Brow Lift vs Upper Blepharoplasty in Korea: Which One Is Right for You?

Brow lifts and upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) are two of the most popular anti-aging procedures in Korea, but they target different parts of the upper face.

Many patients think they need eyelid surgery when the real cause of heaviness is a drooping brow, while others assume they need a brow lift when the problem is actually excess eyelid skin.

Choosing the right procedure makes the difference between a refreshed, naturally lifted look — and an overdone or incomplete result.

This guide explains the difference between the two, who they’re best for, and why Korean surgeons often combine both for the most natural outcome.

1. What Is Upper Blepharoplasty? (Upper Eyelid Surgery)

Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper eyelids.

What it fixes:

• Hooded eyelids
• Excess skin folding over the lash line
• Heavy upper eyelids
• Asymmetrical eyelid skin
• Tired or aging eyes
• Disappearing double eyelid crease

How it works:

• A thin incision is made along the natural eyelid crease
• Extra skin or fat is removed
• The crease is reshaped or reinforced
• Eyelid becomes smoother and more visible

Results:

• Brighter, more youthful eyes
• Defined crease
• Less heaviness on the lash line

Best for:

• Thin or stretched eyelid skin
• Eyelid “curtain” covering the eyes
• Fatty or puffy lids
• Age-related sagging
• Patients 35–70+

Upper blepharoplasty is eyelid-focused — not brow-focused.

2. What Is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift elevates the eyebrows and forehead tissue, reducing heaviness that pushes the eyelids down.

What it fixes:

• Low or drooping eyebrows
• Heavy brows pressing on eyelids
• Horizontal forehead wrinkles
• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Tired, angry, or sad expression
• Brow asymmetry

How it works:

• Small incisions behind the hairline or at the temples
• Tissue is lifted and secured
• Brow position is elevated
• Forehead muscles can be softened

Results:

• More open eyes
• Lifted brow position
• Reduced hooding without touching eyelid skin
• Smoother forehead

Best for:

• Thick or heavy eyebrows
• Sagging forehead
• Drooping outer brow
• Patients 30–60+

A brow lift is forehead-focused — not eyelid-focused.

3. Brow Lift vs Upper Blepharoplasty: Key Differences

✔ Where the problem is:

• Blepharoplasty: Extra eyelid skin
• Brow Lift: Low brow pushing down on the eyelid

✔ Where the surgery works:

• Blepharoplasty: Eyelid crease level
• Brow Lift: Forehead, brow, and temples

✔ Ideal for:

• Blepharoplasty: Skin excess + hooding
• Brow Lift: Droopy brows + tired expression

✔ Aging pattern:

• Blepharoplasty: Sagging eyelid skin
• Brow Lift: Forehead descent and brow heaviness

✔ Aesthetic goal:

• Blepharoplasty: Clean eyelid crease
• Brow Lift: Naturally lifted upper face

4. Do You Need a Brow Lift or Blepharoplasty?

Here is how surgeons in Korea determine the best procedure:

You likely need Upper Blepharoplasty if:

• You can lift your brows → the hooding disappears
• Excess eyelid skin is clearly visible
• Your double eyelid crease is hidden by skin
• Eyelid feels heavy even when brows are in normal position
• You’re older with thinning eyelid skin

You likely need a Brow Lift if:

• Lifting your brows opens your eyes dramatically
• You constantly raise your forehead to see clearly
• Brows sit below or on the orbital bone
• Outer brows droop and create lateral hooding
• You have strong forehead wrinkles from compensation
• Your eyelids look heavy, but skin is not excessive

You may need Both Together if:

• The forehead has dropped and eyelid skin is excessive
• You want a full upper-face rejuvenation
• You have deep-set eyes with brow heaviness
• You want naturally lifted eyes without over-removal of eyelid tissue

Korean doctors often recommend a combined approach for the most balanced result.

5. How Korean Surgeons Approach Both Surgeries

Korea is known for a customized, minimal-scar approach to upper-face rejuvenation.

Common Korean techniques:

• Endoscopic brow lift for natural elevation
• Upper blepharoplasty with precise crease design
• Combination surgery for full harmony
• Fat repositioning around the eye
• Ptosis correction when eyelid muscles are weak

The goal is always natural, bright, Korean-style eyes — not overdone or overly aggressive lifting.

6. Recovery Differences

Upper Blepharoplasty

• 5–7 days initial healing
• 1–2 weeks for swelling to subside
• Full results in 1–3 months

Brow Lift

• 7–10 days recovery
• Mild forehead tightness
• 2–3 weeks for swelling to fade
• Final results in 2–3 months

Combination surgery has a similar recovery time, just slightly more swelling.

Final Thoughts

Both upper blepharoplasty and brow lifts are powerful tools for rejuvenating the upper face — but they address very different problems.

✔ Choose Upper Blepharoplasty

If excess eyelid skin or crease issues are the main concern.

✔ Choose a Brow Lift

If brow drooping and forehead aging are the cause of eyelid heaviness.

✔ Choose Both

If you want a complete upper-face rejuvenation with brighter, younger-looking eyes.