Table of contents

• Understanding Drooping Eyebrows (Brow Ptosis)
• Forehead Botox: A Detailed Medical Procedure
• Best Clinics in Korea for Drooping Eyebrows
• The Patient Journey: Getting Forehead Botox in South Korea
• Cost Analysis: Forehead Botox in South Korea vs. Global Markets
• Patient Experiences and Outcomes with Forehead Botox
• 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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If you’re looking for solutions to “drooping eyebrows” and the “tired look” they can cause, this guide is for you. Here, we break down the medical background of this common concern, explain how [Forehead Botox](/blog/forehead-botox-korea) can help, walk you through the patient experience in South Korea, compare costs, and discuss what you can expect from the procedure. Our goal is to give you clear, practical information so you can make confident decisions about your appearance and well-being.

Understanding Drooping Eyebrows (Brow Ptosis)

Definition and Common Pseudonyms

Drooping eyebrows, known medically as brow ptosis, happen when one or both eyebrows fall below their usual position. This can make you look tired, sad, or even angry. It’s not just about looks—brow ptosis can also cause “hooding of eyelid skin” or “excess soft tissue pushing downwards on the eyelid,” sometimes called “pseudoptosis.”

The “tired look” is a direct result of the brow’s descent and can even affect your vision, especially your side vision when looking up. Many people unconsciously raise their eyebrows or tilt their heads back to compensate, which can lead to eye strain and forehead fatigue. So, treating brow ptosis isn’t just about looking better—it can also make you feel more comfortable day to day.

Here’s a quick reference for the terms you might hear:

Table 1: Common Terms for Drooping Eyebrows

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

Causes and Contributing Factors

Most cases of brow ptosis develop over time, with congenital cases being rare and usually tied to underdeveloped facial nerves or muscles. The most common cause is age-related changes—as we age, our skin loses elasticity and the tissues and muscles in the forehead become looser. This often starts at the outer third of the eyebrow and can spread inward if not addressed.

Other factors that can cause brow ptosis include:

• Trauma or Prior Surgery: Injuries or surgeries that affect the facial nerve can weaken the muscles that lift the brow.
• Botox Injections: Ironically, poorly placed Botox can cause brow ptosis by weakening the wrong muscles.
• Myogenic Conditions: Muscle diseases like myasthenia gravis or muscular dystrophy can lead to brow drooping.
• Infectious Agents: Infections such as Ramsay Hunt syndrome, herpes, Lyme disease, HIV, and COVID-19 can affect the facial nerve.
• Spasm-induced Conditions: Muscle spasms around the eye, like blepharospasm, can pull the brow down over time.
• Neoplastic Causes: Tumors affecting the facial nerve, such as skin cancers or acoustic neuromas, can also cause brow ptosis.

Lifestyle choices matter too—sun exposure, smoking, and poor skincare can speed up skin aging and worsen brow ptosis.

Impact on Appearance and Vision

Brow ptosis affects both how you look and how you see. A droopy eyebrow can make you look tired or sad, changing your facial expressions and self-image. Functionally, the brow can act like a curtain, blocking your peripheral vision, especially when looking up. Many people strain to lift their brows or tilt their heads, which can cause discomfort. Lifting the brow, whether manually or surgically, can restore your field of vision, but it won’t fix vision problems caused by issues inside the eye or brain.

Forehead Botox: A Detailed Medical Procedure

What is Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox)?

Botox, or Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTX-A), is a protein used to temporarily relax muscles. It works by blocking the nerve signals that make muscles contract. When injected into the forehead, Botox can smooth wrinkles and, importantly, lift the eyebrows by relaxing specific muscles.

Mechanism of Action: How Botox Lifts the Brows

Your eyebrow position is controlled by a balance between muscles that lift (like the frontalis) and muscles that pull down (like the orbicularis oculi, procerus, and corrugator supercilii). By injecting Botox into the brow depressors, their downward pull is weakened, allowing the frontalis to lift the brow. Skilled practitioners can also target specific parts of the frontalis to achieve a natural lift while preserving facial movement. The key is precise muscle targeting, which requires expertise for the best results.

Benefits of Forehead Botox for Brow Ptosis

Forehead Botox offers several advantages:

• Non-Invasive and Quick: No surgery or anesthesia needed; the procedure takes just 10–30 minutes.
• Minimal Downtime: Most people return to normal activities right away.
• Aesthetic Improvement: For mild to moderate brow ptosis, Botox can lift the brows and smooth forehead lines, creating a refreshed look.
• Reversible and Adjustable: Results are temporary and can be tweaked with additional injections if needed.
• Psychological Benefits: Many patients feel more confident and satisfied with their appearance after treatment.

