As one of Korea’s top destinations for cosmetic surgery, JK Plastic Surgery has gained international recognition for its expertise in eyelid surgery, offering highly personalized treatments for both upper and lower eyelid concerns. Whether you’re seeking to achieve brighter, youthful eyes or reduce signs of aging, understanding the differences between upper and lower blepharoplasty is essential — especially for medical tourists planning their journey to Seoul.
Here’s what international patients should know about the services JK Plastic Surgery offers and how they tailor procedures to meet diverse anatomical needs and aesthetic goals.
Understanding the Basics: What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of the eyelids by removing or repositioning excess skin, fat, and muscle. The procedure can be done on:
- Upper eyelids (to treat sagging, hooded eyes, or to create a double eyelid crease)
- Lower eyelids (to reduce under-eye bags, dark circles, and wrinkles)
JK Plastic Surgery offers both procedures independently or as a combined eyelid rejuvenation, depending on your needs.
Upper Eyelid Surgery at JK Plastic Surgery
✅ Purpose:
Upper eyelid surgery focuses on addressing:
- Droopy or sagging upper lids (common with age)
- Obstructed vision due to skin overhang
- Monolids or weak eyelid creases
- Tired or aged appearance
✅ Who It’s For:
- Patients seeking double eyelid surgery
- Individuals with ptosis (eyelid drooping)
- Those who want brighter, more defined eyes
✅ Techniques Used at JK:
- Non-Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery:
- Ideal for patients with thin eyelid skin and minimal fat
- Quick recovery, no visible scar
- Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery:
- Best for patients with thick or sagging skin
- More permanent results
- Ptosis Correction:
- Lifts weak or drooping upper eyelids
- Enhances both function and aesthetics
- Epicanthoplasty (Inner Corner Eye Surgery):
- Often combined with double eyelid surgery
- Opens up inner corners for larger-looking eyes
✅ Recovery Time:
- Most swelling reduces within 5–7 days
- Stitches removed after 5–7 days
- Return to most normal activities in 1–2 weeks
Lower Eyelid Surgery at JK Plastic Surgery
✅ Purpose:
Lower eyelid surgery rejuvenates the under-eye area by:
- Reducing puffiness and under-eye bags
- Smoothing out wrinkles and creases
- Minimizing shadows and hollows (tear trough deformities)
- Restoring a refreshed, youthful look
✅ Who It’s For:
- Patients with visible under-eye fat pads
- Those experiencing sagging or wrinkled lower eyelid skin
- Individuals with dark circles caused by volume loss or shadows
✅ Techniques Used at JK:
- Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty:
- No external incision
- Ideal for removing or repositioning fat in younger patients with good skin elasticity
- Transcutaneous Blepharoplasty:
- Involves incision just below the lash line
- Suitable for older patients needing both fat removal and skin tightening
- Fat Repositioning or Grafting:
- Smooths under-eye hollows
- Restores youthful volume without removing too much fat
- Laser Skin Resurfacing (optional):
- Often used post-surgery to tighten and rejuvenate skin further
✅ Recovery Time:
- Minor swelling and bruising for 7–10 days
- Stitches (if any) removed in 5–7 days
- Final results visible in 3–4 weeks
Key Differences: Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery
| Feature | Upper Eyelid Surgery | Lower Eyelid Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Lift and define upper eyelid, improve vision | Remove bags, smooth wrinkles, rejuvenate under-eyes |
| Common Patients | Asian double eyelid, droopy lids, aged appearance | Aging individuals with puffiness or dark circles |
| Techniques Used | Non-incisional, incisional, ptosis repair, epicanthoplasty | Transconjunctival, transcutaneous, fat repositioning |
| Scar Visibility | Minimal to none (hidden in crease or lash line) | Invisible (inner eyelid) or well-concealed externally |
| Recovery Time | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| Can Combine With | Brow lift, epicanthoplasty, ptosis correction | Fat grafting, facelift, laser resurfacing |
Why International Patients Choose JK Plastic Surgery
JK Plastic Surgery is a government-accredited medical tourism hospital known for its:
- 🌐 Multilingual international team (English, Chinese, Russian, etc.)
- 🏥 In-house recovery center and airport pickup services
- 💡 Advanced 3D imaging for pre-surgical visualization
- 🧑⚕️ Board-certified specialists in facial and eyelid procedures
- 💬 Virtual consultations before and after your trip
- 🛫 Efficient scheduling for those with limited travel time
Their patient-centered philosophy ensures each eyelid procedure is tailored to the individual’s facial anatomy, cultural aesthetic preferences, and medical history.
Can You Combine Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Absolutely. Many patients choose to undergo upper and lower blepharoplasty simultaneously for a more complete and harmonious rejuvenation. This approach offers:
- One recovery period
- Better symmetry and balance
- More dramatic transformation
Surgeons at JK assess whether combining procedures is medically and aesthetically appropriate based on the patient’s condition and recovery ability.
What to Expect as an International Patient
- Online Consultation: Send photos and medical info before arriving in Korea.
- In-Person Consultation: Final planning using facial scans and visual simulations.
- Surgery: Performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
- Recovery: Rest in JK’s recovery center or recommended accommodations.
- Follow-Up Care: Stitches removal, in-clinic or virtual post-op checks.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to enhance your upper eyelids, rejuvenate tired under-eyes, or do both, JK Plastic Surgery offers safe, sophisticated, and personalized eyelid surgery for international patients. With its advanced techniques, dedicated international support, and commitment to natural-looking results, JK remains a top choice for medical tourists seeking eyelid transformation in Korea.
