Table of contents

• The Subbrow Lift Procedure: A Detailed Medical Overview
• Best Clinics in Korea for Heavy Eyelids
• Navigating a Subbrow Lift in South Korea: A Medical Tourist's Guide
• Cost Analysis: Subbrow Lift in South Korea vs. Global Medical Tourism Destinations
• Patient Experiences and Outcomes: Addressing "Heavy Eyelids" with Subbrow Lift
• Conclusion
• References

If you’ve ever felt like your eyes look tired or older than you feel, you’re not alone. The sensation or appearance of "heavy eyelids"—often described as excess upper eyelid skin making eyes look tired—is a common concern that goes beyond just looks. It can affect how you see and even how you feel day to day.

Medically, "heavy eyelids" can refer to a few different conditions. The most specific term for a drooping upper eyelid is Blepharoptosis (or Ptosis), which happens when the upper eyelid sags over the eye, usually because the levator muscle (the muscle that lifts your eyelid) isn’t working as it should. Ptosis can be present from birth (congenital blepharoptosis) or develop later in life (acquired ptosis), often due to aging, surgery, injury, or certain medical conditions like Horner syndrome or myasthenia gravis.

When the main issue is "excess upper eyelid skin," the condition is called Dermatochalasis. This is when the skin and fat in the upper (and sometimes lower) eyelids become redundant, usually as a result of aging and loss of skin elasticity. Dermatochalasis is a leading cause of the "heavy eyelid" look in adults.

Heavy eyelids aren’t just a cosmetic issue—they can cause real problems. Drooping eyelids can block your vision, making you tilt your head back or raise your eyebrows to see better, which leads to eyestrain and fatigue. Other symptoms might include excessive eye rubbing, tearing, trouble closing your eyes fully, and general achiness around the eyes. In children, severe ptosis can even cause amblyopia (lazy eye), and in some cases, the pressure from a drooping eyelid can change the shape of the eye, leading to astigmatism.

It’s important to distinguish between ptosis (muscle weakness) and dermatochalasis (excess skin) because the right treatment depends on the cause. A Subbrow Lift is designed to remove excess skin and fat, so if the problem is muscle weakness, you might need a ptosis repair instead—or sometimes both procedures together. That’s why a professional diagnosis is essential before deciding on surgery.

Treating heavy eyelids isn’t just about looking better. It can also improve your vision, reduce eyestrain, and make you feel more comfortable, which can have a big impact on your quality of life.

Here’s a quick look at the main terms:

Medical Term	Common Term/Pseudonym	Primary Cause	Key Characteristic
Blepharoptosis	Droopy Eyelid, Ptosis	Weakness/dysfunction of levator muscle	Upper eyelid sags, may block vision; can be congenital or acquired
Dermatochalasis	Heavy Eyelids	Loss of skin elasticity, excess skin/fat	Redundant skin/fat in upper eyelids, often age-related, creates "hooded" appearance

The Subbrow Lift Procedure: A Detailed Medical Overview

A Subbrow Lift (also called Sub-Brow Excision, under-brow lift, or sub-brow blepharoplasty) is a specialized cosmetic surgery that rejuvenates the upper eyelid area. The main goal is to tighten and remove droopy skin by making a precise incision just beneath the eyebrows. This procedure is especially helpful for sagging eyelids, asymmetry, and drooping eyebrows that make you look tired or older. It’s often recommended when excess skin under the eyebrows covers the double eyelid line or causes severe wrinkles and vision obstruction.

What sets the Subbrow Lift apart from other eyelid and brow surgeries is where the incision is made. Unlike traditional upper blepharoplasty (which uses an incision in the eyelid crease), the Subbrow Lift’s incision is just below the eyebrow. This allows for removal of excess skin and fat without changing your natural eyelid crease or monolid—making it ideal for those who want to keep their natural eyelid fold but fix sagging skin.

It’s also different from a full brow lift (forehead lift), which raises the entire eyebrow and smooths forehead wrinkles, usually with incisions along the hairline or scalp. The Subbrow Lift only targets the area just below the brow, so it doesn’t change your overall eyebrow position or facial expressions as much as a full brow lift does. This makes it a less invasive option for those who want subtle but noticeable improvements around the eyes.

