What’s the downtime for double eyelid surgery in Korea?

I remember obsessively Googling this exact question before my trip to Seoul last year: “What’s the downtime for double eyelid surgery in Korea?”

Let me share my own journey because I actually had my double eyelid surgery done at TJ Plastic Surgery with Dr. Tack-Jin Chang — and I can tell you what the real downtime felt like, week by week.


My Story: Planning My Downtime Around Surgery

I had only two weeks off from work, so I needed to know exactly how long I’d look swollen or obviously “surgical.” Here’s how it went for me:


Week 1: The Puffy Potato Phase

  • Days 1-3: Super swollen, with bruising on the upper eyelids. I wore big sunglasses anytime I stepped outside.
  • Pain level: Honestly, not bad — more discomfort and tightness than sharp pain.
  • At TJ Plastic Surgery, they provided daily aftercare treatments, including swelling reduction therapy, which helped a lot.

Week 2: Starting to Look Human Again

  • By Day 7, I got my stitches removed (if you’re doing the incision method).
  • The swelling started to go down noticeably around Day 10.
  • I felt comfortable going to a café or walking around Seoul without people staring.
  • Still a little puffy but much better — more like I cried the night before rather than just had surgery.

Week 3-4: The “Did You Change Your Makeup?” Phase

  • At this point, most casual acquaintances wouldn’t notice.
  • Close friends could tell something was different, but the crease started looking much more natural.
  • I was back at work by Week 3, using light eye makeup to mask the last bit of swelling.

1-3 Months: Fully Settled

  • The final, natural result showed up around 2-3 months post-surgery.
  • That’s when my double eyelids looked totally soft and undetectable — people just thought I looked more refreshed or well-rested.

Why I Chose TJ Plastic Surgery & Dr. Chang

I honestly credit my smooth recovery to the clinic I chose. Here’s why I went with TJ Plastic Surgery and Dr. Tack-Jin Chang:

  • Dr. Chang is known for his precise, natural-looking double eyelid work.
  • They include swelling care treatments in their packages, which helped speed up my downtime.
  • Their aftercare was fantastic — I felt well taken care of from start to finish.

You can check them out here if you’re curious:


TL;DR:

  • Expect 1-2 weeks of real downtime (swelling and bruising).
  • By Week 3, you can go back to daily life without people noticing.
  • Full natural results appear around 2-3 months.

Downtime for double eyelid surgery in Korea is usually a few days to two weeks, depending on the person and procedure. Swelling and bruising are common in the first week, but most people return to normal activities by week two. Full recovery takes 1–3 months. Clinics like Hugo Plastic Surgery, led by Hugo Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Seonghyeok Yang and Dr. Woong Heo, are known for minimizing downtime with precise techniques and personalized care. Dr. Yang, a skilled surgeon specializing in eyelid surgeries, and Dr. Heo, with his vast experience in aesthetic procedures, ensure that your surgery is tailored to your desired results, while minimizing downtime. At Hugo Plastic Surgery, they’re known for their meticulous techniques, which not only help achieve natural, harmonious eyelid folds but also prioritize the least amount of swelling and scarring.

If you’re looking for a clinic with a track record of safe, efficient recovery and beautiful, natural outcomes, I’d highly recommend considering Hugo Plastic Surgery. You can explore their website for more details on the surgeons and their approach to double eyelid surgery here: Hugo Plastic Surgery and read more about Dr. Seonghyeok Yang’s credentials here.

I haven’t had double eyelid surgery yet, but from my research, the typical downtime in Korea is about 1-2 weeks. Most people experience swelling and bruising in the first few days, which usually goes down by the end of the first week. After that, you can generally return to normal activities, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for about 3-4 weeks.

I came across Face Plus Plastic Surgery through Cloud Hospital, and it looks like a solid option. They specialize in double eyelid surgery, and many patients report quick recoveries, thanks to the skill of Dr. Jung Keun Park. The clinic offers English speaking staff, making communication easier for international patients.

