墨白 If you are considering having Double eyelid surgery in South Korea, many people will think of ID Hospital first. This hospital is quite well-known among those seeking cosmetic treatments in Taiwan, especially in the field of Double eyelid surgery, where it has a solid reputation. However, simply “knowing about this hospital” is not the same as “knowing how to get to it for a consultation.” Language barriers, unfamiliar procedures, and not knowing what preparations are needed can all contribute to hesitation when considering such a treatment.
This article outlines the entire process of undergoing Double eyelid surgery at ID Hospital in South Korea, from the preparations before making an appointment, through the day of the surgery itself, to the recovery period after the procedure. Every detail has been carefully explained to provide a comprehensive understanding of the whole process.
What is the background of South Korea’s ID Hospital?
ID Hospital, officially named “Idi Hospital,” is located at 142 Isadae-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is a plastic surgery institution recognized by the South Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare as a hospital-level facility. This classification holds significant importance in the plastic surgery industry in South Korea, as most clinics are classified as “clinic-level” institutions. Reaching the “hospital-level” designation indicates that the hospital meets more stringent requirements regarding the staffing and equipment it must have in place.
Ocular plastic surgery is one of the core specialties at ID, especially Double eyelid surgery. Having handled many cases where the results of surgeries performed in other hospitals were not satisfactory, the hospital has accumulated considerable practical experience in this area. Some of the renowned ophthalmic surgeons at the hospital include Seong Jin-mo and Lee Byung-min; their specific case records and appointment availability can be found on the official website.
The hospital is located at 142 Daosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, within the ID Hospital building. The nearest subway station is Sinsa Station, Exit 1, which is about a 4-minute walk away. The business hours are as follows: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and it is closed on Sundays.
Before you set off, make sure you’ve thought through these things first.
Merely saying “I want to have Double eyelid surgery” is not enough. You need to clarify the general direction you are taking: is it your first time having the procedure, or have you previously had it done but are dissatisfied with the results and want to correct them? Do you prefer a more natural look (with the fold at a lower position, around 5-7 mm) or a more noticeable effect? Are your eyelids thin or thick, and do they contain any excess fat? All these factors will influence the type of surgery recommended by the doctor.
It’s recommended to find some post-treatment photos that you like before your procedure and save them. When you go for a consultation at the clinic, showing these photos to the doctor will be much more effective than just saying verbally, “I want something that looks more natural.”
In terms of costs, the Non-incisional (buried suture) method for Double eyelid surgery at ID Hospital starts from approximately 6,000 RMB, while the Full incision method costs around 7,000 RMB. If a patient has already undergone this procedure in the past and wishes to revise the results, the cost is usually higher, starting from around 15,000 RMB. These are merely reference prices; the actual cost should be confirmed after a personal consultation, as the treatment plan varies depending on each individual’s eye conditions. It is important to check whether the quoted price includes the costs of anesthesia and post-operative medications, as these expenses are sometimes calculated separately.
From May to September is the peak season for plastic surgery treatments in South Korea, and popular doctors often have waiting lists that can extend for one to two months. If you have a specific travel schedule, it is best to make an appointment one to two months in advance.
The complete process on the day of the consultation
Upon arrival at the hospital, please register at the front desk. The staff will verify your reservation information and record your basic personal details. ID Hospital provides Chinese translation services, and a translator will accompany you throughout the consultation process, so language should not be a concern.
A doctor’s in-person consultation usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and is the most crucial part of the entire medical process. The doctor will carefully assess the condition of your eyes—including the thickness of your eyelids, the distribution of fat, the condition of the lifting muscles (in cases of drooping eyelids), and the symmetry of your eyes—and then provide you with surgical recommendations based on your specific circumstances.
During this stage, it’s important to clearly communicate your requirements, including the desired width and style of the results, your expectations for the outcomes, and how you perceive the recovery period. If you have previously undergone any surgeries, be sure to inform the doctor accordingly, as this will directly affect the treatment plan that is formulated. It’s worth noting that the plan provided by the doctor on the same day is merely a preliminary assessment; the doctor may make adjustments based on the actual circumstances before the surgery begins, and this is completely normal.
After the in-person consultation, the assistant will explain the detailed cost structure to you, including the surgery fee, anesthesia costs, and postoperative medication expenses. Once you have confirmed the treatment plan and the total cost, the surgery date will be set, and typically, a deposit of 30
The three different surgical methods are each suitable for different situations.
Non-incisional (buried suture) method: Several small puncture sites are used to insert sutures to create a Double eyelid surgery effect. This procedure does not involve cutting the skin, resulting in relatively less swelling after the operation and a faster recovery time. Generally, 1-2 weeks later, the results will appear more natural. This method is suitable for those with thin eyelids, little fat under the eyes, or who are undergoing the procedure for the first time. However, there is a certain probability (about 5-15
Full incision method: An incision is made along the predetermined line for Double eyelid surgery to remove excess skin and fat, resulting in more lasting effects (almost permanent). This method is suitable for those with thick eyelids, loose skin, problems with the levator muscles, or who need revision surgery. The recovery period is longer than that of the Non-incisional (buried suture) method; swelling is noticeable 1–2 weeks after the procedure, and it usually takes 1–3 months for the results to fully stabilize.
Partial incision method: This approach falls somewhere in between the two previous methods. It involves making a small incision of approximately 10–15 mm in the center of the eyelid, which allows for the removal of some fat. The scar resulting from this procedure is smaller than that of the full incision method. It is suitable for cases where the eyelids are slightly thick but do not require the removal of a large amount of skin.
Postoperative recovery schedule
| Time after the procedure | Physical condition |
|---|---|
| On the day of the surgery | If there is bandaging around the eyes and slight bleeding, it is normal. You can leave the clinic 1-2 hours after the procedure. |
| Days 1-2 | During the peak period of swelling, it may be difficult to fully open the eyes, and there may be bruising around the eyes. |
| Days 3-4 | The swelling has begun to subside; it’s time for the first follow-up visit at the clinic. |
| Days 5 to 7 | For patients who have undergone the full incision method, stitches need to be removed; however, with the Non-incisional (buried suture) method, patients can generally go out in public without any noticeable scars. |
| Days 10 to 14 | You can use concealer for light social activities; it’s now safe to fly back to Taiwan. |
| 1 to 3 months | The residual swelling has completely subsided, and the Double eyelid surgery results have stabilized into their final form. |
Precautions after returning to Taiwan: Strictly follow the doctor’s instructions when applying antibiotic ointment, keep the wound dry and clean, and avoid getting it wet before the stitches are removed. In the first few days, apply ice packs for 15 minutes at a time, followed by periods of rest; later on, switch to hot compresses to help reduce swelling. You should wait until your doctor gives you permission before resuming the use of contact lenses or eye makeup.
Want to learn more about ID Hospital?
If you are still in the planning stage and would like to inquire about the specific services and fees offered by ID Hospital, you can visit BeautsGO to view a complete overview of ID Hospital, information about its doctors, and real patient cases. The platform supports the Traditional Chinese language interface, and you can also schedule a consultation directly through it.
Going to South Korea for plastic surgery is not an easy decision to make, but the entire process is actually much clearer than many people imagine. If you do your preparatory work thoroughly and clearly explain your requirements during the consultation, things will go much more smoothly afterward.
The information in this article is for reference only; the actual surgical plan and costs should be determined based on the results of a face-to-face consultation with the hospital.