The surgery itself is straightforward. After local anesthesia (sometimes with sedation), the surgeon makes a careful incision along the natural crease below the eyebrow. Excess skin, fat, and sometimes a bit of muscle are removed, based on a pre-op assessment. The lifted skin is anchored to the submuscular fascia above the supraorbital rim periosteum for lasting results. The incision is closed with fine sutures, and the scar blends in with the eyebrow.

Benefits of a Subbrow Lift include a more youthful eyelid contour, brighter and more alert eyes, reduced wrinkles, and less puffiness. Scarring is minimal and easily hidden by the brow line or makeup. For those whose drooping eyelids block their vision, the procedure can significantly improve sight. Recovery is usually quicker and less bruising occurs compared to more extensive surgeries, and natural eyebrow movement is preserved.

Ideal candidates are people with droopy eyelid skin (especially if it’s thick), upper eyelid hooding or puffiness, or vision problems from sagging skin. It’s also great for those with defined eyelid creases who want to keep their natural look. The procedure is particularly well-suited for Asian patients, who often have thicker eyelid skin and lateral hooding—surgeons in South Korea are especially experienced with these cases.

Here’s a summary of the Subbrow Lift:

Aspect	Description
Definition	Surgical procedure with incisions beneath the eyebrows to tighten droopy upper eyelid skin
Purpose	Rejuvenate eye area, fix sagging eyelids, correct asymmetry, improve vision blocked by excess skin
Distinction (vs. Blepharoplasty)	Incision is below eyebrow (preserves crease); blepharoplasty incision is in eyelid crease
Distinction (vs. Full Brow Lift)	Targets upper eyelid area, not whole forehead; keeps natural eyebrow position
Surgical Steps	1. Incision below eyebrow 2. Remove/reposition skin, fat, muscle 3. Fixation 4. Seamless closure
Anesthesia	Local anesthesia with sedation
Surgery Duration	40-60 minutes
Key Benefits	Enhanced eyelid contour, reduced wrinkles/hooding, improved vision, minimal scarring, quick recovery, natural movement
Ideal Candidates	Droopy eyelid skin (esp. thick), hooding, vision impairment, asymmetric brows, those wanting to keep crease/monolid; especially valuable for Asian patients

Best Clinics in Korea for Heavy Eyelids

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for heavy eyelids:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Korea’s premier clinic for heavy eyelids; led by internationally recognized surgeons; comprehensive approach to eyelid procedures; state-of-the-art facilities; located in Gangnam’s Garosu-gil; patient safety and personalized care emphasized.	3D implants, advanced facial contouring, procedures harmonizing function and beauty, world-renowned team, innovations in eyelid correction.
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Located in Gangnam; leadership in facial rejuvenation and anti-aging; detailed anatomical analysis; team with 15+ years’ experience; patient safety infrastructure; recognized with Korea No.1 Award (2022); personalized planning and care.	Dissection beneath the SMAS layer, vertical anchoring of lifted tissues, simultaneous skin/fat/SMAS lifting, bespoke anti-aging procedures, full-time anesthesiologists, 1:1 patient monitoring.
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic	Leading destination for eyelid and facial aging solutions; personalized treatment; emphasis on sincerity, precision, comfort, and safety; state-of-the-art facility; renowned female surgeon; comprehensive consultation-to-recovery process.	Full face lifts, mini lifts, endoscopic forehead lifts, thread and laser lifting, individualized anti-aging plans, combined face and eye rejuvenation with advanced technology.

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery stands out as Korea’s premier clinic for treating heavy eyelids, owing to its world-renowned surgical team, innovative techniques, and unwavering commitment to achieving natural, long-lasting results. Led by distinguished surgeons like Dr. Kim, a board-certified expert celebrated internationally for his research on 3D implants and facial contouring, and Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons renowned for his landmark work in balancing function and beauty, THEPLUS offers a uniquely comprehensive approach to eyelid procedures. Their expertise is further strengthened by Dr. Lee, a leading authority in plastic surgery who brings a meticulous approach to aesthetics gained from top hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital. Located in the heart of Gangnam’s Garosu-gil, the clinic houses state-of-the-art facilities across four dedicated floors, seamlessly guiding patients from individualized consultations through surgery and recovery. THEPLUS surgeons are not only respected educators regularly shaping best practices at major international symposia, but are also relentless pioneers in the latest plastic surgery advancements. Their collective focus on harmonizing facial features, patient safety, and personalized care ensures that those struggling with heavy eyelids receive results that enhance their natural beauty and function, making THEPLUS Plastic Surgery the clinic of choice for anyone seeking the highest standards in eyelid correction in Korea.