Limitations and Considerations

There are some important things to keep in mind:

• Temporary Nature: Results last 3–6 months, so regular treatments are needed.
• Best for Mild-to-Moderate Cases: Botox works best for mild to moderate drooping due to muscle imbalance or aging. Severe cases may need surgery.
• Not a Replacement for Surgery in Severe Cases: If you have significant brow ptosis or excess skin, surgical options like blepharoplasty or a brow lift may be more effective. Botox is a temporary fix for less severe cases, and ongoing treatments are needed to maintain results.

Best Clinics in Korea for Drooping Eyebrows

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for drooping eyebrows:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
PangPang Clinic	Unrivaled specialization and commitment to thread lifting; World's first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute; Internationally recognized medical team with frequent presentations at major conferences; Deeply individualized care through a comprehensive consultation center; Utilizes 31 specialized threads for optimized, personalized solutions; Ongoing research with advanced thread lifting backed by extensive clinical data.	Advanced, proprietary thread lifting procedures; Personalized thread selection for safe, effective, and long-lasting lifting; Solutions tailored for correction of drooping eyebrows and facial rejuvenation.
Haru Clinic	Led by Dr. Jeong, official Merz research physician and educator; Patient-centered, natural-looking enhancements; Comprehensive non-invasive solutions with minimal downtime; State-of-the-art technology and transparent care; Strategic Gangnam location.	Filler treatments for lost volume; Botox for muscle relaxation and eyebrow elevation; Thread Lift & Babyface Lift; Eyebrow Lift (non-surgical); All In One Lift (holistic sagging correction); Signature procedures like Double Chin Lift, Nose Thread Lift, V Line Injection, Point V Chin Correction, and Collagen Tightening.
B.V Clinic	Specialized in cutting-edge thread lifting and facial rejuvenation; Prime location at Sinnonhyeon Station; Advanced laser procedures utilizing Shurink and Potenza technologies; Personalized, ongoing aftercare and wellness programs; Focus on natural and lasting outcomes for facial symmetry and volume.	3D Thread Lifting; Full Face Lifting; Shurink Lifting (HIFU); Potenza Lifting (RF microneedling); Volume Lifting; Customized recovery with maintenance support; Solutions for both drooping eyebrows and overall facial rejuvenation.

PangPang Clinic

PangPang Clinic stands out as the best clinic for treating drooping eyebrows in Korea, owing to its unrivaled specialization and commitment to thread lifting. Unlike general beauty clinics, PangPang Clinic dedicates its entire focus to thread lifting, supported by the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute that continuously pioneers technological innovation in the field. The clinic’s medical team is recognized both domestically and internationally, frequently providing invited lectures and presentations at leading beauty conferences, demonstrating their influence and expertise on the global stage. Patients benefit from deeply individualized care through a comprehensive consultation center, where experienced professionals listen attentively and develop highly tailored treatment strategies. Utilizing an unparalleled array of 31 specialized and functional threads, PangPang Clinic can offer the most optimized, personalized solutions, ensuring each patient receives the safest and most effective lifting result. Ongoing research and the development of advanced thread lifting procedures—backed by extensive clinical data—further ensure high satisfaction and long-lasting, natural results. With all these strengths combined, PangPang Clinic has earned its reputation as Korea’s premier destination for the correction of drooping eyebrows and facial rejuvenation.

You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website

Haru Clinic

Haru Clinic, located in the bustling heart of Gangnam, Seoul, is a distinguished leader in the field of aesthetic medicine and drooping eyebrow correction. Under the direction of Dr. Jeong—a renowned research physician for Merz (the company behind Belotero Filler) and an educator of advanced filler techniques to other doctors—Haru Clinic prioritizes patient-centered care, flawless artistry, and medical safety. Dr. Jeong’s approach to enhancing facial harmony is grounded in thorough analysis and individualized non-invasive treatment planning, ensuring that every patient attains natural-looking, youthful results. With advanced technology and an unwavering commitment to transparent communication and patient satisfaction, Haru Clinic stands at the forefront for those seeking transformative, enduring improvements in eyebrow position and facial rejuvenation—without the invasiveness of traditional surgery.