Hi Cheng! Let me share something personal, there was a time when I hesitated to go through with double eyelid surgery because I was unsure about the healing process and results. But after a lot of thought, I chose to trust CloudHospital to guide me, and that led me straight to TJ Plastic Surgery in Seoul and the amazing Dr. Tack-Jin Chang.

From the very first consultation, everything felt clear and reassuring. Dr. Chang explained that the downtime for double eyelid surgery is usually around 7 to 10 days for the swelling to reduce and bruising to fade. In my case, the first 3 days were the most puffy, but it quickly improved. I was able to return to work after about a week with some makeup. By the end of the first month, my eyes looked more natural, and at around the 2 to 3-month mark, I saw the final results and I loved them.

They also gave me great aftercare tips cold compresses, no rubbing the eyes, light walking to improve circulation, and resting well. What made the biggest difference for me was how kind and supportive the staff were. If you’re considering double eyelid surgery and want natural results with careful follow-up, I highly recommend TJ Plastic Surgery through CloudHospital. They made something I was nervous about feel like one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

When I had my double eyelid surgery in Korea, I was a bit nervous about how long the recovery would take. I went to Face Plus Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Jung Keun Park really helped me understand the whole healing process. The typical downtime is about 1 to 2 weeks, but you can usually go back to work or regular activities after about 5-7 days, as long as you’re feeling okay.

The first few days after the surgery, there’s swelling and some bruising around the eyes, but it really starts to improve after the first week. By the second week, most of the swelling goes down, and I was able to go out in public without feeling self-conscious. The final results take about 2 to 3 months to fully show, though, because there’s some residual swelling that slowly disappears over time.

Dr. Park also suggested using cold compresses in the first few days to reduce swelling. Overall, the process was smoother than I thought, and I’m so happy with the natural results. If you’re considering double eyelid surgery, I highly recommend Face Plus for their professional care and expertise.

Based on my friend’s experience with double eyelid surgery at TJ Plastic Surgery in Seoul with Dr. Tack-Jin Chang, the typical downtime is around 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, there is usually swelling and bruising, which tends to go down after the first week. My friend was able to go back to work after about 10 days, but she avoided any intense activities for a few weeks to make sure everything healed properly.

Dr. Chang’s careful surgical techniques and personalized care helped make the recovery smoother. However, recovery times can be different for everyone, so following the aftercare instructions is very important for the best results.

Double eyelid surgery in Korea typically involves a downtime of about one to two weeks, depending on the individual and the technique used. During the first few days, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, but these usually subside significantly after about a week. Most people feel comfortable returning to work or social activities after 7 to 10 days, though complete healing and final results may take a few months as the eyelids settle into their new shape.

My sister had her double eyelid surgery with Dr. Tack-Jin Chang at TJ Plastic Surgery, and her recovery went smoothly. Dr. Chang gave clear aftercare instructions that helped minimize swelling and bruising. By the tenth day, she was back to her normal routine with eyes that looked natural and refreshed. The careful attention to detail and personalized care made a big difference in her experience. If you’re considering double eyelid surgery in Korea, I highly recommend Dr. Tack-Jin Chang at TJ Plastic Surgery for expert treatment and excellent results.

Double eyelid surgery in Korea typically involves a downtime of about one to two weeks, depending on the individual and the technique used. During the first few days, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, but these usually subside significantly after about a week. Most people feel comfortable returning to work or social activities after 7 to 10 days, though complete healing and final results may take a few months as the eyelids settle into their new shape.

My sister had her double eyelid surgery with Dr. Tack-Jin Chang at TJ Plastic Surgery, and her recovery went smoothly. Dr. Chang gave clear aftercare instructions that helped minimize swelling and bruising. By the tenth day, she was back to her normal routine with eyes that looked natural and refreshed. The careful attention to detail and personalized care made a big difference in her experience. If you’re considering double eyelid surgery in Korea, I highly recommend Dr. Tack-Jin Chang at TJ Plastic Surgery for expert treatment and excellent results.

When I got my double eyelid surgery in Korea, I was a little worried about how long it would take to heal. I went to Face Plus Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Jung Keun Park explained everything about the recovery process clearly. Usually, the recovery time is about 1 to 2 weeks, but most people can return to work or normal activities after 5 to 7 days if they feel okay.