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

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in Seoul’s renowned Gangnam district, is a leading center for advanced facial rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments. Recognized for its specialties in addressing heavy eyelids and facial sagging, the clinic combines in-depth anatomical analysis with surgical precision. The medical team at Made Young thoroughly evaluates each patient’s unique facial structure and the underlying causes of aging, meticulously dissecting beneath the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) layer to release and reposition overstretched supporting tissues. This comprehensive approach allows for simultaneous lifting of the skin, fat, and SMAS layer, with the elevated tissues securely anchored in a vertical direction—counteracting the effects of gravity for natural, long-lasting improvements without accentuating the cheekbones or causing an unnatural appearance.

The clinic is distinguished not only by its innovative techniques but also by its unmatched dedication to safety, expertise, and patient-centered care. Each member of the medical team boasts over 15 years of clinical experience, providing direct consultations and bespoke treatment planning. With a comprehensive safety infrastructure—including full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, a 1:1 monitoring system, cross-check protocols, and complete post-operative care—patients receive the highest standard of support at every stage of their journey. Accolades such as the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and prestigious memberships in professional organizations further underline Made Young’s position as a trusted and premium destination for eyelid surgery and anti-aging procedures in Korea.

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

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic is a leading destination for those seeking effective solutions to heavy eyelids and other age-related facial concerns in Korea. Emphasizing sincerity, precision, and individualized care, our clinic stands out by offering personalized treatment plans that cater to each patient’s unique aging patterns and aesthetic goals. Our approach combines a wide range of advanced treatments—including full face lifts, mini lifts, endoscopic forehead lifts, thread lifting, and laser lifting techniques—to deliver natural, youthful results while prioritizing patient comfort and safety throughout the process.

Led by a team of skilled specialists, including a renowned female plastic surgeon with extensive expertise, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic guides patients through every step of their transformation. Our state-of-the-art facility offers comprehensive face and eye rejuvenation services, blending cutting-edge technology with artistry and empathy. Whether correcting heavy eyelids, refining facial contours, or enhancing skin quality, our clinic is dedicated to achieving harmonious and lasting results that empower each patient with renewed confidence.

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

Navigating a Subbrow Lift in South Korea: A Medical Tourist's Guide

South Korea is a global hotspot for cosmetic surgery, drawing patients from around the world thanks to its advanced technology, modern clinics, and highly skilled surgeons. The country’s reputation for precision, safety, and competitive pricing makes it a top choice for medical tourists.

If you’re considering a Subbrow Lift in South Korea, here’s what the process typically looks like:

Initial Consultation and Preparation (Often Remote):
You’ll start by filling out a detailed questionnaire and sending photos of your eyelids. This helps the clinic understand your goals, review your medical history, and see if you’re a good candidate. Consultations can often be done online. Be honest about your health and bring photos of your desired results (ideally without makeup). If you have recent medical tests, send them; otherwise, tests will be done in Korea.

Pre-Operative Preparations:
Before surgery, you’ll need to fast for 8 hours and avoid medications like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol (for 2 weeks and 3 days, respectively). Smoking—including e-cigarettes—is strictly forbidden, as it can hinder healing. Surgeons may refuse to operate on smokers. Take a shower before surgery, and arrange for someone to help you get home.

The Surgery Process:
On surgery day, you’ll discuss the plan with your surgeon, then head to the operating room. You’ll be sedated, and the area will be disinfected. After anesthesia, the surgeon makes the incision, removes excess tissue, and closes the wound. You’ll wake up in recovery, usually with little memory of the procedure.

