Table of contents

• Medical Procedures for Forehead Wrinkles: Detailed Overview
• Best Clinics in Korea for Forehead Wrinkles
• Getting Procedures in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Costs Associated with Procedures in South Korea and International Comparison
• Patient Outcomes, Recovery, Risks, and Longevity
• Conclusions
• References

Horizontal forehead lines, also called "worry lines," are the noticeable creases that run across the forehead. These lines typically show up when you raise your eyebrows in surprise, worry, or concern. They form because of the repeated contraction of the frontalis muscle, which spans the forehead’s width.

At first, horizontal lines may only appear when you move your face, classifying them as dynamic wrinkles. Over time and with continued muscle use, these can become static wrinkles, meaning they're visible even when your face is relaxed. This shift is often one of the first signs of aging. Because the forehead makes up about a third of the face, any lines here are quite apparent and can affect self-esteem.

Dynamic vs. Static Wrinkles

Wrinkles generally fall into two categories: dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles only appear or are most noticeable when you make facial expressions—think crow’s feet, smile lines, or forehead lines when you raise your brows. With age and repeated movement, the skin loses, elasticity, so these eventually become permanent creases, similar to paper folded many times.

Static wrinkles are always visible, even when your face is at rest, and indicate more advanced skin aging. These include deep forehead lines, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds. Understanding how dynamic lines evolve into static wrinkles highlights why early treatments like botulinum toxin can help slow or prevent permanent creases.

Aside from repetitive movements, static wrinkles are influenced by skin aging, collagen breakdown (especially from sun exposure), dehydration, and decreased skin cell renewal. The decline of supportive proteins such as collagen and elastin also plays a role, leading to sagging and wrinkling.

Common Pseudonyms and Medical Terms

There are various ways to describe forehead wrinkles. The medical term for a wrinkle is "rhytid," while "worry lines" specifically refer to horizontal forehead lines. Vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows are known as "11 lines" or "glabellar wrinkles."

Some specialized terms, like "Procerus sign," identify vertical wrinkling linked to conditions like Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. This can also be called "corrugator supercilii sign" and involves several muscles. Not all forehead lines are cosmetic—some signal underlying medical conditions, so a thorough assessment ensures safe and targeted treatments.

Medical Procedures for Forehead Wrinkles: Detailed Overview

Forehead Lift (Brow Lift)

Mechanism and Application

A forehead lift (also called a brow lift or browplasty) is a surgical procedure that lifts sagging eyebrows and smooths forehead and frown lines for a fresher look. There are several techniques, each matched to the patient’s needs:

• Endoscopic Brow Lift: Small incisions are made behind the hairline, and a tiny camera guides tissue lifting. This produces minimal scarring and quicker recovery.
• Coronal Brow Lift: A traditional method with a longer incision behind the hairline for more extensive lifting.
• Hairline Brow Lift: The incision runs along the hairline—a good choice for high or receding hairlines.
• Temporal Brow Lift: Focuses on the eyebrow’s outer edge with incisions in the temples.
• Endotine Forehead Lift: Uses absorbable implants to anchor lifted tissue, with the device dissolving naturally over time.

Technique selection depends on your facial anatomy, degree of sagging, hairline, and aesthetic goals. Specialist consultation is key to selecting the optimal approach.

Targeted Wrinkles and Conditions

Forehead lifts address deep creases, vertical frown lines ("11s"), and brow ptosis (drooping). They're ideal for those with obvious brow sag, deep wrinkles, and “hooded” eyebrows—the last of which can even affect vision. The procedure also helps lift brows and open up the upper eyelids.

Eyebrow Lift (Non-Surgical Options)

Non-surgical eyebrow lifts use injectables or energy-based treatments to refresh the brow area without major incisions.

Botox Injections

Botox, made from botulinum toxin type A, works by blocking nerve signals to targeted muscles. By relaxing the muscles that pull the brows down (such as orbicularis oculi, corrugator supercilii, and procerus), Botox allows the frontalis muscle to gently lift the brows for smoother lines.

Botox is particularly effective for dynamic horizontal forehead lines and “11 lines.” It’s also a preventive tool against deepening wrinkles by breaking the cycle of repetitive facial movements.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers (most often made with hyaluronic acid) add volume beneath the skin, subtly lifting the brow and smoothing lines. Fillers can help treat sagging brows, hollowness, or lack of contour for a more youthful appearance.

PDO Thread Lifts

These lifts use dissolvable threads placed beneath the skin to physically lift tissue. As the threads dissolve, they stimulate natural collagen production, which firms and tightens the skin over time.

HIFU Laser (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)

HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to heat deep skin layers, including the SMAS, triggering a wound-healing response that stimulates collagen and elastin. Over time, this tightens and lifts the skin, reducing forehead and eyebrow area wrinkles.

Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments

RF applies controlled heat to stimulate collagen. RF microneedling, in particular, helps smooth fine lines and delivers a subtle lifting effect.

Combining techniques like Botox and fillers is common for enhanced, synergistic rejuvenation, allowing more comprehensive treatment of dynamic and static wrinkles, volume loss, and skin laxity.

Forehead Filler

Mechanism and Application

Forehead fillers restore lost volume, smooth lines, and enhance contour using gel-like substances (usually hyaluronic acid). There are also calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and even the option of using your own fat for longer-lasting results.

Targeted Wrinkles and Conditions

Fillers are best for static forehead lines and signs of volume loss, providing instant improvement. They can also correct imperfections from scars, injuries, or flat/concave foreheads. Because the forehead has a rich blood supply, only expert injectors should perform these procedures—improper filler placement can lead to serious complications like skin necrosis or, rarely, blindness.

Forehead Botox

Mechanism and Application

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) temporarily relaxes the frontalis, corrugator supercilii, and procerus muscles, which are responsible for horizontal lines and vertical “11 lines.” Within days, wrinkles become less pronounced or vanish completely.

Targeted Wrinkles and Conditions

Botox is considered the gold standard for treating dynamic forehead lines and preventing deep, static creases. It also treats crow’s feet and neck banding.

HIFU Laser

Mechanism and Application

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) delivers focused sound waves deep into skin structures to create controlled thermal injury. This prompts natural collagen and elastin production for tighter, smoother skin. The SMAS layer, which is the focus of surgical facelifts, is also targeted here.

Targeted Wrinkles and Conditions

Ideal for slack, crepey skin on the face and neck, HIFU helps redefine the jawline, tighten skin, and reduce lines around the brows and elsewhere.

Forehead Thread Lift

Mechanism and Application

Forehead thread lifts place biocompatible threads (PDO or PLA) beneath the skin to reposition and hold sagging tissue. As threads dissolve, they trigger collagen production for lasting effects.

Targeted Wrinkles and Conditions

PDO thread lifts help with horizontal and vertical forehead wrinkles, brow lifting, and smoothing of eyelids/cheeks. They’re ideal for those with early aging or for patients unsuitable for surgery.

Best Clinics in Korea for Forehead Wrinkles

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for forehead wrinkles:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
Haru Clinic	Led by Dr. Jeong (Merz/Belotero research physician, educator); non-invasive, harmony-focused plans; minimal downtime; transparent communication; customized service; rigorous safety standards; science-driven, comprehensive, long-lasting rejuvenation	Precision Botox for dynamic lines; specialty fillers like Belotero; eyebrow lifts; thread lifts; collagen-tightening procedures
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Garosu-gil, Gangnam; four dedicated floors from consultation to post-treatment skincare; personalized plans prioritizing natural-looking harmony; safety and clear communication; surgeons publish, lecture, and join global academic forums; led by Dr. Kim (board-certified; rhinoplasty/facial contouring; 3D implant research), Dr. Jeong (President, Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons; rhinoplasty/revision), and Dr. Lee (board-certified; breast augmentation; Seoul National University Hospital experience); evidence-based practice	Minimally invasive options: Botox and fillers; skin-quality boosters: Duo Skin Lifting, O2toderm skincare; supportive techniques: thread lifting, face fat grafting (when volume restoration is needed)
PangPang Clinic	Devoted exclusively to thread lifting; world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute; ongoing research and clinical data; invited lectures and presentations at international beauty conferences; tailored planning at the Thread Lifting Consultation Center; meticulous preoperative design; highest-quality materials; minimal downtime; targeted, research-driven care; leader in Korea for forehead wrinkles	Uses 31 specialized, functional threads matched to anatomy, skin thickness, and goals; lifts the brow–forehead complex; stimulates collagen to smooth horizontal lines naturally

Haru Clinic

For those seeking the most refined, natural-looking solution to forehead wrinkles in Korea, Haru Clinic in Gangnam stands out under the leadership of Dr. Jeong—an official research physician at Merz, the company behind Belotero Filler, and an educator to physicians on the latest filler techniques—bringing cutting-edge expertise to every treatment plan. Dr. Jeong carefully designs each face to achieve harmony and balance through non-invasive methods, combining precision Botox for dynamic lines with specialty fillers like Belotero to restore smooth contours, and complementing them when appropriate with eyebrow lifts, thread lifts, and collagen-tightening procedures for comprehensive, long-lasting rejuvenation. Patients benefit from transformative results comparable to invasive surgery but with minimal downtime, supported by transparent communication, customized service, and rigorous safety standards from consultation to post-care. This integrated, science-driven approach not only softens etched forehead lines but also refreshes the entire upper face, delivering a tailored, refreshed appearance that aligns with each individual’s features and aesthetic goals.

