What is a forehead lift?
As the forehead ages, the brows slowly descend — usually more at the outer end. Many people then lift their brows unconsciously all day to keep their eyes open, which etches deep horizontal lines into the forehead. Low brows also push skin down onto the upper eyelid, making it look hooded.
A forehead lift treats the brow position directly. Depending on your hairline and forehead height, Dr. Lee may use a hairline incision, a scalp incision or the smaller-incision endoscopic brow lift. When only the outer brow has dropped, a sub-brow lift may be the simpler option.
Who is a good candidate for a forehead lift?
- Low or drooping brows, especially at the outer ends.
- Deep horizontal forehead lines from constantly raising the brows.
- Frown lines between the brows that make you look angry or tense.
- Hooding of the upper lids that comes from the brow rather than the lid itself.
- A tired expression that Botox no longer improves enough.
If your upper lid skin is the main problem, brow lifting alone will not fix it. Many patients benefit from upper blepharoplasty — sometimes in the same session.
Hairline, endoscopic or sub-brow approach?
| Hairline forehead lift | Endoscopic brow lift | Sub-brow lift | |
| Incision | Along the front hairline | Several short scalp incisions | Under the brow |
| Best for | High forehead, strong lines | Normal forehead height | Outer-brow heaviness |
| Shortens forehead | Can do | No (may lengthen slightly) | No |
| Downtime | 2 weeks | 1–2 weeks | About 1 week |
| Longevity | Many years | Many years | Several years |
How is a forehead lift performed?
Before & after
Before
After
See more results in the before & after gallery.
What is recovery like after a forehead lift?
| Day 1–3 | Forehead and eyelid swelling, a tight feeling; head raised and cold compresses. |
|---|---|
| Day 7–10 | Stitches or staples removed. Bruising may move down around the eyes, then fade. |
| Week 2–3 | Most people return to work; hair can be styled to cover the incision. |
| Month 1–6 | Numbness of the scalp gradually improves and the brow settles. |
“A good brow lift is the one people never guess. They only say you look well rested.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of a forehead lift?
Common, temporary effects include swelling, bruising, scalp numbness and itching as nerves recover. Less common risks include hair thinning along the incision, a visible scar, brow asymmetry, over-elevation giving a surprised look and, rarely, weakness of the nerve that raises the brow. Careful planning of the lift amount reduces the risk of looking surprised.
Frequently asked questions
Will I look surprised?
Not if the lift is planned conservatively. Dr. Lee aims for a natural brow position, usually with a slight lift at the outer end.
Where is the scar?
In or along the hairline, or hidden in the scalp for endoscopic lifts. Hair usually covers it once healed.
How long does a forehead lift last?
Typically many years, although the face continues to age.
Can a forehead lift reduce forehead height?
A hairline incision can shorten a high forehead slightly at the same time.
Is Botox an alternative?
Botox can soften lines and give a small brow lift for a few months but cannot lift a clearly low brow.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
Allow about 10–14 days so stitches can be removed and healing checked.