The complete guide: preparation, procedure, and recovery for blepharoplasty.
Stop blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, aspirin) 2 weeks before surgery. No smoking for at least 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after. Arrange accommodation and transport — you cannot drive for at least 24 hours after sedation.
Most eyelid surgery at SHES is performed under local anaesthesia with IV sedation — you are relaxed and comfortable but not under general anaesthesia. The procedure takes 1–2 hours. You will be comfortable throughout.
Days 1–3: significant swelling and bruising — this is normal and expected, not a sign of complication. Days 4–7: bruising fading, swelling reducing. Days 7–14: most patients feel comfortable returning to work or social situations.
Eyelid surgery results take 3–6 months to fully emerge as swelling resolves completely. The improvement visible at 2 weeks is meaningful but not the final result. Patience through the final healing phase is important.
We recommend staying in Busan for at least 7–10 days post-surgery for Dr. Kim's follow-up assessment before flying. Longer stays (14 days) are preferable for international patients.
Upper eyelid scars are placed in the natural crease — they become virtually invisible once fully healed. Lower eyelid scars are placed inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) where possible, leaving no external scar.