Brow lift
Which brow lift approach fits the forehead and brows?
A brow lift repositions forehead and brow tissues. Endoscopic, hairline and temporal approaches offer different access and treatment reach; the choice depends on brow position, the hairline and the area that needs lifting.[1][2]
Written by the Facelift in Seoul editorial team from the sources listed on each page. Last updated: .
What does a brow lift address?
A lowered brow can change the appearance of the upper eye area, particularly when the outer brow descends. Forehead lifting concerns the brow and the tissue above it. The assessment should distinguish that position from excess upper-eyelid skin, because these are different structures.[2]
Ask the surgeon to examine your brow with your forehead relaxed. Describe whether your concern is the outer tail, the central brow or a broader heavy feeling across the forehead. Say what shape you want to retain as well as what you hope to change. A useful plan identifies the target area before selecting access.
Brow lifting and lower-face lifting have different anatomical goals. Combining them may be considered when both areas need treatment, but a facelift incision near the ear does not itself describe a forehead operation.[3]
How does an endoscopic brow lift work?
An endoscope is a small camera used with instruments through incisions within the hair-bearing scalp. It allows the surgeon to adjust the tissues beneath the forehead skin. Ask where those incisions will sit and how the repositioned tissue will be secured. ASPS brow lift procedure guide, checked 4 November 2026
The word “endoscopic” describes visual access, rather than a particular brow shape. Ask how the plan changes the central brow and outer tail and how it relates to the hairline. Include any previous forehead surgery or scalp scars in the discussion.
When is a hairline lift considered?
A pre-trichial incision sits at the front hairline. ASPS describes this as an option for a high forehead, allowing brow elevation without moving the front hairline upward. The incision location and the intended hairline position therefore need to be discussed together. ASPS brow lift procedure guide, checked 4 November 2026
A coronal approach is different: its incision runs across the hair-bearing scalp. Ask which route is being proposed when someone uses the broad term “open brow lift”. The distinction matters if preserving the current forehead height is a priority. ASPS brow lift procedure guide, checked 4 November 2026
What can a temporal lift reach?
A temporal approach concentrates on the lateral forehead and outer brow. A technical review and clinical series describes temporal lifting for ageing changes around the outer orbit and brow tail. It should be explained in terms of that local reach rather than assumed to lift the whole forehead.[2]
| Approach | Access | Main question |
|---|---|---|
| Endoscopic | Incisions within hair-bearing scalp | Which brow areas will be released and supported? |
| Hairline / pre-trichial | Along the anterior hairline | How will forehead height be managed? |
| Temporal | At the lateral forehead / temple | How much of the outer brow is being treated? |
| Coronal | Across the scalp within the hair | Why is this access proposed for my anatomy? |
A systematic review comparing open and endoscopic surgery found an ongoing role for open approaches, with limited strong comparative evidence. Discuss the fit of the operation to your anatomy rather than treating the access method as a ranking.[1]
Can a brow lift be combined with a facelift?
Combined planning can address the upper face alongside the cheek, jawline and neck. The consultation should state which finding justifies each procedure. Ask whether the recommended forehead work changes the anaesthetic plan, follow-up arrangements or the time you need away from your normal routine.[3]
Keep optional procedures identifiable in the consent and quote. If the main concern is the jawline, ask what the brow procedure would add. If the brow is the only concern, ask why lower-face surgery is being discussed. A combined operation still needs a clear purpose for every part.
What is recovery usually like?
ASPS gives 10–14 days as an initial wound-healing window for brow lifting, with complete recovery continuing over several months. Sutures or clips are removed when appropriate for the incision and healing. ASPS brow lift recovery guide, checked 4 November 2026
The aftercare plan may include forehead tape or a loose head dressing and sometimes a drain. ASPS advises head elevation and avoiding vigorous activity for the period set by the surgeon, without applying ice or heat to the operated area. ASPS brow lift recovery guide, checked 4 November 2026
Ask for washing, hair care and dressing instructions that match the incision route. Arrange someone to help with transport after discharge and keep the review schedule available. If brow and lower-face surgery are combined, request an integrated set of instructions so that the care for each area is clear.
What should you ask before choosing an approach?
- Which part of the brow is low when my forehead is relaxed?
- How will the proposed incision affect the hairline plan?
- Which changes concern brow position and which concern eyelid skin?
- What follow-up is needed before leaving Seoul?
Bring your usual hairstyle into the consultation and explain how you normally wear your hair. Ask the surgeon to mark the proposed incision and describe the intended brow position in relation to your existing shape. Keep those details in the written plan.
For a combined facial assessment, discuss those priorities with a surgeon assessing forehead and facial ageing in Sinsa and ask for each proposed procedure to be explained separately.
Questions about brow lifts
Is a brow lift the same as a facelift?
No. A brow lift treats the forehead and brow region; a facelift primarily addresses the lower face, with neck treatment when indicated.[3]
Does a temporal lift treat the whole forehead?
A temporal approach focuses on the outer brow and lateral region. Ask which areas remain outside the proposed treatment.[2]
Can an open approach still be appropriate?
Yes. The systematic review found a continuing role for open brow surgery. Hairline position and the required change help guide the discussion.[1]
When are scalp sutures or clips removed?
Removal is scheduled according to healing and the method of closure. ASPS describes initial healing over 10–14 days rather than a universal removal appointment. ASPS brow lift recovery guide, checked 4 November 2026
References
(3)
Bibliographic records retrieved from PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
Graham DW, Heller J, Kurkjian TJ, et al. Brow lift in facial rejuvenation: a systematic literature review of open versus endoscopic techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;128(4):335e-341e.
Pascali M, Massarelli O. The Temporal Subcutaneous Brow Lift with Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Elastic Flap: Technical Considerations, Systematic Review, and Terminology Standardization. Facial Plast Surg. 2023;39(6):691-702.
Boyd CJ, Ceradini DJ. Current Trends in Facelift and Necklift Procedures. J Clin Med. 2025;14(12).