Genetics
Many individuals naturally have hooded eyelids due to inherited facial anatomy.
1mm Plastic Surgery · Gangnam, Seoul
Hooded Eyelid Surgery in Gangnam Seoul Korea
Hooded eyelid surgery is designed to correct excess upper eyelid skin, drooping eyelids, and heavy eyelid folds that can make the eyes appear tired, smaller, or older.
1mm
Seoul
0%
Ghost surgery. Your surgeon is disclosed before every operation.
1 : 1
A dedicated anesthesia team for each patient, through recovery.
ASPS
Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
In short
Hooded eyelid surgery is designed to correct excess upper eyelid skin, drooping eyelids, and heavy eyelid folds that can make the eyes appear tired, smaller, or older. At 1mm Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea, hooded eyelid surgery is customized according to each patient's eyelid anatomy, skin elasticity, brow position, levator muscle function, and facial proportions. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may involve upper blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, double eyelid surgery, or a combination of procedures to create brighter, more youthful, and naturally refreshed eyes.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Eon Rok Do, board-certified plastic surgeon · Updated October 2026
Overview
What Are Hooded Eyelids?
Hooded eyelids occur when excess skin or soft tissue folds over the upper eyelid, partially covering the natural crease or lash line.
Common characteristics include:
- Heavy upper eyelids
- Excess skin folds
- Reduced eyelid visibility
- Smaller-looking eyes
- Tired appearance
- Difficulty applying makeup
- Asymmetrical eyelids
Some patients are born with hooded eyelids, while others develop them gradually with age.
02
What Causes Hooded Eyelids?
Aging
As skin loses elasticity over time, excess upper eyelid skin may develop and create a hooded appearance.
Ptosis
Weakness of the eyelid-lifting muscles may contribute to:
- Droopy eyelids
- Reduced eye opening
- Heavy upper lids
Brow Descent
A lowering of the eyebrow position can increase upper eyelid hooding and skin redundancy.
Results
Signs You May Benefit From Hooded Eyelid Surgery
You may be a candidate if you experience:
- Excess upper eyelid skin
- Difficulty seeing the eyelid crease
- Heavy or tired-looking eyes
- Eyelid asymmetry
- Makeup transferring onto upper eyelid skin
- Visual obstruction caused by skin folds
- Persistent forehead strain from raising the eyebrows
Procedure
Procedures Used to Treat Hooded Eyelids
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty is one of the most effective treatments for hooded eyelids.
The procedure can:
- Remove excess skin
- Improve eyelid definition
- Create a more youthful appearance
- Reduce heaviness
Ptosis Correction
Some patients have hooded eyes primarily because of weak eyelid-opening muscles.
Ptosis correction may:
- Improve eye opening
- Lift drooping eyelids
- Enhance symmetry
- Create brighter-looking eyes
Double Eyelid Surgery
For suitable candidates, double eyelid surgery can:
- Create a defined eyelid crease
- Improve eyelid contour
- Enhance eye definition
Combination Procedures
Many patients benefit from combining:
- Upper blepharoplasty
- Ptosis correction
- Double eyelid surgery
A customized approach often provides the most balanced result.
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Hooded Eyelid Surgery for Younger Patients
Not all hooded eyelids are age-related.
Younger patients may seek surgery to:
- Improve eye definition
- Create a visible eyelid crease
- Reduce naturally heavy eyelids
- Enhance facial balance
The surgical approach is tailored to preserve natural features while improving eyelid contours.
06
Hooded Eyelid Surgery for Aging Eyes
As aging progresses, hooded eyelids often become more pronounced.
Treatment may address:
- Excess skin
- Drooping eyelids
- Eyelid laxity
- Ptosis
- Upper eyelid heaviness
The goal is rejuvenation rather than simply removing skin.
Results
Benefits of Hooded Eyelid Surgery
Larger-Looking Eyes
Reducing excess skin often allows more of the eye to be visible.
Brighter Appearance
Patients frequently appear:
- More awake
- More energetic
- More youthful
Improved Symmetry
Correction can improve differences in eyelid shape and height.
Better Eyelid Definition
Patients often notice improved visibility of the eyelid contour and crease.
Real result
Before & after.
A mature eyelid surgery result at 1mm Plastic Surgery, Gangnam. Every case is planned around the patient's own anatomy.
Published with patient consent. Individual results vary with anatomy, healing and the technique used.
All before & after photos Before
After
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Customized Surgical Planning
At 1mm Plastic Surgery, treatment plans are based on:
- Eyelid anatomy
- Skin quality
- Brow position
- Eye-opening strength
- Facial proportions
- Personal preferences
No two hooded eyelid procedures are exactly the same.
Recovery
Recovery After Hooded Eyelid Surgery
Days 1–3
- Swelling
- Mild bruising
- Tightness
Week 1
- Significant reduction in swelling
- Return to light activities
Weeks 2–4
- Improved eyelid definition
- Continued healing
Months 1–6
- Scar maturation
- Natural tissue settling
- Final refinement
Recovery varies according to the procedures performed.
Safety
Will There Be Visible Scars?
Incisions are typically placed:
- Within the natural eyelid crease
- Along existing folds
- In discreet anatomical locations
Most scars become progressively less noticeable as healing progresses.
Why 1mm
Why Choose 1mm Plastic Surgery?
Patients choose 1mm Plastic Surgery because of:
- Specialized eyelid surgery expertise
- Advanced blepharoplasty techniques
- Customized ptosis correction
- Natural aesthetic philosophy
- Scar-conscious surgical planning
- Personalized treatment approaches
- International patient support
- Comprehensive postoperative care
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp and a coordinator will reply in English.
What are hooded eyelids?
Hooded eyelids occur when excess skin or soft tissue folds over the upper eyelid, partially covering the eyelid crease or lash line.
What causes hooded eyelids?
Common causes include genetics, aging, ptosis, and brow descent.
Can hooded eyelids be corrected without surgery?
Mild cases may benefit from non-surgical treatments, but significant hooding is generally corrected most effectively through surgery.
What is the best surgery for hooded eyelids?
The ideal procedure depends on the cause. Options may include upper blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, double eyelid surgery, or a combination approach.
Can hooded eyelid surgery make my eyes look larger?
Yes. By reducing excess skin and improving eye opening, the eyes often appear larger and more defined.
Is ptosis correction the same as hooded eyelid surgery?
Not always. Ptosis correction addresses eyelid muscle weakness, while hooded eyelid surgery often addresses excess skin. Many patients require both.
Will I still look natural after surgery?
Yes. Modern hooded eyelid surgery focuses on natural rejuvenation and facial harmony rather than dramatic change.
How long does recovery take?
Most swelling improves significantly within several weeks, while final refinement continues over several months.
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions are typically hidden within natural eyelid folds and become less noticeable with healing.
Can international patients undergo hooded eyelid surgery in Korea?
Yes. Many international patients travel to Gangnam, Seoul, Korea for specialized hooded eyelid correction and eyelid rejuvenation procedures.
Reviewed by
Dr. Eon Rok Do
Representative Director of 1mm Plastic Surgery and board-certified plastic surgeon. Every operation at 1mm is performed by the surgeon named in your consultation and surgery record — no ghost or proxy surgery. Full surgeon profiles · English-speaking eyelid surgeon in Seoul
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