Table of contents

• The Eyebrow Lift Procedure: A Detailed Look
• Best Clinics in Korea
• Getting an Eyebrow Lift in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Why Choose South Korea for Your Eyebrow Lift?
• Real-Life Transformations: How Eyebrow Lifts Address Hooded Eyes
• Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision about Eyebrow Lift for Hooded Eyes
• Comparison of Eyebrow Lift Techniques
• Pros and Cons of Getting an Eyebrow Lift in South Korea
• Key Steps for Getting an Eyebrow Lift in South Korea
• References

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Hooded eyes are a common facial feature where excess skin from the brow bone droops down to the lash line, partially or fully covering the upper eyelid and often hiding the eyelid crease. This eye shape can make the eyes look smaller and less open, sometimes giving a tired or sleepy appearance. The degree of hooding varies—some people have a slight fold of skin, while others experience more pronounced coverage.

This condition goes by several names, such as saggy or droopy eyelids, heavy-lidded eyes, folded eyelids, or simply hooding of the eyelids. While these terms are often used interchangeably, it’s important to differentiate hooded eyes from other eyelid conditions. For example, dermatochalasis refers to drooping eyelid skin, which can occur with or without hooded eyes. Ptosis, or blepharoptosis, involves upper eyelid drooping severe enough to affect vision. Hooded eyes are primarily defined by the fold of skin originating from the brow bone, which can create a feeling of heaviness but is distinct from these other conditions.

Several factors contribute to the development of hooded eyes. Genetics play a major role—if one or both parents have hooded eyes, you’re more likely to have them too. Aging is another common cause; as muscles supporting the eyebrows weaken, the brows can sag, and combined with loss of skin elasticity and collagen, the forehead skin droops, creating the hooded effect. Facial trauma near the eyes can also alter skin positioning, leading to hooding. Certain medical conditions like thyroid eye disease and myasthenia gravis may worsen the appearance. Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can accelerate skin aging and eyebrow drooping. Even habits like frequent eye rubbing or significant weight changes can stretch the skin and contribute to hooded eyes.

Hooded eyes can impact people in different ways. Many are concerned about the cosmetic effects—hooded eyes can make the eyes look smaller, more wrinkled, and perpetually tired, affecting facial balance and self-confidence. Applying eye makeup can be tricky since the skin fold hides eyeshadow and complicates eyeliner application. Functionally, severe hooding can block the upper field of vision, interfering with activities like reading, driving, or computer work, sometimes causing eye strain and headaches. Some also feel heaviness or fatigue around their eyes. Understanding these causes and effects is key for those exploring solutions for hooded eyes.

The Eyebrow Lift Procedure: A Detailed Look

For those seeking a lasting fix for hooded eyes, an eyebrow lift (also called a forehead lift) is a surgical option that can make a big difference.

The main goal of an eyebrow lift is to raise the eyebrows. Lifting the brows also lifts the sagging forehead skin, reducing the excess skin on the upper eyelids that causes hooding. This creates a more open, refreshed, youthful, and alert eye appearance. Besides improving hooded eyes, an eyebrow lift smooths forehead wrinkles and vertical frown lines between the brows, enhancing overall rejuvenation. For people with vision problems from severe hooding, lifting the brows can clear the obstructed field of vision.

There are several surgical techniques for eyebrow lifts, each with unique benefits:

• Endoscopic Brow Lift: This minimally invasive method uses several small incisions behind the hairline. A thin tube with a camera (endoscope) helps the surgeon see beneath the skin. Specialized tools lift the forehead tissues, which are secured higher with sutures or small screws. This approach causes minimal scarring, less pain, and a quicker recovery, making it ideal for mild to moderate sagging.

• Temporal Brow Lift (Lateral Brow Lift): Small incisions near the temples lift the outer third of the eyebrows, often the first area to droop and cause hooding at the eye corners. Usually done under local anesthesia, it has a shorter healing time and is often combined with upper blepharoplasty to address both eyelids and outer brows.

• Coronal Brow Lift (Open or Classic Brow Lift): This traditional technique involves a long incision across the top of the head behind the hairline. The forehead skin is lifted, underlying tissues adjusted, and excess skin removed. It’s effective for significant sagging but is more invasive, with longer recovery and a higher risk of scalp numbness. Due to newer methods, it’s less commonly performed today.

• Direct Brow Lift: An incision is made directly above the eyebrows to remove a strip of skin. This offers precise brow elevation and is often chosen by people with thick eyebrows where scars can be hidden. It’s a shorter procedure done under local anesthesia but may leave visible scars.

