Plastic surgery
Double Eyelid Surgery abroad
Surgery that creates or refines a crease in the upper eyelid for a larger, more defined eye — the most common cosmetic procedure in East Asia.
NavyMedicine / flickr · PDM- Global range
- $1,000–$5,000
- Clinics tracked
- 39
- Recovery
- 1–4 weeks
- Final results
- 1–3 months
Overview
Double eyelid surgery (East Asian blepharoplasty) creates a defined crease in the upper eyelid, making the eyes appear larger and more open. It is the most common cosmetic procedure in South Korea, where surgeons offer a range of refined techniques tailored to individual eyelid anatomy.
Techniques range from non-incisional 'suture' methods with quick recovery to full incisional approaches that also remove excess skin and fat for a permanent, defined result. The right method depends on eyelid thickness and skin laxity, and a natural outcome relies on the surgeon's judgement about crease height and shape.
Where to get it
Tracked destinations with cost ranges. Open a destination for clinics, surgeons and what to verify.
Techniques
Non-incisional (suture)
Sutures form the crease with no incision; fast recovery but can loosen over time.
Partial-incision
A few small incisions balance durability with quicker healing.
Full-incision
A continuous incision allows skin/fat removal for a permanent, defined crease.
Ptosis correction add-on
Combined when a droopy lid muscle also needs tightening.
The process
- 1Consultation and crease design to suit your anatomy
- 2Local anaesthesia with light sedation
- 3Suture or incision technique to form the crease
- 4Removal of excess skin/fat in incisional cases
- 5Fine sutures; brief in-clinic recovery
Recovery timeline
Week 1
Swelling and bruising; stitches removed around day 5–7 (incisional).
Weeks 2–4
Most swelling subsides; crease looks high at first, then settles.
Months 1–3
Crease softens to its natural final height and shape.
Candidacy
- ✓Absent or uneven upper-eyelid crease
- ✓Healthy eyes and realistic goals
- ✓Adult with stable eyelid anatomy
- ✓Understanding of technique trade-offs
What to ask
- ›Which technique suits my eyelid anatomy, and why?
- ›Will the crease be permanent or could it loosen?
- ›Can I see natural-looking before/after cases?
- ›Do I also need ptosis correction?
Risks
- Asymmetric creases
- Crease loosening (suture method)
- Over- or under-correction
- Scarring (incisional)
- Dry eye or irritation
Double Eyelid Surgery abroad: frequently asked questions
Which country is best for blepharoplasty surgery?
No single country is "best" for double eyelid surgery — it depends on the clinic, not the border. The most-travelled-for destinations we cover are South Korea; compare them on cost and the MedTraveling Transparency Index instead of picking by reputation.
What is the safest country to get plastic surgery?
Double Eyelid Surgery carries the same core medical risks wherever it's performed — the provider matters far more than the country. Wherever you travel, confirm accreditation in the issuer's public registry and the surgeon on the national register, and get the complication and revision policy in writing.
How much is blepharoplasty abroad?
Abroad, double eyelid surgery typically runs $1,000–$5,000 depending on the country and clinic, roughly 25% below a typical US private price of about $4,000. We track live published prices by destination — open the cost guide for South Korea to see clinic-by-clinic figures rather than a single average.