What is a sub-brow lift?
With age, the skin between brow and lashes stretches and slides down, particularly at the outer third. The usual answer is to cut it away at the crease, but that removes the thinnest skin and leaves the thicker brow skin closer to the lashes — which can make the lid look heavy and the crease lose its definition.
A sub-brow lift takes the excess from the top instead, where the skin is thickest. The lid itself is left untouched, so the natural fold, any previous double eyelid result and the lash line remain as they were. It is often a neater solution than a second upper blepharoplasty.
Who is a good candidate for a sub-brow lift?
- Hooding at the outer lid that hides the crease or eyeliner.
- Thick or puffy upper-lid skin that would look bulky after a crease excision.
- Previous double eyelid surgery with skin now drooping over the fold.
- Brows in a good position — not significantly low.
- Fuller brows or tattooed brows that help hide the scar.
If the brow itself has dropped, removing skin underneath it will not lift it; a brow lift or endoscopic brow lift may be the better first step.
Sub-brow lift vs upper blepharoplasty vs brow lift
| Sub-brow lift | Upper blepharoplasty | Brow lift | |
| Incision | Lower edge of brow | In the eyelid crease | Hairline or scalp |
| Changes the crease | No | Yes | No |
| Best for | Thick skin, outer hooding | Thin skin, crease design | Low, heavy brows |
| Downtime | 5–7 days | 7–10 days | 10–14 days |
| Moves brow height | No | No | Yes |
How is a sub-brow lift performed?
Before & after
Before
After
See more eye and brow cases in the before & after gallery.
What is recovery like after a sub-brow lift?
| Day 1–3 | Swelling around the brow and upper lid; cold compresses and sleeping with your head raised. |
|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | Stitches out. Brow make-up can usually cover the line soon after. |
| Week 2–3 | Most visible swelling has settled; normal social life. |
| Month 3–6 | The scar flattens and pales along the brow edge. |
“If someone notices your eyes look brighter but cannot tell what changed, the plan worked.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of a sub-brow lift?
The scar is the main trade-off. In most people it becomes hard to see, but in pale, sparse or very thin brows it can stay visible. Other risks include temporary numbness above the brow, asymmetry and, if too much skin is taken, difficulty closing the eye. A sub-brow lift does not treat ptosis — if the lid muscle is weak, the eye will still look sleepy.
Frequently asked questions
Will the scar be noticeable?
It sits along the lower border of the brow and usually fades to a fine line over several months. Brow make-up or tattooing can help hide it during healing.
Will my eyebrows move up?
No. A sub-brow lift removes skin below the brow; it does not raise the brow itself.
Can I have it after double eyelid surgery?
Yes. It is a common way to deal with recurring hooding without reoperating on the crease.
How long does the result last?
Typically many years, although skin continues to age and some laxity may return over time.
Can it be combined with ptosis correction?
Yes, when both skin excess and a weak lid muscle are present, they can be treated in one session.
Who performs the surgery?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung carries out the consultation, surgery and follow-up herself.