Upper Eyelid Hooding in Korea —Eye-Specialized Care & Cost Guide

At a Glance

  • What it is: Heavy skin covering the lash line/crease (dermatochalasis) ± true droop (ptosis) and brow descent
  • Fixes that work: Upper blepharoplasty, ptosis repair (levator/MMCR), temporal/endoscopic brow lift, sub-brow lift, internal browpexy
  • Goal: Brighter, defined eyes with a natural crease—no hollowness, no “surprised” look
  • Fly-in stay: Typically 7–10 days in Seoul for stitch removal & early checks


Why Korea — and Why an Eye-Specialized Clinic?

1) Eyelid-first planning

Specialized teams design the crease, lid margin, corners, and brow together. That prevents over-resection of skin and keeps the look believable.

2) High-volume finesse

Korean periorbital surgeons perform large case volumes, refining crease design, fat preservation, and ptosis/brow decisions for middle-aged eyes.

3) Structure-preserving techniques

Modern approach = move/preserve fat, correct muscle/tendon (ptosis) when needed, and lift the brow tail if that’s the true culprit.

4) Traveler-friendly systems

Clear English consults, photo reviews, printed aftercare, and itinerary-aware scheduling (stitch-out ~day 5–7).

5) Value without cutting corners

Surgeon-led care, hospital-grade protocols, meticulous scar placement—at competitive pricing.

What Actually Causes Upper Hooding?

  • Dermatochalasis: Extra upper-lid skin hides the crease and smudges makeup.
  • Ptosis: The lid margin sits low (you lift brows to see)—needs levator/MMCR, not just skin trimming.
  • Brow descent: Low brow tail folds skin over the outer lid—best fixed with a temporal/endoscopic lift or sub-brow in selected Asian lids.
  • Volume/ROOF changes: Fullness can worsen heaviness; we contour conservatively (no hollowing).
  • Skin quality: Crepey skin may need staged energy/skin care.

Treatment Menu (Customized)

Upper Blepharoplasty
Precise skin (± muscle) tailoring, stable crease fixation (parallel or in-out taper), conservative fat contouring.

Ptosis Repair (Levator/MMCR)
Lifts the lid margin when true droop exists; often paired with upper bleph for definition and stability.

Brow Solutions

  • Temporal (Lateral) Brow Lift – short scar; targets lateral hooding.
  • Endoscopic Brow/Forehead Lift – multi-portal lift for global descent & frown line release.
  • Sub-Brow Lift – powerful lateral de-hooding (scar camouflaged at brow line); popular for Asian lids.
  • Internal Browpexy – mild tail support through the bleph incision.

Adjuncts (case-by-case)
Epicanthoplasty (inner-corner refinement), light fractional/RF later for fine lines.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

  • Hidden/low crease, makeup imprinting, or “tired” outer lids
  • Photos show brow tail below the rim or you strain brows to open eyes
  • Realistic goals and willingness to follow aftercare

Cost Estimates (Guide)

Final fees vary by anatomy, technique, and combinations. Ranges typically include surgeon + facility + anesthesia (KRW).
  • Upper Blepharoplasty: ₩1.8M–₩4.0M
  • Ptosis Repair (levator/MMCR): ₩1.8M–₩4.8M
  • Temporal (Lateral) Brow Lift: ₩2.0M–₩4.0M
  • Endoscopic Brow/Forehead Lift: ₩3.0M–₆.0M
  • Sub-Brow Lift: ₩2.0M–₄.0M
  • Internal Browpexy (add-on): ₩0.8M–₁.8M
  • Revision Upper Blepharoplasty: ₩3.5M–₆.5M

Example Scenarios

  • A. Simple dermatochalasis, normal brow: Upper bleph → ₩1.8M–₩4.0M
  • B. Hooding + true droop: Upper bleph + ptosis repair → ₩3.3M–₩6.5M
  • C. Lateral hooding (low brow tail): Temporal brow lift (± upper bleph) → ₩2.0M–₩6.5M total
  • D. Global brow descent + strong frown lines: Endoscopic lift (± upper bleph) → ₩3.0M–₩8.5M total
  • E. Asian lid with lateral excess, wants hidden crease: Sub-brow lift ± upper bleph → ₩2.0M–₩6.5M total

Travel Timeline (Typical)

  • Day 0: Outpatient surgery (45–120 min)
  • Days 1–3: Peak swelling; head elevated; cool compresses
  • Day 5–7: Stitch removal (if external)
  • Day 7–10: Socially presentable; light makeup after clearance
  • Weeks 3–6: Crease/brow settle naturally
  • Months 3–6: Final shape & scar maturation

How to Get Your Personal Estimate (Fast)

Send (email or upload):

  1. Photos: front/45°/side with brows relaxed, then lightly lifted with fingers (to show desired change)
  2. Prior eyelid/brow procedures or Botox/filler (what/when)
  3. Top priorities: hooding, droop, asymmetry, outer-lid heaviness
  4. Travel window & downtime preference
  5. Any dry eye, contact lenses, blood thinners, or allergies

You’ll receive a custom plan (bleph vs ptosis vs brow—or a combo), a fee range, and a 7–10 day recovery calendar tailored to your trip.

FAQs

Do I need ptosis repair or just skin removal?
If the lid margin is low, you need ptosis repair; skin-only surgery won’t fix droop.

Brow lift or upper bleph first?
If the brow tail is low, lift the brow first (often temporal) and then do a conservative bleph if needed.

Will I look “surprised”?
No—lift vectors and crease height are conservative and matched to your anatomy.

Where are the scars?
Upper bleph hides in the crease; temporal/endoscopic brow incisions are in the hair; sub-brow sits at the brow line and is planned for camouflage.

How long will it last?
Typically years. Aging continues, but structural problems (droop, descent, excess skin) are corrected.