• Trichophytic Brow Lift (Hairline or Pretrichial Brow Lift): The incision is made at or just behind the hairline, allowing removal of excess forehead skin and brow lifting. This is great for patients with high foreheads or receding hairlines, as it can lower the hairline while lifting brows. Hair grows through the incision to hide scars.

Other less common techniques include the limited incision brow lift (combining temporal and endoscopic methods), trans-blepharoplasty brow lift (lifting brows through upper eyelid incisions), and the endotine brow lift (using bio-absorbable implants to hold lifted tissue).

An eyebrow lift can be done under general anesthesia (patient fully unconscious) or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia (patient relaxed but numb in the surgical area). Surgery usually lasts 1 to 2 hours.

After surgery, incisions are closed with sutures or clips, and sometimes a drainage tube is placed. Bandages protect the area. Patients are advised to rest with their head elevated and use cold compresses to reduce swelling. Pain medication helps manage discomfort. Swelling and bruising are common for 1–2 weeks. Recovery varies by technique: endoscopic lifts often allow light activity within a week, while others may require about two weeks. Non-dissolvable stitches are removed within 1–2 weeks. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending during early recovery. Some numbness or itching around incisions may occur but usually fades over time. Final results can take weeks to months to fully appear.

Though generally safe, eyebrow lifts carry risks like scarring, bleeding, infection, poor healing, anesthesia reactions, temporary or permanent numbness or itching, asymmetry, hair loss along incisions, and possible need for revision surgery. Discussing these risks with a qualified surgeon is essential.

Best Clinics in Korea

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Located in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul; board-certified surgeons including experts in rhinoplasty, facial contouring, and breast augmentation; comprehensive services across four floors; personalized treatment plans emphasizing natural beauty and facial harmony; active contributors to global plastic surgery community	Advanced eyelid surgeries: double eyelid creation, ptosis correction, canthoplasty, blepharoplasty; 3D implant research and application
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Located in Gangnam, Seoul; highly skilled surgeons; focus on safety, innovation, and personalized care; combines advanced techniques with traditional Korean beauty ideals; customized procedures based on individual facial structure and goals	Eye surgeries including upper blepharoplasty and ptosis correction for hooded eyes; natural-looking, harmonious results
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic	Premier destination for hooded eyes correction; led by experienced female plastic surgeon; philosophy of sincerity, precision, personalized care; emphasis on patient safety, comfort, and long-term satisfaction; holistic approach integrating facial harmony	Double eyelid creation, ectopic surgery, under-eye treatments, revision surgeries; cutting-edge surgical techniques for natural-looking results

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

THE PLUS Plastic Surgery clinic, located in the vibrant Garosu-gil district of Gangnam, Seoul, is renowned for its world-class expertise in cosmetic surgery, particularly in procedures related to hooded eyes and facial aesthetics. The clinic is staffed by a team of highly experienced, board-certified surgeons, including Dr. Kim, a leading expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring known for his award-winning research on 3D implants; Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons and a specialist in combining function with beauty; and Dr. Lee, a breast augmentation specialist with extensive experience at top Korean hospitals. THE PLUS offers a comprehensive range of services across four floors, from initial consultation to surgery and post-operative care, ensuring personalized treatment plans that emphasize natural beauty and facial harmony.

Specializing in advanced eyelid surgeries such as double eyelid creation, ptosis correction, canthoplasty, and blepharoplasty, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery clinic is a trusted destination for patients seeking to enhance or correct hooded eyes in Korea. The clinic’s surgeons are not only skilled practitioners but also active contributors to the global plastic surgery community through research, education, and presentations at international forums. Their commitment to safety, innovation, and patient satisfaction makes THE PLUS a premier choice for those looking to achieve refined, natural-looking results in eyelid surgery and other facial procedures.

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

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in Seoul's prestigious Gangnam district, is widely regarded as the premier destination for hooded-eyes surgery in Korea due to its exceptional blend of safety, innovation, and personalized care. The clinic’s team of highly skilled plastic surgeons and medical professionals specialize in a comprehensive range of eye surgeries, including upper blepharoplasty and ptosis correction, which are essential for effectively addressing hooded eyes. Made Young’s approach combines advanced surgical techniques with a deep understanding of traditional Korean beauty ideals, ensuring natural-looking, harmonious results that enhance both function and aesthetics. With a strong commitment to patient safety and comfort, the clinic customizes each procedure to the individual’s unique facial structure and goals, making it the trusted choice for those seeking expert hooded-eyes correction in Korea.

