What is a brow lift?
With age, the brow — especially its outer tail — slowly descends. The skin it carries piles onto the upper lid, so the lid looks hooded even when the lid itself is not the problem. Many people unconsciously raise their brows all day to compensate, deepening forehead lines.
A brow lift returns the brow to a more natural height. For Asian faces, where a high, arched brow can look surprised, Dr. Lee often prefers a sub-brow lift, which removes skin directly beneath the brow without raising it much. When the whole brow and forehead have dropped, an endoscopic brow lift or forehead lift works at a deeper level.
Do I need a brow lift or eyelid surgery?
- Hooding mainly at the outer lid while the inner lid looks fine.
- Brows that sit at or below the bony rim especially the tail.
- A permanently raised forehead with horizontal lines by evening.
- A tired or stern look that others comment on.
- Previous upper-lid surgery where heaviness has returned.
A quick test: gently lift your brow with a fingertip. If the lid looks right, the brow is the issue. If excess skin remains, you may also need upper blepharoplasty.
Sub-brow, endoscopic or hairline brow lift?
| Sub-brow lift | Endoscopic brow lift | Hairline (open) lift | |
| Incision | Along the lower brow edge | 3–5 small scalp cuts | At the hairline |
| Best for | Outer-lid hooding, thick skin | Whole brow descent | High forehead, deep lines |
| Brow height change | Minimal | Moderate | Moderate to marked |
| Downtime | 7–10 days | 10–14 days | 2 weeks |
| Scar | Hidden in brow line | Inside the hair | Along the hairline |
How is a brow lift done?
Before & after
Before
After
Further results are in the before & after gallery.
How long does brow lift recovery take?
| Day 1–3 | Swelling that may drift down to the eyes; keep your head raised. |
|---|---|
| Day 7–10 | Stitches or clips removed; bruising fading. |
| Week 2–3 | Back to work and light exercise; forehead may feel numb. |
| Month 3–6 | Sensation returns and the brow settles into its final position. |
“Lifting the brow too high is the quickest way to look operated on. I would rather leave you looking rested than surprised.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of a brow lift?
Temporary numbness or itching of the forehead and scalp is common. Less often there can be brow asymmetry, a visible scar, hair thinning along incisions, or partial relapse of the lift. Injury to the nerve that raises the brow is rare. We set brow height conservatively and discuss honestly whether non-surgical tightening such as Ultherapy could be enough for very mild cases.
Frequently asked questions
Will I look surprised after a brow lift?
Not if it is planned carefully. Dr. Lee lifts mainly the outer brow and keeps the inner brow natural.
Is a sub-brow lift the same as a brow lift?
Not exactly. A sub-brow lift removes skin under the brow and barely changes its height, while a classic brow lift repositions the whole brow.
How long does a brow lift last?
Typically many years, although gravity and ageing continue gradually.
Can I combine it with eyelid surgery?
Yes. Brow and upper-lid surgery are often done together, with the brow addressed first.
Where will the scars be?
Along the lower brow edge, inside the hair or at the hairline, depending on the approach chosen.
When can I wash my hair?
Usually after 48 hours, gently, once Dr. Lee has checked the incisions.