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Thank you for contacting us!
We've received your inquiry.
Due to high demand, our respons time may take 1-2 business days.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
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2026.07.23BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower
Hello from BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower!
When preparing this post, we reflected on the question our patients ask most frequently during consultations and clinical exams: "What is the difference between SMILE and SMILE Pro?"
Questions like "Is SMILE Pro significantly better?" or "How do the two procedures actually differ?" come up every day. Many patients mention that after watching review videos and reading online comparisons, they ended up feeling even more confused. Today, we will break down the differences between SMILE and SMILE Pro comprehensively, based on the actual explanations we provide in our examination rooms!
SMILE corrects vision by creating a tiny, 2mm incision on the cornea, through which a microscopic tissue layer called a lenticule is carefully removed. Many patients wonder how this technique compares to traditional LASIK.
Traditional LASIK requires creating a corneal flap (like a small lid), opening it, and applying a laser beneath the surface. Because of the larger incision area, recovery can take a bit longer, and some temporary discomfort may occur.
By maintaining a drastically smaller incision area, SMILE preserves the structural integrity of the cornea to the highest degree possible. Its exceptionally fast recovery time makes it a preferred choice for active individuals.
SMILE procedures are performed using state-of-the-art VisuMax femtosecond laser technology developed by ZEISS, a world-leading German optics manufacturer. At BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower, we take immense pride in operating these advanced, high-precision systems.
Some patients ask whether all laser equipment delivers identical results. However, we always emphasize that surgical technology plays a pivotal role in final clinical outcomes. BGN Eye Clinic utilizes genuine ZEISS VisuMax systems that undergo regular, certified maintenance directly from ZEISS headquarters.
Both procedures share the exact same underlying surgical principle. The primary distinction lies in the technology upgrade: SMILE Pro utilizes the next-generation VisuMax 800 platform.
Both SMILE and SMILE Pro offer exceptionally rapid recovery. A vast majority of our patients comfortably resume their normal routine the day after surgery.
However, because laser exposure is noticeably shorter with SMILE Pro, patients frequently report feeling more relaxed during and immediately after the procedure. For individuals with sensitive eyes or higher procedural anxiety, SMILE Pro often provides a smoother overall experience. Nonetheless, personal recovery rates vary depending on individual eye conditions.
"Rather than asking which surgery is objectively superior, the real question is: Which procedure is right for your unique eyes?"
This is the core advice we offer during every consultation. Every patient presents a unique ocular profile including corneal thickness, pupil size, refractive error, and degree of myopia. Furthermore, pain tolerance and comfort levels differ from person to person.
Ultimately, personalized care matters more than the surgical title alone. While SMILE Pro may be ideal for patients seeking faster treatment and greater peace of mind, standard SMILE and traditional LASIK also yield outstanding visual outcomes when correctly matched to the patient.
The best vision correction procedure is simply the one tailored precisely to your eyes. The team at BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower remains committed to guiding you toward your safest, clearest vision.