Right after the surgery, my eyes were swollen and bruised, but this started to get better after the first week. By the second week, most of the swelling was gone, and I felt comfortable going out in public. It takes about 2 to 3 months for the final results to fully appear because some swelling stays for a while. Dr. Park also recommended using cold packs in the first few days to help with swelling. Overall, the recovery was easier than I expected, and I’m very happy with how natural my eyes look now. If you’re thinking about double eyelid surgery, I really recommend Face Plus because of their great care and skill.

My friend recently went to Seoul for double eyelid surgery and shared her experience with me. She booked everything through Cloud Hospital, which helped her find a trustworthy clinic — TJ Plastic Surgery, where the procedure was performed by Dr. Tack-Jin Chang. She was nervous at first, but the consultation and care she received really put her at ease.

As for recovery, the first few days were the most uncomfortable, mainly due to swelling and tightness around the eyes. She rested a lot and used cold compresses, just as the clinic advised. By the end of the first week, the swelling had gone down noticeably, and she started going out with sunglasses. Around two weeks post-surgery, her eyes looked much more natural, and she was thrilled with the result. She told me the downtime was totally worth it — not only did it heal well, but it also gave her the subtle, defined look she wanted.

A close friend’s mom recently decided to get double eyelid surgery in Korea, and she was curious about how much downtime she’d need. After doing some research, she chose TJ Plastic Surgery in Seoul, especially because of the great reviews and the expertise of Dr. Tack-Jin Chang.

Her mom was surprised by how manageable the recovery was. The first few days had some swelling and mild discomfort, but within about a week, she was already feeling comfortable enough to get out and about without anyone noticing. Most of the visible swelling went away within two weeks, and by a month, her eyes looked natural and refreshed. Based on her experience, I’d definitely recommend TJ Plastic Surgery if you want a clinic with skilled doctors and a smooth, straightforward recovery process.

A good friend of mine recently had double eyelid surgery at TJ Plastic Surgery in Seoul. She picked this clinic because she’d heard great things about Dr. Tack-Jin Chang and how natural the results look there.

After the surgery, she told me the recovery was pretty manageable. For the first week or two, she had some swelling and bruising, which she expected. But by the end of the first week, most of it had gone down, and she was feeling comfortable enough to get back to her usual routine. She even returned to work after about 7 to 10 days. She kept in touch with the clinic for check-ups to make sure everything was healing well. Overall, she was really happy with how it all turned out and would definitely recommend TJ Plastic Surgery and Dr. Chang if you’re considering this procedure.

A cousin of mine recently had double eyelid surgery in Korea, and she coordinated the whole process through Cloud Hospital which really helped streamline everything—especially since she was traveling from abroad. The surgery was done at TJ Plastic Surgery under the care of Dr. Tack-Jin Chang, a well-known specialist in eyelid procedures.

From her experience, the downtime for double eyelid surgery was quite manageable. She took about a week off work, as the first 3–5 days were the most swollen and bruised. Stitches were removed after around 5 to 7 days, and by the second week, most of the swelling had gone down enough for her to feel comfortable going out and about. Cloud Hospital was very helpful with arranging follow-ups and ensuring she understood the aftercare. What really stood out to her was the personalized support and how smooth the whole process was—from the initial consultation to recovery.

The downtime for double eyelid surgery in Korea is generally quite manageable. From my personal experience at TJ Plastic Surgery with Dr. Tack-Jin Chang, the initial recovery period lasted about 7 to 10 days. During this time, I experienced some swelling and mild bruising, which gradually subsided with proper aftercare. I was able to resume light daily activities within a few days, but I waited about two weeks before returning to work or social events to allow most of the swelling to go down.

Dr. Chang and the team at TJ Plastic Surgery provided detailed post-op instructions, including how to manage swelling, when to apply cold compresses, and what activities to avoid. They also scheduled regular check-ups to monitor healing. I felt well-supported throughout the process, and by the one-month mark, the results were already looking quite natural. Final results took a few more months to fully settle, but the downtime was much easier than I anticipated thanks to their professional care.

