What is an endoscopic brow lift?
With age the brow descends, especially at its outer tail, and the upper-lid skin bunches beneath it. Many people try to compensate by raising their eyebrows all day, which carves horizontal forehead lines, while the muscles between the brows deepen vertical frown lines.
An endoscopic brow lift treats the cause rather than the lid. Through small incisions in the scalp, the brow is freed from its attachments along the bony rim and re-anchored higher. It is the less invasive cousin of the open forehead lift, and it is often paired with upper blepharoplasty when the lid skin is also heavy.
Who is a good candidate for an endoscopic brow lift?
- Brows that sit at or below the bony rim especially at the outer ends.
- Hooding that persists even after eyelid surgery.
- Strong forehead or frown lines from constantly lifting the brows.
- A normal or short forehead height — a very high hairline may suit a hairline incision better.
- Good general health and no plan to change hairstyle drastically during healing.
If the brow position is fine and only the lid skin is heavy, a sub-brow lift may be simpler and quicker.
Endoscopic vs open forehead lift vs sub-brow lift
| Endoscopic brow lift | Open (coronal / hairline) | Sub-brow lift | |
| Incision | 3–5 short cuts in the scalp | Long cut across the scalp or hairline | Along the lower brow edge |
| Lifts brow position | Yes | Yes, more powerfully | No — removes lid skin |
| Forehead lines | Improved | Improved | Not treated |
| Downtime | 7–10 days | 10–14 days | 5–7 days |
| Numbness of scalp | Mild, temporary | More common | Rare |
How is an endoscopic brow lift performed?
Before & after
Before
After
More results are in our before & after gallery.
What is recovery like after a brow lift?
| Day 1–3 | Forehead tightness and swelling that can drift down to the eyelids; keep the head raised. |
|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | Hair can be washed gently; bruising around the eyes fades. |
| Day 7–10 | Staples or stitches removed; most people are comfortable in public. |
| Month 1–3 | Scalp numbness and the slightly high early position settle to the final brow. |
“I lift the tail of the brow more than the middle. A brow that rises evenly tends to look startled, not rested.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of an endoscopic brow lift?
Possible risks include temporary scalp numbness or itching, small areas of hair thinning around incisions, asymmetry between the two brows, and, rarely, weakness of the nerve that raises the brow. Over-lifting can create a surprised look, which is why we plan conservatively. Some brow descent over the years is normal.
Frequently asked questions
Will the scars show?
The incisions are short and sit behind the hairline, so they are hidden by hair in most patients.
How long does an endoscopic brow lift last?
The brow usually stays in a higher position for many years, although gradual descent with ageing continues.
Does it change my hairline?
An endoscopic lift may raise the hairline slightly, which is why a very high forehead may suit a different approach.
Can it be combined with eyelid surgery?
Yes. The brow is usually lifted first, then any remaining upper-lid skin is assessed and removed in the same session.
Is botox an alternative?
Botox can lift the brow tail a few millimetres and soften lines for a few months, but it cannot reposition a genuinely low brow.
When can I fly home?
Most patients fly 7–10 days after surgery, once Dr. Lee has removed the stitches and checked healing.