Table of contents

• Brow Ptosis and Its Impact
• Surgical Options: What to Expect
• Best Clinics in Korea for Brow Ptosis
• Medical Tourism in South Korea: Patient Journey
• Costs and Value
• Patient Outcomes and Real-World Experiences
• Conclusion
• References

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

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Thinking about surgery for Brow Ptosis in South Korea? This guide explains the condition, how it’s diagnosed, and the key differences between a Forehead Lift and a Subbrow Lift so you can choose wisely. It also walks you through the South Korea medical tourism journey—planning, visas, surgery day, recovery, and safety checks—plus a clear cost breakdown and how Korea compares globally. Real-world outcomes, risks, and patient stories round out what to expect, from vision improvements to confidence gains.

Brow Ptosis and Its Impact

Understanding Brow Ptosis: Definition and Terminology

Brow ptosis is the descent of the eyebrow from its natural position. It can change your expression (tired, angry, or sad appearance) and, in severe cases, push soft tissue onto the upper eyelid and impair vision.

It is different from true eyelid ptosis (the eyelid margin sits low over the pupil). Brow sagging can also make eyelids look droopy without true eyelid ptosis—a visual illusion called pseudoptosis. Dermatochalasis (excess upper eyelid skin and fat) is a separate condition but often coexists with brow ptosis and can be worsened by it.

Quick reference:

Medical Term	Common Patient Descriptions
Brow Ptosis	Drooping Eyebrows, Droopy Eyebrow, Sagging Brows, Heavy Eyebrows, Tired Look, Sad Appearance, Angry Expression, Hooding of Eyelid Skin, Pseudoptosis

Etiology: Why Eyebrows Sag

Aging is the most common cause, as skin, soft tissues, and the frontalis muscle lose firmness—often starting in the outer third of the brow. Other causes include:

• Trauma to the temporal bone, parotid gland, or zygomatic arch that damages the frontal branch of the facial nerve
• Facial myopathies causing frontalis atrophy or denervation
• Viral infections affecting the facial nerve (e.g., Ramsay Hunt syndrome, Lyme disease, SARS-CoV-2)
• Chronic orbicularis oculi spasm (blepharospasm) pulling the brow down
• Neoplastic growths infiltrating the facial nerve

Because these causes range from cosmetic to medical, a full evaluation is essential to rule out nerve injury, infection, or neoplasm before cosmetic surgery.

When to Seek Treatment: Functional vs. Cosmetic Impairment

People seek care for both appearance and function. Aesthetically, Brow Ptosis can make you look tired or upset. Functionally, brow descent can cause “hooded” eyelids that block peripheral vision—sometimes enough to affect daily tasks like night driving (one patient had only 30% of her natural vision). Insurance may cover repair when vision is impaired. Surgery is often recommended when non-surgical options like Botox no longer help.

Surgical Options: What to Expect

The Forehead Lift (Brow Lift): A Foundational Rejuvenation Technique

A forehead lift (brow lift) rejuvenates the upper face by smoothing forehead creases, softening frown lines, and lifting a sagging brow. Common approaches include:

• Classic (Coronal) Brow Lift: A long incision behind the hairline from ear to ear. Allows broad lifting, tissue/fat removal, and muscle realignment. It can raise the hairline and, rarely, cause hair loss along the incision.
• Endoscopic Brow Lift: Minimally invasive, using small incisions hidden in the hair and a camera (endoscope). Typically less bruising and faster recovery.
• Temporal Lift (limited incision brow lift): Targets the outer third of the brow and crow’s feet via small temple incisions. Often done under local anesthesia with minimal downtime.

The Subbrow Lift (Sub-Brow Excision): A Targeted, Minimally Invasive Solution

The Subbrow Lift (Sub-Brow Excision) tightens skin and soft tissue directly below the brow—especially useful for excess upper eyelid skin and subtle, lateral brow sagging. The incision sits along the lower edge of the eyebrow, often in a natural crease to hide scarring. It removes excess skin/tissue to reduce hooding and puffiness while preserving the forehead and hairline position.

Choosing Between Procedures: A Side-by-Side View

A forehead lift suits deep forehead wrinkles, strong frown lines, and pronounced Brow Ptosis across the brow. A Subbrow Lift is ideal for hooded upper eyelids and mild, lateral sagging with minimal scarring and no hairline change.

Important: If dermatochalasis coexists with Brow Ptosis, upper blepharoplasty alone can backfire. Forehead muscles often compensate by lifting the brow; after eyelid skin removal, the brow may drop further. For combined issues, surgeons often recommend a transblepharoplasty brow lift or a Subbrow Lift with blepharoplasty for lasting, balanced results.