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

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic in Korea stands out as a premier destination for hooded eyes correction and a wide range of aesthetic procedures. With a philosophy centered on sincerity, precision, and personalized care, the clinic ensures that every patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique facial features and aesthetic goals. Led by a highly experienced female plastic surgeon and a team of specialized professionals, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic combines expert knowledge with advanced medical techniques to deliver transformative results. Their comprehensive approach not only focuses on the technical aspects of surgery but also prioritizes patient comfort and long-term satisfaction, making them the best choice for those seeking hooded-eyes surgery in Korea.

Why Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic is the best for hooded-eyes surgery in Korea:

• Personalized treatment plans designed to meet individual eye shape and aesthetic desires.
• Led by a renowned female plastic surgeon with extensive experience in eye plastic surgery.
• Use of cutting-edge surgical techniques for natural-looking double eyelids and hooded-eyes correction.
• Comprehensive eye plastic surgery services including double eyelid creation, ectopic surgery, under-eye treatments, and revision surgeries.
• Emphasis on patient safety, comfort, and long-term results through meticulous surgical precision.
• Holistic approach that integrates facial harmony and overall aesthetic balance.
• Supportive and empathetic care team guiding patients through every step of their transformation journey.

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

Getting an Eyebrow Lift in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide

South Korea is a top destination for medical tourism, especially plastic surgery. Known for advanced techniques, skilled surgeons, and competitive prices, it attracts many international patients seeking eyebrow lifts and other cosmetic procedures.

The first step is to research and choose a reputable clinic and experienced surgeon. Look for board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in facial procedures with proven success in eyebrow lifts. Many clinics catering to international patients provide online resources, including surgeon credentials and before-and-after photos. Reading patient reviews helps gauge quality and experience. Online consultations are often available, allowing you to discuss your needs remotely before traveling. Clinics with English-speaking staff or translators can ease communication.

Next, schedule an initial consultation, often starting online to discuss your goals, medical history, and questions. After arriving in South Korea, you’ll have an in-person consultation where the surgeon examines your face, assesses hooding, and explains the surgical plan, including recommended techniques and expected results. This is a good time to ask questions and request additional before-and-after photos.

After deciding to proceed, arrange your visa and travel plans. Check visa requirements early, book flights and accommodation near the clinic, and consider medical tourism packages. Travel insurance covering medical procedures abroad is recommended.

Before surgery, you’ll undergo a pre-operative assessment, including medical history review and tests like blood work or chest X-rays to ensure fitness for surgery. Providing recent medical records from home, preferably in English, can avoid repeat tests. Follow all pre-op instructions, such as medication restrictions and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking.

On surgery day, arrive at the clinic fasting as instructed. You’ll meet your surgeon for a final review and marking of incision sites. Anesthesia is administered, and the eyebrow lift is performed using the chosen technique.

Post-surgery, you’ll recover under medical supervision until stable for discharge. The medical team will give detailed care instructions, pain management advice, and activity restrictions. Follow-up visits will monitor healing and remove stitches within 1–2 weeks. Many clinics offer comprehensive post-op care, including wound checks, swelling treatments, and accommodation options for convenience.

Before returning home, confirm with your surgeon when it’s safe to travel and any precautions during your journey. Understand ongoing healing expectations and incision care. Clinics often encourage ongoing contact and may provide virtual follow-ups.

Why Choose South Korea for Your Eyebrow Lift?

Choosing South Korea for an eyebrow lift offers several advantages:

• Cost-effectiveness: Procedures are often much cheaper than in the US, Canada, or Europe, even after travel and accommodation costs, making cosmetic surgery more accessible.

• High medical standards and technology: South Korea has many skilled surgeons at the forefront of innovative techniques. Clinics invest in cutting-edge equipment and follow strict safety regulations. Many have international accreditations like Joint Commission International (JCI).

• Global reputation: Known as the "cosmetic surgery capital of the world," South Korea performs a high volume of procedures, giving surgeons extensive experience and refined skills. The culture embraces cosmetic surgery, focusing on natural, harmonious results.

• Comprehensive support for international patients: Clinics and medical tourism agencies offer all-inclusive packages covering surgery, accommodation, airport transfers, translation services, and post-op care, simplifying the experience and reducing stress.

