Table of contents

• The Subbrow Lift Procedure: A Detailed Overview
• Best Clinics in Korea for Puffy Upper Eyelids
• Navigating a Subbrow Lift in South Korea for Medical Tourists
• Cost Analysis: Subbrow Lift in South Korea vs. Other Countries
• Patient Experiences and Outcomes: Addressing "Puffy Upper Eyelids"
• Conclusion
• References

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Many people describe "puffy upper eyelids" as ongoing fullness and bulging above the eyes—a concern that can make you look tired, feel heavy, or appear older than you are. Sometimes, this extra tissue even blocks part of your vision, especially at the sides, making daily tasks harder.

"Puffy upper eyelids" can mean different things, and knowing the distinctions helps when looking for solutions:

• Dermatochalasis: This refers to loose, extra, and sagging eyelid skin—the main cause of fullness and bulging for most. Dermatochalasis is common with aging but can happen in younger people due to genetics or conditions like thyroid eye disease, renal failure, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. People with dermatochalasis often feel their eyes look tired or baggy.
• Orbital Fat Prolapse/Herniation: When the fat that cushions your eye bulges forward (often because the tissue containing it weakens), it creates puffiness or bulges. It’s typically a soft bump in the upper outer eyelid area. While mostly harmless, it can be uncomfortable or a cosmetic concern.
• Blepharitis: This is eyelid inflammation, especially at the lashes, leading to red, itchy, swollen, or greasy-looking lids. Symptoms are often worse upon waking. Causes include clogged glands, infections, dandruff, rosacea, allergies, and even mites or lice. Blepharitis is often chronic and can cause further eyelid or eye problems.
• Other Causes of Swollen Eyelids: Not all puffiness is chronic or structural. Allergies, infections like conjunctivitis, injuries, fluid retention (noticed in the morning), or trauma can also cause swollen lids.

Understanding what's behind your eyelid puffiness is key. "Puffy" can mean many things—some short-lived and others requiring medical or surgical care. Procedures like the Subbrow Lift specifically treat structural issues such as dermatochalasis or orbital fat prolapse, or drooping brows. Knowing your cause helps guide you to the right treatment and sets realistic expectations.

When to Seek Medical Advice

It’s time to consult a healthcare provider if eyelid puffiness comes with pain, lasting redness, discharge, vision changes, or if it doesn’t improve with good hygiene. Also, if you have concerns about underlying health issues such as thyroid disorders or diabetes, see a doctor.

The Subbrow Lift Procedure: A Detailed Overview

The Subbrow Lift is a specialized cosmetic surgery known by names such as sub-brow excision, infra-brow skin excision, direct brow lift, direct browplasty, or sub-brow lift blepharoplasty.

What is a Subbrow Lift?

The goal of a Subbrow Lift is to tackle sagging skin and uneven contours right beneath the eyebrows—key contributors to heavy or tired-looking upper lids. Its objectives include:

• Lifting and Skin Removal: Lifts or removes sagging skin, especially on the outer upper eyelid.
• Reducing Hooding: Lessens hooded eyelid appearance, making the eyelid crease more visible and defined.
• Rejuvenating the Eye Area: Refreshes and opens up the eyes for a more youthful, vibrant look.
• Restoring Facial Harmony: Corrects drooping in the sub-brow area to even out the upper face.
• Correcting Asymmetry: Balances uneven brow positions that might add to a fatigued look.

How it Differs from Traditional Eyelid and Brow Lifts

Compared to other facial rejuvenation procedures, the Subbrow Lift offers key differences:

• Traditional Upper Blepharoplasty: Focuses only on the upper eyelid, removing extra skin and fat from the crease, sometimes causing unnatural looks if skin types differ.
• Subbrow Lift Approach: Uses an incision right beneath the brow, allowing skin removal and lifting while preserving the natural eyelid crease. This is great for targeting outer eyelid sagging and suits those wanting a natural look, especially if they have a double lid fold or thicker eyelid skin.
• Traditional Brow Lift: Lifts the whole brow and smooths the forehead—much more extensive than a Subbrow Lift.
• Subbrow Lift Advantage: Targets heaviness directly below the brow without major changes to brow position or long forehead incisions, making it less invasive with subtle but significant results.
• Combining Procedures: Many patients combine the Subbrow Lift with blepharoplasty, brow lifts, or fillers for optimal results.

Who is an Ideal Candidate?

A good candidate for a Subbrow Lift generally meets these criteria:

• Has moderate to severe sagging in the brows or forehead.
• Has mild to moderate upper eyelid drooping but doesn’t need a full brow lift.
• Shows excess skin or fat in the eyelids or dropping brows.
• Has an existing double eyelid fold with saggy lid skin.
• Is of Asian descent (the procedure adapts well to thicker eyelid skin and preserves existing folds/monolids).
• Seeks to correct uneven brows or a tired, aged eye appearance.
• Wants a focused, less invasive alternative to a full brow lift.
• Has eyebrow tattoos, which can help hide a scar.
• Is overall healthy and understands the likely results.

