Is Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea Affordable? Cost Comparison with Thailand & Japan

Double eyelid surgery is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures across Asia, and Korea remains at the forefront of this trend—not only for its world-class results but also for its competitive pricing. While countries like Thailand and Japan also offer this procedure, many patients wonder: Is Korea really the most cost-effective choice?

Let’s take a closer look at the true cost of double eyelid surgery in Korea, and how it stacks up against Thailand and Japan in terms of price, quality, and value.


💰 Average Cost of Double Eyelid Surgery by Country

CountryNon-Incisional Method (USD)Incisional Method (USD)Revision/Complex Case (USD)
🇰🇷 Korea$800 – $1,400$1,200 – $2,500$2,500 – $5,000+
🇹🇭 Thailand$600 – $1,200$1,000 – $2,000$2,000 – $4,500
🇯🇵 Japan$1,300 – $2,500$2,000 – $4,000$4,000 – $6,500

💡 Prices vary by clinic reputation, surgeon experience, city, and whether additional procedures (like ptosis correction) are involved.


🧾 What’s Typically Included in Korean Clinics

Most Korean clinics offer comprehensive surgical packages that include:

  • Pre-surgery consultation and digital simulations
  • Surgeon’s fee and anesthesiology
  • Surgery room and facility charges
  • Post-operative medications and care supplies
  • 1–3 follow-up appointments
  • Scar care or LED therapy (optional at top-tier clinics)
  • Bilingual coordinator support (English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic)

✈️ Some clinics even offer medical tourism packages with hotel and airport transfer support for international patients.


💎 Quality vs. Price: Why Korea Offers Better Value

While Thailand may seem slightly cheaper for entry-level procedures, Korea provides more value due to the following:

✅ 1. Highly Specialized Surgeons

Korea’s surgeons often specialize exclusively in eyelid surgeries, performing hundreds to thousands of cases annually. This means better outcomes, especially for tricky eye types (monolids, asymmetrical folds, revision cases).

✅ 2. Technological Superiority

Korean clinics often use digital crease simulations, 3D imaging, and microsurgical tools. Japan has similar standards—but at a significantly higher price point.

✅ 3. Aesthetic Philosophy

Korea emphasizes natural-looking and youthful eyes, which appeals to both Korean and international patients. Thailand may cater more to Western-style cosmetic results, while Japan often produces a more “doll-like” look.


🔍 Additional Factors That Affect Cost

FactorEffect on Cost
Type of TechniqueIncisional > Non-incisional
Additional Ptosis Correction+ $500–$1,000
Revision Surgery+ $1,000–$3,000
Surgeon ReputationTop-tier surgeons charge more
Clinic LocationGangnam (Korea), Tokyo (Japan), Bangkok (Thailand) are higher-end areas

✈️ Why Medical Tourists Choose Korea Over Japan & Thailand

BenefitKoreaThailandJapan
Cost-to-Quality Ratio⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Natural Results✅ Very High✅ Moderate✅ Moderate
English-speaking Support✅ Widely Available✅ Available❌ Limited in most clinics
Modern Facilities✅ Advanced✅ Moderate✅ Advanced
Medical Tourism Infrastructure✅ Excellent✅ Excellent❌ Limited outside big cities
Scar Minimization Expertise✅ Advanced✅ Moderate✅ Advanced
Waiting TimeShortShortLong

📦 Example: Total Medical Trip Budget (International Patient)

ItemKorea (USD)Thailand (USD)Japan (USD)
Double Eyelid Surgery$1,500$1,200$2,800
3-Star Hotel (5 nights)$400$250$600
Flight (Asia round-trip avg)$500$400$600
Meals & Transport$200$150$300
Total Estimated Cost$2,600$2,000$4,300

💡 Although Thailand is cheaper overall, Korea offers more value for long-term results with superior safety, technology, and reputation.


📢 Final Verdict: Is Korea Affordable?

Yes—Korea is very affordable for the quality and long-term results it delivers.
While Thailand may have slightly lower upfront costs and Japan offers prestige-level services, Korea offers the ideal balance of cost, quality, safety, and beauty philosophy.

For anyone seeking:

Reliable aftercare and proven outcomes

A natural, clean crease

A clinic that understands Asian facial harmony

Get Consultancy

More insights

Asian Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea

Treatment OverviewAsian Double Eyelid Surgery is a specialized cosmetic procedure designed to create or enhance the upper eyelid crease, tailored to the unique anatomical features of Asian eyelids. It results in a natural-looking crease that makes the eyes appear larger and more expressive. Purpose & BenefitsThe surgery defines or forms a double eyelid crease, improving eye shape, symmetry, and facial harmony. Benefits include enhanced eye

Read more >

Gentle, Precise Vision Correction with Next-Generation Laser Technology with SMILE Eye Surgery

For those seeking a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to traditional LASIK, SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery is quickly becoming a preferred choice — especially among international patients visiting Korea for premium vision correction. This next-generation laser procedure offers clear, sharp vision with less discomfort and a faster recovery time. What is SMILE Eye Surgery? SMILE is a state-of-the-art laser refractive eye

Read more >

Restore Youthful, Alert Eyes with Expert Care with Ptosis Correction

Are you tired of looking tired — even when you’re well-rested? Drooping eyelids can make you appear older, fatigued, or less alert. If this sounds familiar, ptosis correction surgery may be the solution you’ve been looking for. With Korea’s world-renowned expertise in eyelid surgery, patients from around the world are turning to Korean plastic surgery clinics for natural, rejuvenating results. What Is Ptosis? Ptosis (pronounced

Read more >