You can check out their website here: Haru Clinic Website

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

Located on Garosu-gil in Gangnam, Seoul, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery delivers a comprehensive, research-driven approach to facial rejuvenation across four dedicated floors—from consultation to procedure and post-treatment skincare. For forehead wrinkles, the clinic offers personalized plans that prioritize natural-looking harmony, drawing on minimally invasive options such as Botox and fillers, skin-quality boosters like Duo Skin Lifting and O2toderm skincare, and supportive techniques including thread lifting or face fat grafting when volume restoration is needed. Safety and clear communication are central to care, with surgeons who actively publish, lecture, and participate in global academic forums to ensure techniques reflect the latest advances.

The medical team is led by internationally recognized figures. Dr. Kim, a board-certified plastic surgeon and member of global plastic surgery societies, is a leading expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring, an award-winning researcher in 3D implants, and an educator who champions balanced facial aesthetics to enhance each patient’s natural features. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is renowned for rhinoplasty and revision work and applies an ethos that unites function and beauty to every case. Complementing the team, Dr. Lee is a board-certified specialist in breast augmentation with top-tier hospital experience, including Seoul National University Hospital, and a track record for natural, long-lasting outcomes. Together, their depth of expertise and commitment to evidence-based practice make THE PLUS a trusted destination in Korea for addressing forehead wrinkles with precision and artistry.

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

PangPang Clinic

For forehead wrinkles, PangPang Clinic in Gangnam stands out as Korea’s best choice because it is a medical institution devoted exclusively to thread lifting and home to the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute, driving global innovation through ongoing research and clinical data. The medical team leads the field with invited lectures and presentations at international beauty conferences, translating cutting-edge insights into safer, more effective, high-satisfaction results that lift the brow–forehead complex and stimulate collagen to smooth horizontal lines naturally. At the Thread Lifting Consultation Center, doctors listen carefully to each client’s concerns—whether deep forehead furrows, glabellar lines, or subtle brow descent—and design a tailored plan using 31 specialized, functional threads to precisely match anatomy, skin thickness, and aesthetic goals. This unmatched thread repertoire, combined with meticulous preoperative design and the highest-quality materials, delivers optimized, personalized lifting solutions with minimal downtime. When it comes to targeted, research-driven care for forehead wrinkles, PangPang Clinic’s singular focus, proven expertise, and individualized planning make it the leader in Korea.

You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website

Getting Procedures in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide

General Process for Medical Tourists in South Korea

South Korea is a global leader in medical tourism, especially for cosmetic procedures, due to cutting-edge technology, cost-effectiveness, and high patient care standards. Here’s how the process typically works for international patients:

• Start by contacting a clinic directly or using a medical tourism agency.
• Receive a customized treatment plan.
• Arrange travel and arrival logistics, including airport pickup and help with accommodations.
• Many clinics offer all-inclusive packages covering consultations, tests, medications, follow-ups, and aftercare.
• Patient safety is a priority, with personalized anesthesia, emergency preparedness, and 24/7 nursing care.

Korea’s comprehensive approach—from initial inquiry to aftercare—offers reassurance for international patients and sets the country apart as a top cosmetic destination.

Forehead Lift Procedure in South Korea

• Pre-Procedure: Consultation to design the surgical plan based on your facial anatomy and goals.
• During Procedure: General anesthesia is used. Small incisions are made in the hairline, an endoscope guides tissue lifting, and muscles are detached or repositioned as needed. Devices like Endotine securely anchor tissues.
• Post-Procedure: Elevate your head, use cold compresses, and follow a schedule of checkups (thread removal after a week, light therapies, and regular follow-ups). Downtime is about 10–14 days before returning to daily activities.

Eyebrow Lift Procedures in South Korea (Non-Surgical)

Injectables (Botox, Fillers)

• Consultation and Marking: Your needs and facial movements are assessed, and injection sites are carefully marked.
• Injection: A fine needle delivers the product. Afterward, avoid touching the area and follow recovery guidelines (no strenuous activity, sun, or certain medications for a day).
• Follow-up: Booked as needed for results review or touch-up.

PDO Thread Lifts

• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia and, occasionally, sedation.
• Thread Placement: Threads are inserted via fine needles, sometimes with image guidance for safety. Threads are positioned for optimal lift.
• Time: The procedure takes 15–60 minutes. Recovery is minimal.

Forehead Filler Procedure in South Korea

• Pre-Procedure: Consultation to select filler type and dosage. Avoid medications that increase bleeding risk.
• During: Topical anesthetic is applied, then careful injections are made. The session lasts 30–60 minutes.
• After: Apply cold compresses, avoid direct pressure, and resume normal life quickly. Results are immediate and can last months to years.

