An eye lift for hooded eyes costs $265 to $1,525 (7 to 40 million VND) for upper eyelid surgery at private clinics in Ho Chi Minh City in 2026. Which operation fits depends on whether the fold comes from eyelid skin, a low brow, or a weak lifting muscle, and a stay of about one week covers stitch removal and a check by the operating surgeon.
Hooded eyes are eyelids with a fold of skin that hangs over the crease, and sometimes over the lashes. Removing skin helps when skin is the cause, but a low brow or a drooping lid edge needs a different repair.
This article explains what creates the hood, which surgery matches each cause, what recovery involves, and how to plan the cost, the clinic, and the flight home.
Causes of Hooded Eyes
Why do eyelids become hooded? Hooded eyes are caused by age-related skin laxity, tissue migration, or underlying muscle weakness. The medical term for excess upper eyelid skin is dermatochalasis.
Upper eyelid overhang generally originates from one of three anatomical layers:
- Excess Eyelid Skin (Dermatochalasis): The skin between the brow and the crease stretches, folding downward over the natural crease line. Protruding orbital fat adds extra fullness to the fold.
- Low Eyebrow Position (Brow Ptosis): As the forehead and eyebrow tissues descend, skin is pushed lower onto the upper lid margin. Trimming eyelid skin alone does not elevate a low brow.
- Drooping Lid Margin (Blepharoptosis): The levator muscle responsible for raising the eyelid stretches or detaches, causing the lid margin itself to hang low over the pupil. A normal upper eyelid covers 1.0 to 2.0 mm of the upper cornea.
Distinguishing between skin excess, brow descent, and muscle weakness is critical because each condition requires a different surgical technique.
Matching the Procedure to Its Anatomical Cause
What is the best procedure for your specific eye shape? The appropriate upper blepharoplasty for hooded eyes directly targets the specific anatomical layer causing the overhang.
| Primary Cause of Overhang | Recommended Surgical Procedure |
| Excess skin and orbital fat on upper lid | Upper Blepharoplasty |
| Low brow pushing forehead skin downward | Brow Lift (Browplasty) ± Upper Blepharoplasty |
| Weakened or stretched levator muscle | Ptosis Repair (Levator Resection / Advancement) |
| Skin overhang with no existing crease | Upper Blepharoplasty with Double Eyelid Creation |
Types of Hooded Eye Lift Surgery
How do different hooded eye surgeries work? Cosmetic surgery for hooded eyelids falls into four primary surgical categories, which can be performed individually or combined in a single session:
1. Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Surgery)
The surgeon creates a precise incision within the natural upper eyelid crease. Redundant skin and bulging fat pads are removed, and the incision is closed with fine sutures. The procedure takes 45 to 60 minutes under local anesthesia, with suture removal scheduled around day 7.
2. Brow Lift (Browplasty)
A brow lift elevates sagging eyebrows and smoothes the forehead area. Elevating the brow tail reduces skin crowding over the outer upper lid and clears visual field obstruction.
3. Subbrow Skin Excision
This procedure removes a strip of loose skin via an incision placed directly along the lower margin of the eyebrow rather than within the lid crease. It effectively lifts hooded skin while preserving your original eyelid crease.
4. Ptosis Repair (Levator Surgery)
Ptosis repair shortens or reattaches the levator muscle to restore normal eyelid height. Levator function is graded clinically by lid travel distance: over 10 mm is good, 5 to 10 mm is fair, and under 5 mm is poor. Function under 4 mm may require a frontalis sling procedure.
Is Upper Blepharoplasty for Hooded Eyes Right for You?
Who is an ideal candidate for plastic surgery for hooded eyelids? This procedure suits healthy adults whose hooding stems primarily from eyelid skin excess or localized fat deposits.
Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Normal Eyelid Margin Height: The skin fold covers the crease, but the eyelid edge itself does not droop over the pupil.
- Stable Eyebrow Position: The eyebrows sit at an aesthetically normal height along the orbital rim.
- Realistic Expectations: Seeking a refreshed appearance while understanding that facial symmetry varies naturally between eyes.
Non-Surgical Hooded Eye Treatment Options
Can you fix hooded eyes without surgery? Non-surgical options cannot remove redundant skin; they offer subtle temporary lifting for mild cases.
- Hyaluronic Acid Brow Filler: Strategic dermal filler placed near the temple and brow tail can elevate the outer brow tail by an average of 1.35 mm, lasting up to 18–24 months.
- Ultrasound Brow Lifting (Ultherapy / SofWave): Micro-focused ultrasound energy tightens the deep dermal layers above the eyebrow to achieve a subtle brow lift.
- Plasma Skin Tightening: Delivers localized thermal energy to contract superficial skin. Multiple monthly sessions yield modest improvements for mild laxity.
For moderate to severe skin overhang, surgical removal remains the gold standard for long-term resolution.
Risks of Cosmetic Surgery for Hooded Eyelids
What are the risks associated with upper eyelid surgery for hooded eyes? While serious complications are uncommon, all eyelid procedures involve potential surgical risks:
- Expected Early Effects: Localized swelling, mild bruising, and temporary tightness during the first 3 to 7 days.