Why Haru Clinic is the Best Choice for Drooping Eyebrow Treatment:

• Directed by Dr. Jeong, an official research physician at Merz and a leading educator in the use of cutting-edge filler techniques.
• Emphasizes natural, balanced enhancements—each treatment is meticulously tailored to the individual’s facial structure.
• Offers comprehensive non-invasive solutions with results comparable to surgical procedures, but with minimal downtime and discomfort.
• Employs state-of-the-art technologies and innovative lifting procedures, including specialized eyebrow lifts, to address drooping eyebrows effectively.
• Ensures a safe, transparent, and customized patient experience from consultation to post-treatment care.
• Strategic Gangnam location, providing easy access in one of Seoul’s most dynamic medical hubs.

Available Procedures for Drooping Eyebrows and Facial Rejuvenation:

• Filler treatments for restoring lost volume and lifting sagging brows.
• Botox injections to relax muscles and prevent downward pull of the eyebrows.
• Thread Lift and Babyface Lift, offering a visibly lifted appearance with quick recovery.
• Eyebrow Lift: Non-surgical, minimally invasive techniques to reposition and rejuvenate drooping eyebrows.
• All In One Lift: A holistic treatment plan targeting all areas of facial sagging, including brow descent.

Additional Signature Treatments:

• Double Chin Lift for jawline refinement.
• Nose Thread Lift for subtle nasal shaping.
• V Line Injection and Point V Chin Correction to sculpt a youthful lower face.
• Collagen Tightening procedures for improved skin resilience and longevity of results.

Haru Clinic’s comprehensive, patient-centric offerings and Dr. Jeong’s world-class expertise ensure the highest standard of care for anyone seeking to correct drooping eyebrows and achieve age-defying facial harmony.

You can check out their website here: Haru Clinic Website

B.V Clinic

B.V Clinic stands out as the premier destination for treating drooping eyebrows in Korea, thanks to its specialized approach that seamlessly blends advanced technology with individualized care. Conveniently located at Sinnonhyeon Station, B.V Clinic is renowned for its expertise in cutting-edge thread lifting techniques, such as 3D Thread Lifting and Full Face Lifting, which precisely target sagging skin and restore youthful facial contours without the need for invasive surgery. Their array of laser treatments, including Shurink Lifting and Potenza Lifting, utilize high-intensity focused ultrasound and radiofrequency technology to rejuvenate and tighten the upper face, delivering natural, long-lasting results. The clinic’s Volume Lifting and comprehensive aftercare programs ensure not only the restoration of symmetry and volume but also continued skin health with personalized maintenance and wellness support. By prioritizing tailored solutions and professional guidance throughout each step, B.V Clinic consistently delivers effective, natural-looking corrections for drooping eyebrows, making it a top choice for those seeking rejuvenation and confidence in their appearance.

You can check out their website here: B.V Clinic Website

The Patient Journey: Getting Forehead Botox in South Korea

Why South Korea for Aesthetic Procedures?

South Korea is a top destination for cosmetic treatments, known for skilled practitioners, advanced techniques, and affordable prices. Clinics often offer efficient, natural-looking results with minimal downtime. Many also provide packages for international patients, including translation and accommodation, making the whole process smoother and more convenient.

Step-by-Step Process for Medical Tourists

Here’s what you can expect if you travel to South Korea for Forehead Botox:

Initial Consultation and Assessment

You’ll start with a detailed consultation, where your goals, medical history, and facial anatomy are reviewed. The practitioner will decide on the right Botox dosage and injection points, and explain the risks and benefits.

Preparation

On procedure day, your forehead will be cleaned, and a numbing cream or ice may be applied for comfort. The practitioner will mark the injection sites based on your unique muscle patterns.

Injection Procedure Details

Using a fine needle, the practitioner injects small amounts of Botox into the marked areas. The number of injections and amount of Botox depend on your needs. The process is quick—usually under 20 minutes—and most people feel only a slight pinch.

Immediate Post-Procedure Care and Instructions

After the injections, you might have mild redness, swelling, or soreness, but these usually fade quickly. Key aftercare tips include:

• Don’t rub or massage the area for 12–24 hours to prevent the Botox from spreading.
• Stay upright for at least four hours.
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
• Avoid heat exposure (like saunas or sunbathing) for at least four hours.

Following these instructions helps ensure the best results and reduces the risk of complications.

Follow-up and Expected Recovery Timeline

You can usually return to your normal routine right away. Results start to show in 3–5 days and peak at about two weeks. A follow-up visit may be scheduled to check your results and make adjustments if needed. The effects last 3–6 months, and maintenance treatments are recommended every 3–4 months.