Immediate Post-Surgery and Clinic Stay:
After surgery, you might feel mild chills, but pain is usually minimal. Swelling is normal, and you’ll get a cold compress to help reduce it. You’ll stay in the clinic for 1-2 hours for monitoring, then go home with medications and instructions. Sleep with your head elevated and use cold compresses frequently.

South Korea’s detailed process—from online consultations to strict pre-op instructions and thorough aftercare—shows just how organized and supportive the country is for medical tourists.

Recovery Timeline and Post-Operative Instructions:

• Days 1-2: Swelling and bruising peak; use cold compresses and keep your head elevated.
• Days 3-7: Swelling starts to go down; avoid strenuous activity; stitches are usually removed around Day 7.
• Days 7-14: Swelling and bruising fade; return to normal activities; apply healing ointment.
• Days 14-21: Most daily activities are fine; avoid intense workouts; makeup can hide stitches.
• Days 21-30: Some morning swelling or asymmetry is normal and will resolve.
• Days 31-60: Swelling continues to subside; eyelids settle into final shape.
• Days 60-90: Swimming and sunbathing are okay (with sunscreen); avoid diving and rubbing eyes.
• 1 Year After Surgery: Full recovery; final results are usually visible by 6 months.

Don’t wear contact lenses for 2-3 weeks, keep the wound clean and dry, and avoid cosmetics around the area at first. This clear timeline helps you plan your trip and recovery.

Here’s a summary for medical tourists:

Phase	Key Steps/Activities	Duration/Timeline
Pre-Consultation	Questionnaire, photo submission, medical review, desired outcome photos, medical tests	Varies (remote, initial contact)
Pre-Operative	Fasting, medication avoidance, no smoking, shower	Leading up to surgery day
Surgery Day	OR setup, anesthesia, incision, tissue removal, closure, awakening	40-60 min (surgery), 1-2 hrs (post-op)
Immediate Post-Op	Recovery, cold compress, discharge, elevated sleeping	First few hours to 2 days
Recovery: Days 1-2	Swelling/bruising, cold compresses, elevated sleeping
Recovery: Days 3-7	Swelling subsides, avoid strenuous activity, stitch removal
Recovery: Days 7-14	Swelling decreases, bruises fade, return to normal life, healing ointment
Recovery: Days 14-21	Most activities okay, avoid intense workouts, makeup okay
Recovery: Days 21-30	Morning swelling/asymmetry normal, resolves
Recovery: Days 31-60	Swelling subsides, symmetry restored
Recovery: Days 60-90	Swimming/sunbathing okay (with sunscreen), avoid diving/eye rubbing
1 Year Post-Surgery	Full recovery, final results

Cost Analysis: Subbrow Lift in South Korea vs. Global Medical Tourism Destinations

Cost is a big factor for anyone considering cosmetic surgery abroad. South Korea offers a strong value, with competitive prices and high-quality care.

A Subbrow Lift in South Korea usually costs ₩3,000,000 to ₩4,000,000 KRW (about $2,200 to $3,636 USD). The average is around $2,820 USD, with a deposit of about 10% required to book your surgery.

Korean clinics often offer all-inclusive packages, which may cover:

• Consultation fees (pre- and post-op)
• Surgeon’s fees
• Anesthesia
• Clinic/hospital fees
• Post-op care (follow-ups, medications)
• Short clinic stay
• VAT (with possible tax refund for international patients)
• Extras like translation, transportation, or accommodation discounts

This means that while other countries might advertise lower base prices, South Korea’s packages often include more, making them a better overall value.

How does South Korea compare to other countries?

• USA: Subbrow Lift: $2,000–$5,000; general Brow Lift: $5,460 average (can go up to $15,000). Not always all-inclusive.
• Turkey: $1,600–$4,400, often with comprehensive packages (excluding flights).
• Thailand: $1,250–$2,606 for Subbrow Lift; upper eyelid surgery $600–$1,950.
• Malaysia: $1,100–$1,750 for eyebrow lift; some report up to $1,930 average.
• Europe (UK, Lithuania): $3,800–$7,600 in the UK; around $3,200–$3,300 in Lithuania.

It’s important to note that "brow lift" and "Subbrow Lift" aren’t always the same—Subbrow Lift is usually less expensive than a full forehead or classic brow lift. Always clarify exactly which procedure you’re getting.

