Korean-Style Eyes vs. Western-Style Eyes: How Do the Techniques Differ, and Which Style Should You Choose?

Double eyelid surgery is an option for creating or refining the eyelid crease to achieve a more balanced appearance. Many people wonder how Korean-style and Western-style eyes differ and which style may be more suitable for their individual eye structure. This article provides basic information to help you better understand the differences and make an informed decision.

Korean-Style Eyes vs Western-Style Eyes: What Are They?

The two eyelid styles have clear differences in terms of eyelid crease size, the amount of fat around the eyelids, and the appearance of the inner corners of the eyes, as detailed below:

• Korean-style eyes are often associated with a lower, more subtle eyelid crease, with varying amounts of upper eyelid fat and a less exposed inner corner. Korean-style double eyelid surgery generally focuses on creating a soft, natural-looking eyelid crease that complements the individual’s eye shape and facial features. This style may be suitable for people who prefer a subtle and balanced appearance.

• Western-style double eyelids are often associated with a higher, more defined eyelid crease and greater visibility of the upper eyelid. Depending on the individual’s anatomy, the inner corners may appear more open, and the eyes may have a more defined or striking appearance. This style may appeal to people who prefer a more prominent eyelid crease, particularly when creating a makeup-enhancing look. 

  
  

Techniques Used for Korean-Style vs Western-Style Double Eyelid Surgery

The doctor will select the appropriate technique based on an assessment of each individual’s eye concerns and structure to achieve results as compatible as possible with the original eye structure.

• Korean-style eyes: The technique used depends on each individual’s eye concerns and eye structure. For Korean-style double eyelid surgery at Sky Clinic, the doctor will design the eyelid crease to create a soft and gentle appearance, making the eyes look larger, brighter, and as natural as possible. It can also help create a more youthful overall facial appearance.

• Western-style double eyelids: For Western-style double eyelid surgery at Sky Clinic, the doctor may design a more defined eyelid crease while keeping it proportionate to the individual’s eye shape and facial features. In some cases, patients seeking a more defined eyelid appearance may benefit from combining the procedure with another technique, such as epicanthoplasty (inner-corner eye surgery), depending on the structure of the inner corners. However, epicanthoplasty may not be necessary for people who already have naturally open inner corners. The doctor will determine whether it is appropriate based on each individual’s eye structure and aesthetic goals.

  
  

Korean-Style Eyes vs Western-Style Eyes: Which Style Is Suitable for You?
When choosing an eyelid style, you should consider your natural eye structure, facial features, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic preferences:

• Korean-style eyes: May be suitable for people who prefer a soft, subtle, and natural-looking eyelid crease. This style may appeal to those who prefer minimal makeup or light, understated makeup looks.
• Western-style double eyelids: May be suitable for people who prefer a higher, more defined eyelid crease that stands out more. This style may appeal to those who enjoy eyeliner, defined eye makeup, or a bold and glamorous look.

Korean-Style Double Eyelid Surgery Case Reviews

Before-and-after cases of Korean-style double eyelid surgery are provided for reference. Results may vary depending on each individual’s eye structure and treatment approach.

Western-Style Double Eyelid Surgery Case Reviews

Before-and-after cases of Western-style double eyelid surgery are provided for reference. Results may vary depending on each individual’s eye structure and treatment approach.

Steps for Korean-Style and Western-Style Double Eyelid Surgery

The double eyelid surgery process, from preparation to wound healing, follows the treatment plan assessed by the ophthalmologist. The steps are as follows:

• Before the surgery: The patient will wash their face and complete the necessary preparations before the procedure. The doctor will then mark the planned eyelid crease and administer local anesthesia to the eyelid area. The anesthetic typically takes several minutes to take effect before the procedure begins. The surgical team will take appropriate measures to help minimize discomfort and manage swelling during the procedure.