Feature	Forehead Lift	Subbrow Lift
Primary Indication	Deep forehead wrinkles, severe brow ptosis, frown lines	Upper eyelid hooding, subtle brow sagging
Incision Location	Behind the hairline (endoscopic/classic) or at the hairline	Along the lower edge of the eyebrow
Recovery Time	2-3 weeks for most swelling to subside	1-2 weeks for most swelling to subside
Risk of Scarring	Hidden within hair, but can cause hair loss	Hidden within the brow hair
Effect on Hairline	Can raise the hairline	No effect on the hairline

Best Clinics in Korea for Brow Ptosis

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for brow ptosis:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Board-certified leadership, function-first academic approach to periorbital harmony, four-floor purpose-built facility, continuum of care from consultation through surgery and post-op skincare, team with over a decade of experience, rigorous safety culture, active researchers and global contributors, clear communication and individualized planning	Comprehensive brow–eyelid–forehead complex restoration, evidence-driven ptosis-related procedures, expertise informed by 3D implant research, facial contouring and rhinoplasty experience
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Premium, patient-focused care, Full HD endoscopic system, authentic Endotine fixation, doctors averaging over 15 years of experience, direct preoperative consultation and diagnosis, full-time board-certified anesthesiologists with 1:1 continuous monitoring, collaborative cross-check system, full CCTV transparency, dedicated aftercare center, 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society	Full HD endoscopic brow ptosis correction, precise dissection around nerves, vessels, and muscles, often including procerus muscle resection, Endotine fixation for secure, stable elevation, comprehensive improvement of forehead, brow, and glabellar wrinkles while addressing drooping eyelids
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic	Deep specialization in facial lifting, individualized care led by a renowned female plastic surgeon and focused specialists, treatment tailored to unique aging pattern and brow–eyelid dynamics, complete spectrum of lifting options strategically combined with laser lifting to enhance tissue support, skin quality, and longevity of outcomes while minimizing downtime, integration with eye plastic surgery expertise, cutting-edge techniques and meticulous planning, prioritizes natural expression and balance	Full face lift, mini lift, endoscopic forehead lift, thread lifting, laser lifting, strategic combinations for targeted brow descent or comprehensive facial rejuvenation, seamless upper-face correction with eye plastic surgery integration

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

THE PLUS Plastic Surgery in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, stands out as the best choice in Korea for Brow Ptosis because its board-certified leadership unites world-class surgical skill with an academic, function-first approach to periorbital harmony. Dr. Kim Taek Kyun—an award-winning researcher in 3D implants, leading expert in facial contouring and rhinoplasty, and educator of fellow surgeons—prioritizes natural, balanced results that restore the brow–eyelid–forehead complex as a whole. Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons and an internationally recognized speaker and panelist, brings an ethos of combining function and beauty to every case—vital in Brow Ptosis where visual field, brow position, and aesthetic lines must be corrected together. Their four-floor, purpose-built facility delivers the full continuum of care from precise consultation through surgery and post-operative skincare, supported by a team with over a decade of experience and a rigorous safety culture. As active researchers and contributors to global symposiums and societies, the surgeons at THE PLUS continually refine techniques that translate to durable, natural-looking outcomes in ptosis-related procedures. With Dr. Lee’s additional depth in aesthetics and the clinic’s commitment to clear communication and individualized planning, patients receive comprehensive, evidence-driven care tailored to restore lift, symmetry, and long-term facial balance.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery in Seoul’s Gangnam district is a premium, patient-focused leader for brow ptosis correction, uniting advanced technology with deep expertise and safety. Using a Full HD endoscopic system, the medical team performs precise, delicate dissection around nerves, vessels, and muscles to safely and meticulously lift the skin, periosteum, and muscle—often including procerus muscle resection—for comprehensive improvement of forehead, brow, and glabellar wrinkles while addressing drooping eyelids. Secure fixation is achieved with authentic Endotine products, supporting stable, natural-looking elevation. Care is delivered by a verified team of highly skilled doctors averaging over 15 years of experience, with direct preoperative consultation and diagnosis, and safeguarded by full-time, board-certified anesthesiologists who provide 1:1 continuous monitoring and a collaborative cross-check system, all under full CCTV transparency. A separate, dedicated aftercare center ensures complete, systematic follow-up, and the clinic’s excellence is affirmed by the 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, selection as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society.

