(Eye surgery information & medical-tourism guide for international visitors to Korea)
[Document type] Medical procedure information guide / Eye surgery types, recovery & precautions
* This content is for information only and is not medical advice. Whether to have a procedure, which
method, and suitability must be decided in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
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Introduction
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The eyes shape a face's impression more than any other feature. That is why eye surgery is one of the
most sought-after procedures in Korea, known worldwide for natural lines and delicate design. From
double-eyelid surgery and ptosis (eye-opening) correction to epicanthoplasty (inner/outer corner) and
under-eye work — with so many options, a choice that fits your own eye structure and goals matters most.
This guide organizes the types, features, recovery process and precautions of eye surgery in a balanced
way for international visitors to Korea. It covers not only benefits but also possible side effects and
recovery times, so you can understand the information fully before consulting a specialist.
Eyelid thickness, fat and muscle condition, left-right asymmetry, and skin elasticity greatly change
which method suits you. The content below is general information; the actual procedure must always be
decided based on a specialist's diagnosis.
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Understanding eye surgery
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1) What is considered
Eyelid thickness and fat volume, drooping (ptosis), symmetry, skin elasticity, and the desired crease
height and shape are assessed together. Even for the same "double eyelid," the right method differs
per person.
2) Incision vs non-incision
Non-incision (buried suture) tends to recover quickly with less swelling but may have limits with
thick skin or fat. Incision offers broader, longer-lasting correction but takes longer to recover.
The choice depends on your eye structure.
3) How to view the information
(1) Understand recovery and side effects along with benefits (2) Assume no single method is best for
everyone (3) The final decision comes from a specialist's diagnosis and consultation.
Key point: Eye surgery is about "design that fits your structure." Finding a method suited to your own
eyes with a specialist — not a trending line — leads to a natural result.
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Types of eye surgery & things to know TOP10
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No.1
Double eyelid - buried suture (non-incision)
Overview Fixes the crease line with sutures, no incision
Point Relatively fast recovery/less swelling; limits with thick fat/skin
Note The line may loosen over time -> discuss longevity with a specialist
No.2
Double eyelid - incision
Overview Creates the line by incision, adjusting fat and skin together
Point Broad, lasting correction; longer recovery
Note Swelling/scar care matters -> plan recovery in advance
No.3
Ptosis correction (eye-opening)
Overview Adjusts the eye-opening muscle for clearer, brighter eyes
Point For sleepy-looking or asymmetric eyes
Note Delicate degree of correction -> specialist diagnosis especially important
No.4
Epicanthoplasty (inner corner)
Overview Adjusts the inner-corner (Mongolian) fold for eye length/impression
Point Often for a less "stuffy" impression
Note Over-correction can look unnatural -> design consultation essential
No.5
Lateral canthoplasty (outer corner)
Overview Adjusts the outer corner to lengthen the eye shape
Point Sometimes discussed with inner-corner/ptosis work
Note Confirm possibility of re-adhesion with a specialist
No.6
Lower canthoplasty (under-corner)
Overview Adjusts the lower direction for eye size/impression
Point For a clearer, more open impression
Note Suitability varies greatly by eye structure
No.7
Under-eye fat repositioning
Overview Repositions protruding under-eye fat to reduce shadows/dark circles
Point For a less tired impression
Note Method varies with skin elasticity and fat volume
No.8
Upper blepharoplasty (upper lid)
Overview Trims sagging upper-lid skin and fat
Point For age-related lid drooping
Note Sometimes discussed with vision improvement in older adults
No.9
Lower blepharoplasty (lower lid)
Overview Addresses under-eye fat, wrinkles and sagging together
Point For overall under-eye aging
Note Plan generous recovery/swelling time
No.10
Eye surgery revision
Overview Corrects previous line, asymmetry, loosening, etc.
Point Complex tissue state, higher difficulty
Note Thorough consultation and expectation-setting with an experienced specialist essential
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Details — how to prepare
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[Good to organize before consultation]
Your desired impression/line, past procedure history, allergies/medications, and the time you can spend
on recovery make consultation smoother. Share photos of the feeling you want, but discuss "a direction
suited to my eye structure" rather than "exactly the same."
[Understanding recovery]
Swelling/bruising degree and duration differ by procedure. Early on, cold compresses and rest; then care
per the clinic's guidance. Suture removal and follow-up dates exist, so schedule your return trip with
generous room for recovery and observation.
[A balanced view]
Eye surgery carries possibilities of swelling, asymmetry, re-adhesion and scarring along with benefits.
These vary by individual condition and method, so decide after fully consulting a specialist on possible
side effects and how they are managed.
[Connection with a medical-tourism schedule]
International visitors should plan consultation -> procedure -> follow-up -> suture removal in advance.
PrettyKeep helps coordinate hospital booking, medical interpretation, recovery-stay lodging, and
follow-up scheduling.
Notes for medical tourists (most important)
- Whether/how/suitability must be decided with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
- Allow a generous stay considering recovery (swelling/bruising/suture removal/observation).
- After the procedure, follow the clinic's recovery guidance (UV, compress, alcohol, strenuous activity) first.
- Use medical interpretation to communicate expectations, side effects and recovery plans accurately.
- Contact the clinic immediately for bleeding, severe pain, vision abnormalities or other warning signs.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
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Q1. Which is better, buried or incision?
A. There is no "better" method. The suitable method differs by eyelid thickness, fat volume and skin, so
it is decided by a specialist's diagnosis.
Q2. How long is recovery?
A. It varies by procedure and person. Early swelling/bruising subsides, and suture removal/observation are
needed, so allow a generous stay. Confirm exact timing with your clinic.
Q3. Will there be scars?
A. It depends on whether there is an incision and your healing. Discuss care and expected course with a
specialist.
Q4. Can several procedures be done together?
A. Ptosis correction and epicanthoplasty are sometimes discussed together, but combination is judged by a
specialist considering eye structure and recovery.
Q5. Are Chinese/English consultations available?
A. Major hospitals often support medical interpretation. PrettyKeep helps with booking and interpretation.
Q6. How much does it cost?
A. It varies greatly by type, scope and hospital; this content does not give fixed prices. Confirm an exact
quote at the hospital during consultation.
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Medical-tourism TIPS
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1. Decide the procedure, method and suitability with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
2. Allow generous stay/return timing for swelling, suture removal and observation.
3. After the procedure, prioritize clinic guidance on UV, compress, alcohol and strenuous activity.
4. Use medical interpretation to communicate expectations, side effects and recovery plans.
5. Contact the clinic immediately for warning signs (bleeding, severe pain, vision changes).
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About PrettyKeep
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PrettyKeep is a Korea travel & medical-tourism guide platform for international visitors.
- We support you step by step, from understanding eye-surgery information to hospital booking and medical
interpretation (all procedure decisions reflect specialist consultation first)
- Recovery-stay lodging near the hospital and minimal-movement routes
- Coordinating consultation -> procedure -> observation -> suture removal
- Warning-sign response and hospital liaison
A day to understand fully and decide with a specialist — safely, with PrettyKeep.
(This content is for information only and is not medical advice. Consult a specialist for procedures.)
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