• When the surgery begins: Depending on the planned technique, the doctor may make an incision along the marked line and remove or adjust excess tissue and fat as appropriate. For patients with deep-set eyes, fat removal may not be necessary. In some cases, the fat may instead be preserved or repositioned to maintain appropriate volume and create a more balanced eyelid appearance.

• For patients who have previously undergone double eyelid surgery: The doctor will assess the existing eyelid crease and scar tissue before determining the appropriate approach. If revision surgery is needed, the previous crease may be released or revised, and scar tissue may be carefully addressed to create a more natural-looking and well-defined eyelid crease.

• After the surgery: The doctor will create and secure the eyelid crease using Premium Stitch, a specially designed fine suture. The technique is intended to help maintain the planned eyelid crease, while the small suture knot is designed to reduce the visibility of the suture when the eyes are closed.

• Final wound healing: The incision will be carefully closed to support proper wound healing and a smooth, natural-looking scar. 

  
  

Summary 

Double eyelid surgery at Sky Clinic uses the incision technique to create or refine an eyelid crease that complements each patient’s facial features and eye structure. Before surgery, the doctor will assess factors such as the brow bone, eye shape and size, eyelid skin thickness, and the amount and distribution of eyelid fat. These anatomical characteristics can vary significantly from person to person and are not determined solely by whether someone prefers a Korean-style or Western-style eyelid crease. The surgical approach may be adjusted to address specific concerns. For example, some patients may have more prominent upper eyelid fat or less visible inner corners, while others may have deeper-set eyes or more visible upper eyelid contours. The doctor will assess the patient’s anatomy, preferences, and desired outcome before designing the eyelid crease and selecting the most appropriate surgical technique.

In conclusion, there is no single answer as to whether Western-style or Korean-style double eyelids are more beautiful, as the ideal eyelid style ultimately depends on each person’s preferences and individual features. Most importantly, the eyelid crease should be designed to complement the patient’s facial structure, personal style, and lifestyle. This requires careful assessment and detailed surgical planning to create natural-looking eyes that are well suited to each patient. At Sky Clinic, our procedures are performed by experienced ophthalmologists who specialize in eyelid surgery and can design or refine the eyelid crease based on each patient’s eye structure and specific concerns. Contact us for a consultation and personalized assessment. Call 061-536-1953, 098-994-9889, or 065-919-8925.

Frequently Asked Questions About Korean-Style Double Eyelid Surgery

How Many Days of Recovery Are Needed After Korean-Style Double Eyelid Surgery?

Korean-style double eyelid surgery often uses a small-incision technique, which may result in less bruising and a faster recovery. Patients can generally resume normal daily activities after surgery. The typical recovery period is approximately 3–7 days, with swelling and bruising noticeably decreasing during the first week. It is recommended to apply a cold compress regularly during the first 3 days to help reduce swelling. The swelling will gradually improve within approximately 1 week, while the eyelid crease will continue to settle and develop a more natural appearance over 4–6 months.

Can I Have Korean-Style Double Eyelid Surgery If I Have Monolids With Thick Eyelid Fat?

People with monolids and a significant amount of upper eyelid fat can also undergo Korean-style double eyelid surgery. The doctor may use a long-incision technique combined with the removal of excess fat to help prevent the eyelid crease from becoming loose or the eyelids from looking overly puffy. The eyelid crease is then carefully sutured to complement the natural eye structure, maintaining the soft and natural appearance of Korean-style eyes. However, it is recommended to have your eye structure thoroughly assessed by an ophthalmologist beforehand.

Can Previous Eyelid Surgery with Large, Deep Creases Be Revised to a Korean Style?

In many cases, revision surgery is possible. If you have previously undergone eyelid surgery and feel that the eyelid crease is too large, making your face look harsh, the doctor will assess and address scar tissue from the previous surgery as appropriate. The doctor may then reduce the size of the eyelid crease and adjust the eyelid tissues or muscles as appropriate to create a smaller, more natural-looking appearance. This type of revision is considered a complex case, so it is recommended to consult a specialist ophthalmologist to assess the possibility of achieving a softer and more natural result.