Double Eyelid Surgery for Hooded Eyes
Double Eyelid Surgery for Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes occur when excess upper eyelid skin partially covers the natural eyelid crease, making the eyes appear smaller or heavier. For many patients, standard double eyelid surgery alone is not enough to achieve the desired result. The surgical approach must address the underlying cause of the hooding while creating a natural, balanced eyelid crease.
Korean plastic surgeons customize the procedure based on the amount of excess skin, eyelid thickness, and muscle function.
What Causes Hooded Eyes?
Hooded eyelids may develop because of:
- Excess upper eyelid skin
- Thick eyelids
- Aging and loss of skin elasticity
- Genetic eyelid anatomy
- Mild ptosis (weak eyelid muscles)
Identifying the cause helps determine the most effective treatment.
Is Double Eyelid Surgery Enough?
It depends on the severity of the hooding.
For mild hooded eyes, double eyelid surgery alone may create a more visible eyelid crease.
For moderate to severe hooding, additional correction may be necessary, such as:
- Removal of excess skin
- Fat reduction if appropriate
- Ptosis correction when eyelid muscle weakness is present
Your surgeon will recommend the procedure that best addresses your eyelid anatomy.
Which Surgical Method Is Best?
For most patients with hooded eyes, incisional double eyelid surgery is recommended.
The incisional technique allows the surgeon to:
- Remove excess skin
- Remove excess fat if necessary
- Create a stable eyelid crease
- Improve eyelid definition
Because hooded eyes often involve extra tissue, the non-incisional technique may not provide long-lasting results.
When Is Ptosis Correction Needed?
Some patients with hooded eyes also have ptosis.
Your surgeon may recommend ptosis correction if you have:
- Eyes that appear constantly tired
- Difficulty opening the eyes fully
- The upper eyelid covering part of the pupil
- Forehead lifting to keep the eyes open
Combining ptosis correction with double eyelid surgery often creates larger, brighter, and more alert-looking eyes.
Expected Results
When planned appropriately, surgery for hooded eyes can:
- Create a more visible eyelid crease
- Reduce the heavy appearance of the upper eyelids
- Make the eyes appear larger
- Improve eyelid symmetry
- Produce natural-looking facial balance
The goal is enhancement rather than creating an overly high or artificial crease.
Recovery After Surgery
Most patients experience:
- Swelling during the first 1–2 weeks
- Bruising that gradually fades
- Suture removal after 5–7 days
- Return to work within 7–10 days
Final results continue to improve over 2–6 months as swelling completely resolves.
How Much Does Double Eyelid Surgery for Hooded Eyes Cost in Korea?
Typical prices include:
- Consultation: ₩20,000–₩50,000
- Incisional double eyelid surgery: ₩1,500,000–₩3,500,000
- Double eyelid surgery with ptosis correction: ₩2,500,000–₩5,000,000+
- Upper eyelid skin removal (if performed separately): Costs vary depending on the surgical plan
The final cost depends on the amount of correction required.
How Long Should International Patients Stay in Korea?
Most international patients should plan to stay 7–10 days.
This allows time for:
- Preoperative consultation
- Surgery
- Early recovery
- Follow-up examination
- Suture removal if required
Patients undergoing combined procedures may benefit from a slightly longer stay.
Final thoughts
Double eyelid surgery for hooded eyes requires a personalized approach rather than a standard procedure. While some patients only need a new eyelid crease, others benefit from excess skin removal or ptosis correction to achieve optimal results. An experienced Korean plastic surgeon will evaluate your eyelid anatomy and recommend the combination of techniques that provides the most natural, functional, and long-lasting improvement.