HIFU Laser Procedure in South Korea

• Before: Minimal preparation (remove makeup, consult the provider).
• Process: Skin is cleaned and numbed, gel is applied, then the HIFU device delivers sound energy. Expect a 30–90 minute session.
• After: Mild redness or swelling may occur but resolve quickly. Effects are gradual, peaking in 2–3 months.

Forehead Thread Lift Procedure in South Korea

• Pre-Procedure: Consultation and diagnostics (sometimes including 3D imaging).
• During: Local anesthesia; threads are inserted and pulled into place for an instant lift. Procedures last 30–60 minutes.
• After: Some soreness and swelling are expected but generally mild. Instructions are provided to minimize movement and optimize healing.

Forehead Botox Procedure in South Korea

• Consultation: To set goals and mark injection sites.
• Injection: Quick (10–15 minutes); patients can resume daily activity almost immediately but should avoid rubbing the area or strenuous activity for 24 hours.
• Results: Appear in days and last for several months.

Costs Associated with Procedures in South Korea and International Comparison

South Korea is known for high-quality cosmetic care at competitive prices, often lower than in Western countries.

Forehead Lift

• South Korea: $3,000–$8,700 USD
• Turkey: From $2,781 USD
• Thailand: From $2,760 USD
• USA: From $9,100 USD

Eyebrow Lift (Non-Surgical)

• Botox Brow Lift (KR): $70–$180 USD
• Thread Lift (KR): $360–$870 USD
• HIFU / Ultherapy (Brow): $290–$580 USD
• RF Microneedling: $220–$430 USD
• Packages (combo): $580–$1,090 USD

In the USA, similar treatments are typically 2-3 times higher.

Forehead Filler

• KR Domestic Filler: $100–$220 USD per cc
• Imported (Restylane/Juvederm): Up to $250 USD per cc
• USA: $500–$1,500 per syringe

HIFU Laser

• KR: $1,500–$3,000 USD
• USA: $3,000–$4,000 USD
• Turkey: $4,000 USD

Forehead Thread Lift

• KR: $1,000–$4,000 USD
• USA: $750–$3,000 USD
• Turkey: $500–$1,500 USD

Forehead Botox

• KR: $44–$150 USD
• USA/Canada: $300+
• Turkey/Thailand: $300+

Quick Cost Comparison Table

Procedure	South Korea	USA	Turkey	Thailand
Forehead Lift	$3,000-$8,700	$9,100+	$2,781+	$2,760+
Botox (Forehead)	$44-$150	$300+	$300+	$382+
Forehead Filler	$100-$350/cc	$500-$1,500	$400+	$466+
HIFU Laser	$1,500-$3,000	$3,000-$4,000	$4,000+	—
Thread Lift	$500-$4,000	$750-$3,000	$500-$1,500	$1,500-12,000

Korea consistently offers lower costs and high standards, making it a favored choice for medical tourists.

Patient Outcomes, Recovery, Risks, and Longevity

Forehead Lift (Brow Lift)

Surgical lifts yield high satisfaction—deep lines are removed, brows are lifted, and the face looks refreshed. Normal swelling and bruising fade within 10–14 days, but full recovery takes several months. Risks include infection, scarring, sensation changes, and rarely, nerve injury or hair loss. Results are long-lasting, though mild wrinkles can reappear over the years.

Eyebrow Lift (Non-Surgical)

Non-surgical options are convenient, with minimal downtime—most patients return to daily activities quickly. Risks are generally minor (redness, bruising); rare complications are possible with Botox, fillers, or thread lifts. Results are temporary, lasting a few months to just over a year with maintenance.

Forehead Filler

Fillers provide immediate improvement with minimal downtime. The main risks are related to improper injection, which, in this delicate area, carries a higher chance of severe complications if done by inexperienced providers. Expect results to last from half a year to 18 months, depending on filler type and metabolism.

Forehead Botox

Botox is safe, quick, and effective for dynamic lines. Side effects are minor and typically fade quickly; rare problems can include temporary eye droop or headache. Effects last 3–6 months, and regular treatments can prolong benefits.

Conclusions

Addressing forehead wrinkles can be surgical or non-surgical—the best option depends on how deep the lines are and your goals. Surgical forehead lifts offer long-lasting improvement for significant drooping, while non-surgical treatments like Botox, fillers, HIFU laser, and thread lifts give subtle, customizable results with less downtime. South Korea stands out for its affordable, high-quality care and dedicated support for international patients. Thorough consultation with a specialist helps ensure the safest, most effective outcome for your needs.

References

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