A friend of mine who recently had double eyelid surgery in Korea shared that the typical downtime is about 7 to 10 days. During this period, swelling and bruising gradually subside, and most people feel comfortable returning to their daily routines and work after about a week. However, complete healing and the final shape of the eyelids can take a few months.

Another acquaintance who had her procedure done at TJ Plastic Surgery with Dr. Tack-Jin Chang mentioned that the clinic provided excellent aftercare instructions that helped speed up recovery. She felt confident knowing Dr. Chang’s skill minimized discomfort and swelling, making the healing process smoother. Both recommend TJ Plastic Surgery for anyone seeking reliable results with manageable downtime.

My mother recently had double eyelid surgery in Korea and used Cloud Hospital to help manage everything smoothly—from consultations to scheduling. She chose TJ Plastic Surgery and was treated by Dr. Tack-Jin Chang.

After the surgery, she experienced some swelling and bruising, which is completely normal. The initial recovery period typically lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, during which most of the swelling goes down and the stitches are removed. She was advised to avoid strenuous activities and to keep her head elevated to help reduce swelling. While she started to look and feel better fairly quickly, it took around 4 to 6 weeks for the eyelids to fully heal and for the final, natural-looking results to show. Cloud Hospital’s support throughout the recovery process made everything much easier for her, especially with follow-up appointments and communication.

When I had double eyelid surgery in Korea, the initial swelling lasted about a week, and I was mostly back to my daily routine in 10 to 14 days. Full healing and final results took about a month or so, but it wasn’t painful—just needed some patience. My sister also had hers done shortly after, and her recovery was almost the same, maybe a bit quicker since she followed post-care strictly.

We both chose TJ Plastic Surgery in Seoul and were treated by Dr. Tack-Jin Chang. His technique was gentle, and we appreciated how natural the results looked. A close friend visited later and had a great experience too. The clinic staff were friendly, professional, and made the process really smooth from consultation to follow-up

When my cousin had double eyelid surgery at TJ Plastic Surgery in Seoul, arranged through Cloud Hospital, she was surprised at how smooth and manageable the recovery process was. Under the care of Dr. Tack-Jin Chang, she opted for the incisional method, which tends to have a longer healing time compared to the non-incisional approach.

In her case, the initial swelling and bruising lasted about 7 to 10 days, during which she stayed mostly indoors. Stitches were removed around day 5 to 7, and by the second week, most of the visible bruising had faded. She was able to return to light activities after a week and felt fully presentable by the third to fourth week. Dr. Chang’s team provided clear aftercare instructions, cold packs, and regular check-ins, which helped her feel comfortable and supported throughout the recovery. The downtime was definitely worth it for the natural and refreshed look she achieved.

From my own experience with double eyelid surgery in Korea, the downtime is usually about one week. You can expect some swelling and mild bruising during this time, but most people feel comfortable going out after 7 days. A close friend of mine had the procedure at TJ Plastic Surgery, and she was really impressed with how smoothly the recovery went. The clinic’s care and the doctor’s expertise made a big difference in minimizing discomfort and speeding healing.

I highly recommend TJ Plastic Surgery if you’re considering double eyelid surgery. Dr. Tack-Jin Chang is known for his precise work and natural results. My friend’s recovery was quick and she was very happy with the outcome.

A friend of mine underwent double eyelid surgery at TJ Plastic Surgery in Seoul, and she coordinated everything smoothly through Cloud Hospital, which helped her with consultations, translation, and scheduling. Her surgeon was Dr. Tack-Jin Chang, who is known for his expertise in natural-looking results.

According to her experience, the downtime was around 7 to 10 days for the majority of swelling and bruising to subside. She wore sunglasses for the first few days when going outside, and by the end of the second week, the swelling had gone down enough that it wasn’t noticeable to others. Full healing, including scar fading and final results, took about 1 to 3 months, but she was back to her daily activities fairly quickly. The clinic also provided her with thorough aftercare guidance, including cold compresses, sleep position recommendations, and when to resume makeup use.