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.
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.