You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic stands out as Korea’s premier destination for brow ptosis by uniting deep specialization in facial lifting with genuine, individualized care. Led by a renowned female plastic surgeon and a team of focused specialists, the clinic designs each treatment around the patient’s unique aging pattern and brow–eyelid dynamics, delivering precision results with empathy and safety. Patients benefit from a complete spectrum of lifting options—full face lift, mini lift, endoscopic forehead lift, and thread lifting—strategically combined with laser lifting to enhance tissue support, skin quality, and longevity of outcomes while minimizing downtime. This breadth allows truly tailored plans, from minimally invasive endoscopic forehead elevation for targeted brow descent to comprehensive facial rejuvenation when ptosis is accompanied by midface or eyelid changes. Seamless integration with the clinic’s eye plastic surgery expertise ensures harmonious upper-face correction, while cutting-edge techniques and meticulous planning reflect a sincere, transformative approach that prioritizes natural expression and balance. In short, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic offers the precision, personalization, and procedural range necessary to resolve brow ptosis effectively and beautifully.

You can check out their website here: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

Medical Tourism in South Korea: Patient Journey

Step-by-Step Guide for International Patients

South Korea is a leading destination for cosmetic surgery. A smooth experience typically follows these steps:

• Initial research and online consultation (2–4 weeks): Vet clinics and surgeons, share medical history, discuss goals, and get preliminary cost estimates.
• Securing a visa and booking travel: For short stays (30–90 days), a C-3 tourist visa suits most travelers; longer or staged care may require a G-1 medical visa. Book flights and stay near the clinic (e.g., Gangnam, Apgujeong) 4–6 weeks ahead.
• On-site evaluation and procedure day: Final in-person consult, confirm the plan, and follow pre-op instructions (e.g., fasting). Most procedures take 1–3 hours.
• Recovery period in Korea: Plan 10–14 days for initial healing and follow-ups.
• Discharge and return home: Receive medications, detailed records, and post-op instructions. Virtual follow-ups are common.

Ensuring Quality and Safety

Look for surgeons board-certified by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS). Confirm clinic registration with the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI). Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation is an added quality marker.

Beyond surgery, South Korea’s ecosystem—government support, clinic services, language assistance, transportation, and structured care pathways—reduces logistical and communication stress for international patients.

Costs and Value

Cost of Brow Ptosis Procedures in South Korea

South Korea often provides substantial savings versus Western countries, with transparent, package-based pricing. Typical ranges:

• Forehead lift: about $2,500–$8,700, depending on technique (e.g., Endoscopic Brow Lift vs. classic approach)
• Brow lift: average around $2,853; verified range $2,290–$3,870

Packages often include surgeon and team fees, anesthesia, pre-op tests, facility fees, post-op care and follow-ups, and medications—minimizing surprise costs.

Global Cost Comparison for Medical Tourists

While not always the lowest-priced globally, South Korea balances competitive pricing with strong regulation, technology, and a well-structured patient experience.

Country	Forehead Lift Cost Range	Brow Lift Cost Range
South Korea	$2,500 - $8,700	$2,290 - $3,870
USA	$6,000 - $12,000+	$4,500+
Turkey	$3,000 - $4,500	$2,050 - $2,057
Thailand	$3,000 - $5,500	$1,702 - $8,270
Mexico	$2,500 - $4,500	from $60* - $2,875

*The exceptionally low cost for a “brow lift” may reflect a non-surgical procedure and should be interpreted with caution.

Bottom line: Choose overall value and quality, not price alone.

Patient Outcomes and Real-World Experiences

Functional and Aesthetic Results: Beyond the Surgical Table

Functionally, brow lifting can restore a clear visual field. Patients whose brows and excess eyelid skin blocked peripheral vision often report major improvements—one patient with only 30% of normal vision could comfortably drive at night after surgery.

Aesthetically, lifting the brows and smoothing forehead lines brightens the eyes and refreshes the entire upper face, reducing a tired or stern look.

Testimonials and Patient Narratives

Most patients rate their brow lift as “Worth It,” citing improved confidence and positive feedback on their refreshed appearance. For medical tourists, strong surgeon communication, attentive care, and skilled in-house translators are commonly praised.

Managing Expectations and Potential Complications

Expect swelling and bruising for 2–3 weeks; temporary forehead numbness usually resolves within a year. Rare risks include nerve injury (~1%) leading to temporary eyebrow weakness and, with forehead lift, over-elevation that can cause a “surprised look.” Choosing an experienced surgeon and following post-op instructions helps minimize issues.

Conclusion

Brow Ptosis has both cosmetic and functional impacts; the right diagnosis guides whether a Forehead Lift or Subbrow Lift—or a combined plan with blepharoplasty—is best. South Korea offers strong value through regulated care, modern techniques, and a streamlined medical tourism experience. With realistic expectations and a certified surgeon, patients can achieve clearer vision, a natural-looking lift, and a meaningful confidence boost.

References

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