Other factors that affect cost include the surgeon’s experience, the clinic’s reputation, the techniques used, and whether it’s a primary or revision surgery. Don’t forget to budget for travel, accommodation, and personal expenses. While price matters, safety and quality should always come first—South Korea’s reputation for skilled surgeons and advanced technology is a big plus.

Here’s a cost comparison:

Country	Typical Price Range (USD)	Key Inclusions/Exclusions	Notes on Quality/Reputation
South Korea	$2,200 - $3,636 (Subbrow Lift)	Often comprehensive: consults, surgeon, anesthesia, clinic fees, post-op care, VAT, extras	Global leader; advanced tech, skilled surgeons, mature infrastructure
USA	$2,000 - $5,000 (Subbrow Lift); $5,460 avg. (Brow Lift)	Varies; base price may exclude anesthesia, facility fees	High quality, highest costs
Turkey	$1,600 - $4,400 (Brow Lift)	Often comprehensive; excludes flights/deposits	Growing destination, check clinic quality
Thailand	$1,250 - $2,606 (Subbrow Lift)	Varies by clinic	Popular, generally lower costs
Malaysia	$1,100 - $1,750 (Eyebrow Lift)	Varies by clinic	Emerging destination, competitive pricing
Europe (UK)	$3,800 - $7,600 (Brow Lift)	May exclude consults, tests, extras	High quality, higher costs

Patient Experiences and Outcomes: Addressing "Heavy Eyelids" with Subbrow Lift

Patients who’ve had a Subbrow Lift for heavy eyelids are generally very satisfied, reporting both cosmetic and functional improvements. The procedure helps people look less tired or sad by making the eyes appear brighter, more alert, and youthful.

Aesthetically, the Subbrow Lift enhances the eyelid contour, reduces wrinkles and puffiness, and can make double eyelid folds more visible. It also helps balance asymmetric brows and creates a more attractive eyebrow arch. The results are natural-looking, and scars are virtually invisible, blending in with the brow line or hidden by eyebrow hair or tattoos.

Functionally, many patients notice a big improvement in their vision, especially if drooping skin was blocking their sight. This reduces the need to tilt the head or raise the eyebrows, easing eyestrain and fatigue.

Recovery is usually smooth. Swelling and bruising are minimal and fade within a week or two. Pain is typically mild and well-managed with medication. Most people can return to light activities within a day or two, though strenuous exercise should wait a few weeks. Stitches are removed after about a week.

Long-term, the results of a Subbrow Lift last for many years—often a decade or more. While aging continues, the improvements are durable. The procedure is designed to preserve natural eyebrow movement and the existing eyelid crease, avoiding an unnatural or "surprised" look. For more comprehensive rejuvenation, the Subbrow Lift can be combined with other procedures like lower blepharoplasty or ptosis correction.

Here’s a summary of outcomes and recovery:

Category	Specific Outcome/Detail	Typical Timeline (for recovery)
Aesthetic Benefits	Youthful, brighter eyes; enhanced contour; reduced wrinkles/puffiness; balanced brows	Immediate, improving over 6 months
Functional Benefits	Improved vision, less eyestrain/fatigue	Immediate, improving over 6 months
Recovery Milestones	Minimal pain/swelling/bruising; stitches removed	Pain: minimal, immediately post-op; swelling: down by 1 week, gone by 2-4 weeks; stitches: Day 7
Scarring	Virtually invisible, blends with eyebrow	Red for weeks, fades over time
Downtime	Return to normal activities	1-2 days for light activities, 2-3 weeks for strenuous
Longevity	Long-lasting results (decade or more)	Not permanent, aging continues

Conclusion

Heavy eyelids, whether from excess skin (dermatochalasis) or muscle weakness (ptosis), can affect both appearance and vision. The Subbrow Lift is a targeted solution for excess skin, offering natural-looking, long-lasting results with minimal scarring and a quick recovery. South Korea stands out as a top destination for this procedure, thanks to its skilled surgeons, advanced technology, and comprehensive care. For the best outcome, consult a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for a personalized diagnosis and follow all pre- and post-op instructions closely.

References

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