• High patient satisfaction: Many patients report excellent surgical outcomes and positive experiences, thanks to thorough consultations and attentive care tailored to individual goals.

Real-Life Transformations: How Eyebrow Lifts Address Hooded Eyes

An eyebrow lift effectively improves hooded eyes by raising sagging forehead and brow skin, which lifts the excess skin creating the "hood" over the eyelids. This reveals a more defined eyelid crease.

Patients often see their eyes appear larger, more open, and brighter, giving a youthful, alert look. The procedure can reduce tiredness or heaviness around the eyes, common concerns with hooded eyelids.

For those with vision obstruction from hooding, eyebrow lifts can improve peripheral vision, making daily tasks like reading, driving, and screen use easier and less straining.

Beyond physical changes, many patients experience a boost in self-confidence and satisfaction with their appearance. Makeup application becomes easier, and they feel less self-conscious about looking tired or older. Results typically last many years, though natural aging continues.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision about Eyebrow Lift for Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes, caused by excess skin folding over the upper eyelids, can affect appearance and sometimes vision. An eyebrow lift surgically elevates the eyebrows and forehead skin, reducing hooding and creating a more open, youthful look. South Korea offers a compelling option for this procedure, combining affordability, expert surgeons, advanced technology, and strong support for international patients. Careful research, consultation with a qualified surgeon, and understanding the risks and benefits are essential for making an informed choice that fits your goals and circumstances.

Comparison of Eyebrow Lift Techniques

Technique	Incision Location	How it Addresses Hooded Eyes	Recovery Time	Potential Advantages	Potential Disadvantages
Endoscopic Brow Lift	Several small incisions behind hairline	Lifts forehead tissues, indirectly lifting upper eyelid skin	Shorter	Minimally invasive, less scarring, faster recovery	May not be suitable for significant sagging
Temporal Brow Lift	Small incisions near temples behind hairline	Lifts outer brow, reducing hooding at outer eye corners	Shorter	Less extensive, can be done under local anesthesia	Limited to outer brow area
Coronal Brow Lift	Long incision across top of head	Lifts entire forehead and brow, addressing significant sagging	Longer	Effective for significant sagging	More invasive, longer recovery, potential scalp numbness
Direct Brow Lift	Directly above eyebrows	Removes skin above brows, directly lifting them	Relatively short	Most direct elevation	Potential for visible scars above eyebrows
Trichophytic Brow Lift	Just behind or at hairline	Lifts brows by removing excess forehead skin, can lower high hairline	Variable	Addresses brow sagging and high hairline	Potential for scarring along hairline
Trans-Blepharoplasty Lift	Through upper eyelid incision	Anchors brow tissue to prevent/correct brow descent after eyelid surgery	Similar to blepharoplasty	Can be combined with blepharoplasty, avoids separate brow incisions	Modest lift, mainly prevents brow drop after blepharoplasty
Endotine Brow Lift	Small hairline incisions	Uses bio-absorbable implants to lift and hold forehead tissue	Shorter	Less invasive, targeted improvement	Requires sufficient skin elasticity

Pros and Cons of Getting an Eyebrow Lift in South Korea

Pros	Cons
Cost-effective compared to many other countries	Travel to a foreign country
High medical expertise and advanced techniques	Potential language barrier (often mitigated)
Reputation as a global cosmetic surgery leader	Time difference and communication challenges
Comprehensive support for international patients	Need for proper follow-up care after returning home
High patient satisfaction rates	Cultural differences and unfamiliar healthcare system
Opportunity to combine surgery with travel	Potential unexpected costs if complications arise

Key Steps for Getting an Eyebrow Lift in South Korea

Step	Description
Research and Select Clinic/Surgeon	Find reputable clinics and board-certified surgeons specializing in brow lifts; check reviews and photos; consider online consultations.
Initial Consultation	Discuss goals, medical history, and questions during online and in-person consultations; ensure clear communication.
Visa and Travel Arrangements	Check visa requirements, book flights and accommodation near the clinic, consider medical tourism packages.
Pre-Operative Assessment and Preparation	Provide medical history, undergo necessary tests or share recent records, and follow pre-op instructions.
The Surgery Day	Arrive at clinic, meet surgeon for final review and marking, undergo brow lift under anesthesia.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery in Korea	Follow care instructions, attend follow-ups, and use post-op services offered by the clinic.
Returning Home and Continued Care	Know when it’s safe to travel, take precautions, and maintain contact with surgeon for ongoing care.

References

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