Circular blepharoplasty

Circular blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure where the surgeon removes excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids, redistributes fat around the eyes, and corrects the orbicularis oculi and the muscle lifting the upper eyelid.

In Russia, all blepharoplasty types are performed under sedation or general anesthesia. In contrast, in Korea, patients are awakened during the surgery and asked to open and close their eyes. Specialists believe that this technique achieves maximum symmetry and creates an eyelid line at a height that suits the patient’s eye size and shape.

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Key facts about the surgery

• Duration: 1.5-2 hours

• Anesthesia: Sedation and local anesthesia

• Hospitalization: 2-3 hours

• Return to normal life: The next day

• Clinic visits: 2-3 times

• Stitch removal: On the 7th day

Why patients consider circular blepharoplasty

• Drooping eye corners: With age, the corners of the eyes may start to droop, affecting the overall facial appearance and giving a tired, sad look.

• Stretching of orbicularis oculi: Over time, the orbicularis oculi muscle loses elasticity, leading to sagging skin and a less youthful look.

• Bags and wrinkles around the eyes: The appearance of bags and wrinkles due to fat accumulation or loss of skin tone is a common reason for seeking plastic surgery.

• Age-related changes: General skin aging, such as loss of elasticity and texture changes, often motivates patients to consider circular blepharoplasty to restore a youthful and fresh look.

Who is a good candidate for the surgery?

Circular blepharoplasty is typically suitable for individuals wanting to improve the appearance of their eyelids and eliminate signs of aging. It’s ideal for those with excess skin and bags under the eyes, contributing to a tired or aged look. This procedure is effective in removing wrinkles around the eyes and can help in achieving a more youthful and rested appearance. It is also suitable for people with issues in both the upper and lower eyelids. Ideal candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the surgery.

Why South Korea?

South Korea conducts more cosmetic procedures and surgeries annually than any other country in the world. Local doctors are considered to be among the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons here. Korea’s medical equipment and apparatus are on par with those in the USA and Germany, placing it in the top 3 countries for the best technical equipment in clinics.

All blepharoplasty surgeries are performed in accredited clinics authorized to work with foreign patients and have staff anesthesiologists. All surgeons operating on our patients have between 15 to 30 years of experience, specialize in blepharoplasty, and do not operate on more than two patients per day.

Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE to calculate the cost of treatment, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a travel plan to South Korea for surgery.

How to prepare for circular blepharoplasty in South Korea

• Refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

• Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including drugs like Advil or Motrin), and other medications that can increase the risk of heavy bleeding for two weeks before surgery. Tylenol is only prohibited for three days before the operation.

• Do not smoke, including hookahs and e-cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the healing process of tissues. If you smoke, the doctor will recommend you quit before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to operate on smokers due to the high risk of complications. It’s unsafe to be around smoking family members and friends or in public smoking areas.

• Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any surgeries you’ve undergone. Talk about any medications you’re currently taking or have recently taken. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

• Visit the surgeon for an examination and show him photos of the desired result. When selecting them, try to choose those where the eyes are makeup-free, and the natural size and nationality of the owner are similar to yours.

• If you had tests done less than a month ago, you could bring them with you. If not, we will perform all necessary tests in Korea.

• Arrange for someone to drive you to the clinic or help you after the surgery if you plan to come by car.

• Place items that may be needed during rest, such as lip balm, water, a bar of chocolate, or a mobile phone, next to your bed.

How circular blepharoplasty is performed

During the consultation or on the operating table, the surgeon applies the surgical design and coordinates it with the client. The patient’s arms and legs are then secured using special straps to prevent movement during sedative anesthesia.

The operation area is treated and sterilized, the anesthesiologist checks the patient’s information and administers the sedative solution intravenously. Simultaneously, the surgeon injects local anesthesia and, once the patient falls asleep, begins the operation. Initial incisions are made with a scalpel according to the design, and internal ones typically with a laser.

During the surgery, the surgeon and assistant wake the patient, asking them to open and close their eyes or look upwards. After suturing, which will be removed after 7 days, the patient is awakened and taken to the recovery room.

What to expect after surgery

Post-surgery, a translator and nurses awaken you and assist you to the room. Most patients do not remember this moment, feeling as if they woke up already in a warm bed – such is the effect of anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after waking, you may feel chills, which quickly pass, thanks to a warm heating pad on your bed for comfort. There is almost no pain, dulled by the analgesics used during the surgery. However, you may feel your eyelids swelling – this is the body beginning regeneration. Medical plasters fixed on your face should not be touched or removed to see the results – this is strictly prohibited.

Shortly after waking up, a cold compress will be brought to you – it should be placed on your eyes. The more frequently you use the compress in the first week after surgery, the quicker the swelling subsides.

You will stay in the clinic for another 2-3 hours post-surgery, with a catheter in your arm for medication. After the IV is finished and the catheter is removed, the coordinator and nurses will check your condition. If you do not experience symptoms like dizziness or nausea, you can prepare for discharge: get dressed, collect medications, and post-operative instructions.

In the evening before bed, place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the prescribed pain medication. Apply a cold compress every few minutes. Tears may seep from your eyes; gently dab them with a tissue.

For the next three days, swelling may increase, affecting the eyelids and even the forehead, along with the appearance of bruises and hematomas. Do not be alarmed; continue using the cold compress and follow rehabilitation rules. After the sutures are removed by the surgeon on the 7th day post-operation, the swelling will begin to subside, and the nurses will treat the operation area, remove crusts, and send you home without bandages and plasters.

Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!

You can book a consultation by filling out a QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us via any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Eyelid surgery recovery process

After eyelid surgery: Immediately after the procedure, you will experience minimal pain, and tears and a small amount of blood may be discharged from your eyes. You can leave the clinic within 2-3 hours after the surgery if you do not experience symptoms such as nausea, weakness, or dizziness.

Day 1-2: Apply cold compresses frequently and sleep in an elevated position. Your face will start to swell, and there may be bruising and swelling at the surgical site. You may also feel a sensation of grittiness in your eyes, and by evening, your eyes may become tired. These are all normal symptoms, and patience is key.

Days 3-7: Swelling begins to decrease, and it may move downward, making your cheeks and cheeks appear puffy. Avoid sports and activities that require you to bend your head down. On the 7th day, the surgeon will examine you, remove stitches, and nurses will treat the incisions and gently remove scabs.

Days 7-14: Swelling continues to reduce, any bruises may disappear, and you can return to your normal life. Regular, extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Don’t forget to apply healing ointment to dissolve the stitches; soon, the fact that you had surgery will become unnoticeable.

Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. Continue to avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. The stitches start to fade, and you can easily conceal them with makeup.

Days 21-30: Your eyes may still swell, especially in the mornings. Your eyelids may appear different and asymmetrical each day, depending on how your head was positioned during sleep. This is normal and will soon resolve.

Days 31-60: Remaining swelling gradually subsides, symmetry is restored, and your eyelids assume a permanent position and shape.

Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and sunbathe, but avoid diving and rubbing your eyes to avoid injuring healing tissues. Always use sunscreen.

1 year after surgery: Complete rehabilitation.