Procedure guide

Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty) in Korea

Refresh tired-looking eyes with lower eyelid surgery

  • Surgery time Around 0.5 – 1 hour
  • Anesthesia type Local anesthesia with sleeping sedation
  • Hospitalization Not required
  • Face wash & makeup 7 days after surgery
  • Post-surgery check-up 1 time (depending on the patient's condition)
  • Stitches removal 7 days after surgery
lower blepharoplasty korea — editorial hero (Seoul Medical Insider)

Lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and loose lower-lid skin for a less tired look. Techniques include transconjunctival (incision inside the lid — no external scar) for fat, and skin/muscle approaches; fat may be removed or repositioned. Korea is well known for eyelid surgery.

At a glance
Surgery timeRoughly 1 hour
AnesthesiaLocal with sedation; sometimes general
Hospital stayOutpatient (day surgery)
Back to routineAbout 1–2 weeks
Final resultSettles over months; no external scar (transconjunctival)

General information, not medical advice. Suitability, outcomes, and risks vary by individual — discuss your case with a board-certified surgeon. Seoul Medical Insider matches patients to accredited clinics and does not perform procedures.

How it works

Lower eyelid surgery addresses under-eye bags and skin. Two main approaches:

  1. Planning: the surgeon determines whether the issue is fat, skin, or both.
  2. Anesthesia: local anesthetic with light sedation.
  3. Transconjunctival: an incision inside the lower lid removes or repositions fat with no external scar; or
  4. Skin approach: a fine incision just under the lash line lets excess skin/muscle be trimmed.
  5. Closing: fine sutures (skin approach) are placed and removed ~day 5–7; cold compresses help swelling.

Your surgeon chooses the approach for your concern.

Assessment & approach
Step 1

Assessment & approach

The surgeon evaluates under-eye fat distribution and skin laxity to choose between transconjunctival (inside the lid) or subciliary (below the lash line) approach.

Fat repositioning
Step 2

Fat repositioning

Herniated orbital fat pads are carefully separated and repositioned to fill the tear trough and under-eye hollow, rather than removed.

Skin tightening
Step 3

Skin tightening

If needed, a small amount of excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is gently tightened for a smooth, wrinkle-free contour.

Closure
Step 4

Closure

Transconjunctival incisions heal without visible scars. Subciliary incisions are closed with fine sutures hidden just below the lash line.

Cost · as of 2026

Through Seoul Medical Insider patients pay no markup — accredited-clinic pricing is passed through transparently, and you get a written all-in quote before deciding.

What drives the price: technique (transconjunctival vs. skin approach), fat removal vs. repositioning, whether combined with other eye procedures, and surgeon.

For current, itemised ranges and how to avoid hidden fees, see our eyelid cost guide and all-in cost breakdown. Pricing changes over time — reviewed 2026.

Who it is for

Considered for persistent under-eye bags, puffiness, or lower-lid skin that does not improve with rest. Some "dark circles" are pigment or hollowing (better suited to filler/fat) rather than bags — a surgeon distinguishes the cause.

Recovery

  • Days 1–7: swelling/bruising around the eyes; cold compress, head elevated; sutures (skin approach) removed ~day 5–7.
  • Weeks 2–4: most visible swelling subsides.
  • Months 1–6: fine swelling and any scar settle.

Transconjunctival approaches leave no external scar. Timelines vary.

Risks & considerations

Possible risks include swelling, bruising, dry or irritated eyes, asymmetry, under/over-correction, lower-lid retraction or pulling-down (ectropion) — uncommon but more likely with skin removal — or a result needing revision. Surgeon experience matters. Your surgeon details the risks.

Korea trip checklist

  • Confirm whether your concern is fat (bags), skin, pigment, or hollowing — it changes the plan.
  • Verify the surgeon’s credentials and that the operating clinic is accredited.
  • Confirm in writing who performs the surgery (avoid undisclosed substitution / "ghost surgery").
  • Get an itemised, all-in quote in writing (surgery, anesthesia, facility, aftercare).
  • Arrange medical interpretation and a clear post-op contact for questions back home.
  • Plan your stay for suture removal/check (~day 5–7).

Clinical details are summarized from materials provided by SMI's partner clinics and published guidance from the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS). Technique selection is determined by your surgeon during consultation. SMI is a registered patient-facilitation agency, not a medical provider, and does not offer medical advice.

Why get this procedure in Korea

  • World-leading surgical volume

    Korean plastic surgeons perform more facial procedures per capita than any other country, refining techniques through high case volumes.

  • Board-certified specialists

    All SMI partner surgeons hold Korean Board of Plastic Surgery certification and operate at JCI or KOIHA-accredited facilities.

  • 40-60% cost savings

    Comparable or superior results at a fraction of US/EU pricing, with no compromise on safety standards or technology.

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