What an Eye Surgery Quote Includes
Choosing between incisional and non-incisional double eyelid surgery often comes down to your natural eyelid anatomy, how much skin or fat needs to be addressed, and how permanent you want the crease to be. Understanding eye surgery quote inclusions Korea clinics typically provide can help you compare offers more accurately, since a quote is rarely just "surgery" — it usually bundles consultation, anesthesia, aftercare visits, and sometimes medication. This page compares the two main approaches so you can ask better questions before booking, whether at Beauty Bar Plastic Surgery or elsewhere in Seoul.
What it is
Double eyelid surgery creates or enhances a crease in the upper eyelid. The non-incisional method uses small sutures placed through tiny openings to form the fold, without removing skin. The incisional method involves a full incision along the intended crease line, allowing the surgeon to remove excess skin, fat, or muscle before stitching the fold into place. Both aim to produce a more defined upper eyelid line, but the underlying technique, downtime, and typical quote structure differ noticeably.
Who it suits
Non-incisional techniques generally suit people with thinner eyelid skin, minimal excess fat, and no strong ptosis, or drooping, of the eyelid muscle. It's often chosen by younger patients or those wanting a less invasive first procedure. The incisional method tends to suit people with thicker or looser skin, more prominent fat pads, or those who have had a previous non-incisional procedure that did not hold. Because eyelid anatomy varies widely between individuals, a suitable option for one person may not apply to another, and this is usually assessed during an in-person consultation.
Who should avoid it
Neither method is advisable for people with active eye infections, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, or certain autoimmune conditions affecting wound healing, though this should always be confirmed by a physician. Patients expecting a completely symmetrical or unchanging result over time may also want to reconsider, since eyelid folds can shift subtly with aging or weight changes regardless of technique. Anyone uncertain about how much skin correction they need should have a physical eyelid assessment rather than relying on photos alone.
How the session goes
Both procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, sometimes with light sedation, and are done on an outpatient basis. Non-incisional surgery is generally shorter, often completed within a session lasting well under an hour, while incisional surgery can take longer due to the need for tissue removal and layered closure. Surgeons commonly mark the eyelid crease with the patient sitting upright beforehand, since eyelid shape can look different lying down. The exact steps and duration vary by surgeon and by how much correction is planned.
Downtime and recovery
Swelling and bruising are expected after either procedure, though the intensity and duration differ. Non-incisional surgery usually involves a shorter visible recovery, with much of the swelling settling within one to two weeks for many patients, though individual healing speed varies. Incisional surgery tends to involve more noticeable swelling initially, and the fold may look tight or uneven for several weeks as tissues settle. Stitches, where used, are usually removed within about a week. Full softening of the crease and final appearance can take a few months in either case, and this timeline is not identical for everyone.
Pricing
Specific prices are not listed here, as costs depend on the technique chosen, the extent of correction needed, and the individual clinic's fee structure. What matters more for comparison purposes is understanding eye surgery quote inclusions Korea providers typically itemize: the surgical fee itself, anesthesia charges, any pre-operative testing, follow-up visits, and sometimes post-care items such as cooling packs or ointments. Some quotes bundle these together while others list them separately, so it is worth asking directly what is and isn't included before comparing numbers. VAT and consultation fees may also apply separately and can vary.
Safety
Both techniques are widely practiced, but as with any surgical procedure, they carry risks such as infection, asymmetry, under- or over-correction, or an unsatisfactory crease height that may require revision. Non-incisional results can occasionally loosen over time since no tissue is removed, while incisional results are generally considered more resistant to loosening but involve a longer, more visible healing process. Neither outcome should be described as permanent or guaranteed, since eyelid tissue continues to change with age. A thorough consultation, including a review of your eyelid anatomy and medical history, is the most reliable way to understand which risks are more relevant to your case.
| Factor | Non-incisional | Incisional |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Sutures create the fold, no skin removed | Full incision, tissue removed as needed |
| Best suited for | Thin skin, minimal excess fat | Thicker skin, more excess skin or fat |
| Session length | Generally shorter | Generally longer |
| Typical downtime | Shorter, milder swelling | Longer, more pronounced swelling |
| Number of sessions | Usually one | Usually one |
| Durability of fold | May loosen over time | Generally more stable, not guaranteed |
Frequently asked questions
Which technique gives a longer-lasting crease?
Incisional surgery is generally considered more resistant to loosening because tissue is removed and the fold is stitched more permanently, but individual healing and aging can still affect the result over time.
Can I switch from non-incisional to incisional later?
Yes, this is a common revision path if the initial fold loosens or fades, though the approach and timing should be discussed with a surgeon based on your healing and anatomy.
What does a typical eye surgery quote include?
Most quotes cover the surgical fee, anesthesia, and immediate follow-up care, but inclusions vary, so it's worth asking specifically about consultation fees, medication, and any additional visits.
How long before swelling fully resolves?
Initial swelling often improves within one to two weeks, but subtler changes in the eyelid can continue for a few months as tissue settles, and this timeline differs between patients.
Is one method safer than the other?
Both are commonly performed procedures with established techniques, but each carries its own set of risks related to incision size, tissue removal, and individual healing, which should be reviewed during a consultation.