Differences Between Brow Lift and Forehead Lift and How to Choose

Hello, I am Dr. Jo Hyun-woo from 입체성형외과.

Aging in the face often appears as wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes.

To address this, two methods are commonly used: the forehead lift and the brow lift.

The appropriate surgical method is chosen depending on the patient's condition and desired results.

Today, I will explain the differences between the forehead lift and the brow lift, their advantages and disadvantages, and the surgical methods.

Forehead Lift

A forehead lift is suitable when there are deep wrinkles on the forehead or the eyebrows have drooped, making the overall facial impression look tired or aged.

It is especially effective when forehead and glabellar wrinkles, along with sagging eyebrows, make the eyes appear smaller.

Because a forehead lift raises the entire forehead, it can improve the forehead, eyebrows, and glabellar wrinkles at the same time.

It can also partially improve fine wrinkles and sagging around the eyes, and it can provide long-term results with a single surgery.

(Left) Before surgery (Right) 6 weeks after surgery

The recovery period after a forehead lift may vary depending on the individual.

Because this is forehead surgery, swelling may move downward, causing swelling and bruising around the eyes.

For about 3 to 4 days after surgery, you may experience headaches caused by swelling and a feeling of heat in the forehead area, and applying cold compresses frequently during this time can help recovery.

The surgery is performed under sedation anesthesia, and the operation takes about 1 hour.

Through endoscopy, the skin is dissected and lifted up to above the eyebrows through a small incision of about 1 cm inside the hairline. Compared to a standard endoscope, the image quality is about 5 to 6 times clearer, allowing even nerves and blood vessels to be observed in detail. This can minimize damage to nerves and soft tissue, reduce swelling, bruising, and bleeding after surgery, and help support faster recovery.

Brow Lift

A brow lift is mainly suitable when the skin sagging below the eyebrows is severe.

It is effective when sagging skin below the eyebrows blocks the field of vision or when drooping eyebrows make the eyes look heavy.

(Left) Before surgery (Right) 6 weeks after surgery

Without touching the eyes, it directly improves sagging skin below the eyebrows, creating an immediate brightening effect around the eyes.

The part that patients worry about most is the scar, but because the incision is placed below the eyebrow, the scar is barely visible. These days, many people also get eyebrow tattoos, so if you have one, the scar may not be noticeable.

However, a brow lift cannot improve the entire forehead and is limited to the area below the eyebrows.

A brow lift is a simple procedure performed under sedation anesthesia, and the surgery takes about 40 minutes.

In my case, if the space between the eyes and eyebrows is wide, I usually recommend considering a brow lift first.

Depending on the case, additional surgery may be needed.

The surgical results usually become final between 6 months and 1 year, and the forehead and eyebrows are naturally lifted, giving a younger and more energetic impression.

After surgery, you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol and refrain from actions that irritate the skin.

Also, when exposed to sunlight, it is important to protect the skin by using sunscreen.

It is important to choose the best surgical method that matches your condition and expectations through consultation with a specialist.

The forehead lift and brow lift each have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is best to make a decision by comprehensively considering your skin condition, the degree of wrinkles, and your needs regarding recovery time.

A forehead lift is suitable for people who want to improve the forehead, eyebrows, and glabellar wrinkles at the same time and want long-term results,

while a brow lift is suitable for people who want localized improvement of sagging skin below the eyebrows and a short recovery period.

Lastly, after surgery, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and receive regular follow-up checks.

This helps maintain the best results.

If you have any further questions about the above procedures, please feel free to contact 입체성형외과 at any time.

We will always do our best to help.

Thank you.