candidate for the double eyelid surgery. Getting the surgery not only changes your overall appearance but can also change how you look at life by boosting your self-esteem and confidence.
Other reasons that may prompt you to get double eyelid surgery include the following:
- It will be easier to apply certain types of makeup.
- You have one single and one double eyelid, and you’d like them to match.
- Your eyelids are interfering with your vision.
- Permanent creases can help make your eyes appear larger.
Steps in performing double eyelid surgery
A qualified and experienced plastic surgeon should only perform double eyelid surgery. There are a lot of skilled plastic surgeons in Korea to choose from. Before the procedure, you may need to discuss several things with your doctor.
- You should discuss your expectations from the surgery. Doing so makes you informed about the effects of the operation.
- If you have any problems with your eyes or the area around the eyes, this will inform your surgeon what necessary steps and precautions he or she needs to make.
- You should thoroughly discuss your medical history. It includes your pre-existing conditions, medications that you take, including supplements, and known allergies.
- Whether the incisional or non-incisional technique is right for you.
- What type of anesthesia would be used during the procedure?
- What you need to know about the associated risks and recovery time of the procedure.
Both techniques can be done in an outpatient setting. You will be administered with some type of anesthesia, and your eyes will be a little sensitive, so driving is not advised. Be sure to arrange transportation in advance when getting the procedure.
Incisional procedure
Here are the steps to double eyelid surgery using the incisional method:
- The expected double eyelid line will be measured carefully and will be marked with a pen for guidance.
- General anesthesia or intravenous sedation, along with local anesthesia, will be administered.
- The marked skin will be removed.
- Between the incisions, the orbicularis oculi muscle, together with the fat tissue, will be removed.
- By using skin glue or stitches, the incisions will be closed. Stitches will require a follow up for them to be removed four or five days after the surgery.
This technique is a good option, especially if you have thick skin, need extra skin and fat removed, or are aiming for permanent results. It is important to note that this technique isn’t reversible.
Risks associated with this technique include having an allergic reaction to the anesthesia, infection, temporary or permanent vision changes, and visible scarring.
Non-incisional procedure
Double eyelids can also be made without the need for an incision. This technique is also called the buried suture technique. It is also performed using general anesthesia or with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.
Just like the incisional technique, the eyelid will be first measured and marked with a pen. Then, tiny punctures are made in the skin along the line.
Sutures are inserted through the punctures and are pulled tight until they form the desired crease. They will remain beneath the skin and are invisible. They won’t need to be removed.
One potential advantage of this technique is that there is significantly less scarring. It is a good option if you don’t need extra skin and fat removed. Some associated risks include asymmetry or loosening of the double fold, infection, visible puncture marks when your eyes are closed, an inclusion cyst, and irritation from the sutures.
How long is the recovery time?
Following the incisional technique, initial healing time can last up to two weeks. Still, it may take several months for it to heal completely. While you’re recovering, you might experience minor bruising, swelling, changes in skin sensation, dry eyes, light sensitivity, and a little pain.
These symptoms are temporary. Some supportive measures are typically taken to relieve these symptoms, such as using a cold compress, applying the lubricating ointment, and wearing sunglasses when outside until you’re fully healed.
As with the non-incisional technique, you can expect a full recovery within two weeks following the procedure.
It is essential to follow your doctor’s orders after the surgery. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to prevent any infection from happening. Take the full course even though you are healed. It will help avoid any recurring infections from occurring.
How much is double eyelid surgery in Korea?
In the United States, the average cost of this procedure falls, on average, $3100. It dramatically varies if you choose to have a non-incisional or incisional technique. In Korea, the average price ranges from $1500 to $2500.
FAQs
In theory, the results of both techniques last forever. Still, there are a couple of things that you need to know for the non-incisional method.If the sutures are placed with narrow cutting, then those tend to pull out. If you wear contacts by pulling your upper eyelid, you could end up loosening your sutures.
Yes, you can. You can, for example, get a nose job while having double eyelid surgery.
Ptosis correction is generally recommended for people who lack eye-opening muscles. Aside from creating a clearer and more attractive double eyelid for individuals with this condition, it strengthens the eye-opening muscles. It results in a more distinct and more spacious eye shape. In this case, it is more preferred to create an ideal eye shape.