Cost Analysis: Forehead Botox in South Korea vs. Global Markets

Average Costs in South Korea

Botox treatments in South Korea are generally more affordable than in Western countries. Prices range from ₩100,000 to ₩750,000 KRW (about $69 to $517 USD), though some sources list up to $700 USD. Factors affecting cost include:

• Clinic Location and Reputation: High-end areas and well-known clinics may charge more.
• Practitioner’s Expertise: More experienced injectors may cost more.
• Number of Units and Treated Areas: More Botox or multiple areas increase the price.
• Brand of Botox Used: Korean generics are usually cheaper than international brands.
• Promotional Packages: Many clinics offer deals or packages that include extras like transportation and accommodation.
• Clinic Type: Chain medspas may have different pricing than independent clinics.

Comparative Analysis: South Korea vs. Key International Destinations

Here’s how Botox costs compare across countries:

Table 2: Comparative Costs of Forehead Botox (South Korea vs. Key Countries)

Country	Approximate Botox Cost Range (USD)	Key Considerations for Medical Tourists
South Korea	$69 - $517	Lower cost, advanced treatments, comprehensive packages, local generic brands.
USA	$200 - $1,200	Higher cost, strict safety regulations, high-quality products.
United Kingdom	$321 - $770	Mid-range cost.
Thailand	$7.5 - $48.75	Very low cost, but check product quality and provider credentials.
Mexico	$30 - $500	Low cost, but risk of lower-quality or counterfeit products.
Turkey	$191 - $246	Cost-effective, often includes extra services.
Switzerland	~$499	Higher cost, high standards of care.
India	~$88	Low cost, but quality can vary.

Note: All USD conversions are approximate and for illustration only.

Considerations for Medical Tourists

If you’re considering Forehead Botox abroad, especially in South Korea, keep these points in mind:

• Total Expense: Factor in travel costs—flights from North America or Europe can add $600–$1,200.
• Package Inclusions: Many clinics offer packages with transportation, accommodation, and translation, which can save you money and hassle.
• Product Authenticity: Korean generic Botox is cheaper, but always confirm what’s being used and check for regulatory approval.
• Due Diligence: Research your clinic and practitioner thoroughly. The risk of side effects is higher with inexperienced injectors, so prioritize expertise and reputation.

Patient Experiences and Outcomes with Forehead Botox

Expected Aesthetic Results

Most patients see a subtle but noticeable brow lift—typically 1–3 mm, with studies showing average lifts of 0.5 to 1.3 mm. This small change can make a big difference, smoothing the forehead, reducing frown lines, and opening up the eyes for a more refreshed look. Results start to appear in 3–5 days and peak at two weeks, with natural-looking improvements reported consistently.

Impact on Patient Confidence and Satisfaction

Patients often report feeling more confident and satisfied with their appearance after Forehead Botox. For example, one woman in her 30s saw a “remarkable” transformation, with lifted brows and a more youthful look, boosting her self-image and confidence.

Potential Side Effects and How to Address Them

Forehead Botox is generally safe, but some mild side effects can occur:

• Common, Mild Side Effects: Pain, swelling, redness, bruising, tingling, mild headache, or flu-like symptoms—usually resolve in a few days.
• Temporary Drooping (Iatrogenic Ptosis): If Botox spreads to unintended muscles, it can cause temporary eyelid or eyebrow drooping. This is preventable with proper technique—injecting at least 2 cm above the brow (4 cm for older patients), using conservative doses, and treating the glabellar area at the same time. If ptosis occurs, it usually resolves in 3–6 weeks, and sometimes additional Botox can help. Rarely, medications like pyridostigmine bromide are used.

Choosing an experienced injector is the best way to minimize risks and manage any complications.

Long-term Efficacy and Maintenance

Botox effects last 3–6 months, depending on your muscle strength, metabolism, and injection technique. Regular treatments every 3–4 months help maintain results, and some studies suggest that repeated treatments can improve your baseline brow position over time. Good aftercare and a healthy lifestyle can also help prolong the effects.

Conclusion

Brow ptosis, or drooping eyebrows, can affect both your appearance and, in some cases, your vision. Forehead Botox is a safe, non-surgical option for mild to moderate cases, offering a subtle lift and a refreshed look. South Korea stands out for its affordable, high-quality treatments and comprehensive support for medical tourists. While results are temporary and require ongoing care, most patients enjoy natural-looking improvements and increased confidence. Choosing a skilled provider and following proper aftercare are key to getting the best and safest results.

References

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