- Potential Surgical Risks:
- Temporary dry eye sensation or light sensitivity.
- Fine incision line visibility (concealed within the natural crease).
- Minor asymmetry or temporary difficulty closing the eyes fully during initial swelling.
Correcting a failed eyelid operation from an unaccredited facility costs 1.5 to 2 times more than a primary procedure due to scar tissue formation. Always ensure your surgery is performed in a licensed medical facility.
How Much Does an Eye Lift for Hooded Eyes Cost in Vietnam?
What is the cost of an eye lift for hooded eyes in Ho Chi Minh City? In 2026, market rates across private clinics range from $215 to $1,720 (5.6 to 45 million VND) depending on procedural complexity.
| Procedure Category | Cost in USD (2026) | Cost in VND (2026) |
| Upper Eyelid Skin Removal | $265–$505 | 7–13.2 million |
| Blepharoplasty + Crease Creation | $265–$1,525 | 7–40 million |
| Subbrow Skin Excision | $345–$630 | 9–16.5 million |
| Brow Lift (Browplasty) | $230–$1,525 | 6–40 million |
| Ptosis Repair (Levator Surgery) | $215–$1,720 | 5.6–45 million |
| Public Hospital Eyelid Surgery | $115–$200 | 3–5.2 million |
How Soon You Can Fly After Eyelid Surgery
When is it safe to fly home after eyelid surgery? International medical guidelines recommend remaining near your surgical clinic until stitches are removed and your surgeon conducts a final evaluation.
- Local Anesthesia Procedures (Under 90 mins): Plan for a stay of 7 to 10 days in Ho Chi Minh City to cover suture removal on day 7 and a follow-up review.
- General Anesthesia / Combined Procedures (Brow Lift + Blepharoplasty): Plan for a stay of 10 to 14 days before long-haul flights.
During your flight home, stay well-hydrated, use prescribed lubricating eye drops to combat dry cabin air, and avoid straining or heavy lifting.
Where to Get Eyelid Surgery in Ho Chi Minh City
Under Vietnamese medical regulations (Decree 96/2023/ND-CP), eyelid surgery must be performed exclusively in accredited surgical clinics or licensed hospitals holding valid Department of Health operating licenses.
Key checks before booking your procedure:
- Operating License Verification: Confirm the clinic’s license on the HCMC Department of Health register (thongtin.medinet.org.vn). License numbers follow the format 06303/HCM-GPHĐ.
- Approved Scope of Practice: Ensure blepharoplasty and ptosis repair are listed on the facility’s approved technical portfolio.
- Surgeon Licensing: Confirm your operating physician holds a valid practicing license (Law 15/2023/QH15).
Advanced Hooded Eye Surgery at Keangnam Korea
If you are seeking natural, long-lasting upper eyelid rejuvenation tailored to Asian facial features, Keangnam Korea is Ho Chi Minh City’s leading center for advanced eyelid surgery. Located at 394–396 Cao Thắng, Ward 12, District 10, HCMC (Department of Health Operating License: 06303/HCM-GPHĐ), our center provides specialized care under the highest medical standards.
Why Overseas Clients Choose Keangnam Korea:
- Face AI Digital Simulation: Preview your prospective eyelid crease and eye contour on an interactive digital display before committing to surgery.
- Exclusive Perfect Eyes Technique: Combines delicate levator muscle adjustment with precise crease design to deliver wide, naturally open eyes without a “staring” look.
- BernaStitch Precision & Cold Plasma: Incisions are closed using ultra-fine BernaStitch sutures and treated with cold plasma therapy to minimize post-operative swelling and bruising.
- 100% Doctor Continuity: Your examining specialist performs your surgical procedure and conducts your post-operative check-ups.
- Dedicated English-Speaking Concierge: Full translation support, pre-flight photo reviews, and travel clearances tailored to your flight home.
Book Your Complimentary Eyelid Evaluation Today
Explore more
- Eyelid surgery cost in Ho Chi Minh City
- Eyelid surgery recovery
- Nonsurgical eyelid tightening
- Choosing a clinic for eyelid surgery in Vietnam
Can You Remove Hooded Eyelids Without Surgery?
No. To remove hooded eyelids, the extra skin has to be cut away, and nonsurgical methods only tighten the skin or lift the brow slightly. In a 2025 study, hyaluronic acid filler raised the brow by about 1.35 mm on average.
What Does an Eye Lift for Hooded Eyes Cost at Public and Private Clinics?
Public hospitals in Vietnam charge $115 to $200 (3 to 5.2 million VND) for crease or lid surgery. Private clinics in Ho Chi Minh City quote $265 to $1,525 (7 to 40 million VND) for upper eyelid surgery, and ptosis repair can reach $1,720 (45 million VND).
Is Upper Eyelid Surgery for Hooded Eyes Painful?
Most people feel slight discomfort on the day of surgery and improve quickly.
