As you research double-eyelid surgery, you may start collecting photographs of eyes you like.
“I would like a more defined crease, but a very big change feels daunting.”
“Would that look suit my eyes, too?”
You may know the impression you want, yet find it difficult to decide when you also have to consider non-incisional versus incisional surgery and how long to stay in Korea.
Instead of choosing an operation first, start by finding out what changes may be possible for your own eyes.
If you are planning a visit to Korea, one option is to consult Girin Plastic Surgery in person about your preferred look and a method appropriate for you.
A crease that suits your face, rather than a photograph
The same crease can look different depending on eyelid skin, the amount of fat and the strength used to open the eyes. A photograph you like is a useful starting point, but it cannot serve as a promise of an identical result.
At your consultation, discuss the impression you would like to keep as well as the changes you want.
- How you want your eyes to look with and without your usual makeup
- How visible you would like the crease to be
- Whether you would prefer to retain your current impression rather than make a major change
- What concerns you about an existing crease or differences between the two sides
Putting your preferences into specific words can help you explore an appropriate direction while listening to the medical team's explanation.
Which methods can you discuss at Girin?
Based on Girin Plastic Surgery's official information, its double-eyelid surgery page explains non-incisional and incisional methods separately. The method and crease are discussed after assessing each person's eyes. [1]
Non-incisional method
This method fixes a crease with sutures through small openings. Girin describes thin eyelid skin or a faint existing crease among the situations that may be discussed at consultation.
Incisional method
This method forms a crease through an incision in the skin and adjusts tissue when necessary. The clinic describes situations such as thick eyelids or loose skin.
You do not need to decide on a method yourself from these descriptions. Ask in person, “Why is this method appropriate for my eyes?” It is helpful to discuss the expected changes and limitations, scarring and recovery together. [1]
Girin also lists ptosis correction separately. Creating a double-eyelid crease and assessing the strength used to open the eyes are distinct issues. If an additional operation is suggested, ask why it is needed. [2]
Why consider Girin for a consultation?
When researching clinics from overseas, “What can I check when I get there?” matters alongside “Which clinic should I consider?”
Girin's official procedure page describes assessing eyelid-opening strength and fat volume, and designing with facial proportions in mind. Its distinction between non-incisional and incisional methods can help you prepare questions before the consultation. [1]
Use this information to check three things at your consultation.
How were my eyes assessed?
Ask how the concerns you noticed in photographs relate to the findings of the examination.
Why are this method and crease being suggested?
Check what may be possible for your own eyes while taking your preferred look into account.
What schedule will I need after surgery?
Understanding follow-up appointments and aftercare helps you plan your visit to Korea more concretely.
The consultation process described by the clinic is information to help you consider your options. Make your decision after hearing the treating team's explanation and having your questions answered.
Plan your visit together with consultation and aftercare
Being able to have an in-person consultation and early follow-up at the same clinic in Korea is a practical point to consider. This depends on allowing enough time for that process.
Before booking, check the following arrangements rather than deciding only on an operation date.
- When the in-person consultation and the operation will each take place
- When the first follow-up and any necessary suture removal will take place
- Whether another examination is needed before returning home
- Whom to contact if you experience problems after returning home
Once these arrangements are clear, it becomes easier to understand what to prepare during your stay in Korea.
Discuss aftercare and travel plans with the surgical team before fixing flights and accommodation. There is no single length of stay or date for flying that can be recommended for every patient. Allow for the possibility of extending your accommodation or changing a flight. [5]
Returning to daily activities is different from sufficient recovery
In its detailed description of the non-incisional method, Girin states that daily activities are possible immediately after surgery. [1]
However, being able to carry out daily activities is different from all swelling and bruising resolving or the crease settling. Do not apply this statement automatically to incisional surgery, or interpret it as permission to exercise or fly immediately.
The specific procedure page reviewed for this article did not give a number of days for suture removal or complete recovery.
The necessary schedule varies with the method and individual circumstances. Obtain personal instructions about when to resume makeup, contact lenses and exercise, and how to wash and use medicines. During recovery, follow the surgical team's instructions rather than combining different instructions found online. [3, 4]
You do not need to know the surgical method yet
You do not have to decide between a non-incisional and an incisional method before your first inquiry.
Start by noting your preferred dates for visiting Korea, the look you want, and whether you have had eye surgery before.
At consultation, also tell the medical team about medicines and supplements, eye-related symptoms and previous operations. Do not stop medication on your own. [3, 4]
You can prepare more calmly by also checking what is included in the surgical fee, any extra charges, follow-up arrangements and whether explanations can be provided in a language you understand comfortably. [5, 6]
Prepare for a Girin consultation with GREY
If you are interested in double-eyelid surgery but unsure where to start with a visit to Korea and booking, leave GREY your preferred dates and questions.
If you have not chosen a method, you can simply write, “I would like a consultation about double-eyelid surgery.”
The recommended operation or plan may change after preliminary guidance and an actual examination. Decide after understanding the consultation and checking that the proposed direction matches what you want.
Before deciding on surgery
Swelling, bruising and eye discomfort can occur after double-eyelid surgery, and recovery and results vary. Discuss possible asymmetry, scarring, an unsatisfactory result, bleeding, infection, anaesthetic problems and vision-related complications with the medical team.
If you have severe pain, reduced vision or bleeding that does not stop after surgery, contact the surgical clinic or an emergency medical service without delay. This article does not replace an individual diagnosis or surgical plan. [3, 4]