The Surgical Process: What to Expect

Here’s how the Subbrow Lift typically unfolds, from preparation to recovery:

• Preparation: You’ll have a full consultation—your doctor reviews your facial features, skin, health, and goals. You may see digital simulations. Be thorough about allergies, medical history, and medications. Typical instructions: stop aspirin (2 days prior), Vitamin E (1 day prior), and smoking (at least a month prior). Prepare comfy clothes, sunglasses, and ice packs, and ensure someone can pick you up.
• Anesthesia: Most Subbrow Lifts use local anesthesia with sedation for comfort, but general anesthesia is sometimes an option.
• Incision and Technique: The surgeon makes a precise cut just below the eyebrow, following its curve or brow line, so it hides easily. In cases of severe skin laxity, especially for Asian patients, an extended approach may be used.
• Tissue Adjustment and Suturing: Through the incision, the surgeon removes or reshapes skin, fat, or muscle for lift and tightening. The skin is re-draped and closed with fine stitches to ensure a smooth, natural contour and minimal scarring.

Potential Risks and Complications

Any surgery has risks. With a Subbrow Lift, possible issues include infection, bleeding, visible scars, eyebrow or eyelid asymmetry, changes in sensation, or local hair loss. Most scars fade within 1-2 months and can be hidden by brow hair or tattoos. Note: this surgery does not address the levator muscle, which raises the eyelid.

Recovery Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide

Recovering from a Subbrow Lift happens in stages:

• Days 1-3: Expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Keep your head up (even when sleeping), use ice packs, avoid activity, and rest.
• Days 3-7: Swelling subsides, some puffiness lingers. Switch to warm eye pads, and get stitches out around day 4-7. Wear sunglasses outdoors.
• Weeks 2-8: Bruising gone by week 2. Swelling and scar redness fade in 2-4 weeks (sometimes up to 8). Keep avoiding strenuous exercise and smoking for a month.
• Months 3-6: Scars fade and become less noticeable (often fully by month 3). Full aesthetic results may take up to 6 months, with numbness or tightness resolving.

Patients often focus on “when I can go back to normal,” but it’s important to know that final results and scar fading take several months, and patience is key for a successful outcome.

Best Clinics in Korea for Puffy Upper Eyelids

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for puffy upper eyelids:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website	Located in Gangnam’s Garosu-gil, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery stands out as the best choice for puffy upper eyelids by combining elite surgical leadership, comprehensive eye surgery offerings, and a rigorously research-driven, safety-focused care system. Led by Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, a board-certified surgeon and award-winning 3D implant researcher who educates peers annually, the clinic applies philosophies that are essential for upper eyelid rejuvenation: Dr. Kim’s emphasis on harmonious facial balance and Dr. Jeong’s integration of function and beauty. These guiding principles inform precise blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, and adjunctive eye procedures to refresh puffiness while preserving natural expression and eyelid function. Supported by board-certified colleagues such as Dr. Lee, a former Surgery Specialist at Seoul National University Hospital, the four-floor facility streamlines consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare under one roof. With surgeons who actively publish, present at international symposiums, and participate in leading societies (including ASPS), and a team averaging over a decade of experience, THE PLUS prioritizes patient safety, personalized communication, and natural, long-lasting outcomes—making it a premier destination for treating puffy upper eyelids in Korea.	Precise blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, and adjunctive eye procedures; emphasis on harmonious facial balance and integration of function and beauty; safety-focused care; experienced team; four-floor facility; patient-centered communication and long-lasting outcomes.
Made Young Plastic Surgery Website	Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam is a premium center dedicated to facial and anti-aging procedures, with a verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience and providing direct consultations before any procedure. For puffy upper eyelids, the clinic offers customized treatment plans that may include upper blepharoplasty, sub-brow lift, and ptosis correction, guided by thorough analysis of periorbital and facial sagging. Their hallmark approach precisely dissects beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues, then lifts the skin, fat, and SMAS together and secures them in a vertical vector opposite the direction of sagging—anatomically driven principles that help produce natural, balanced, and long-lasting rejuvenation. Patient safety and continuity of care are prioritized with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, a 1:1 dedicated monitoring system, a cross-check protocol for emergencies, and full CCTV coverage of procedures. A separate aftercare center ensures complete, systematic follow-up, and the clinic’s quality is recognized with 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.	Premium center for facial and anti-aging procedures; avg over 15 years experience; direct consultations; customized puffy upper eyelids treatment plans (upper blepharoplasty, sub-brow lift, ptosis correction); SMAS-layer dissection with vertical vector lift; natural, balanced, long-lasting rejuvenation; strict safety measures (anesthesiologists, 1:1 monitoring, CCTV); multiple awards and society recognitions.
SH Clinic Website	SH Clinic in Sinsa, Seoul is a multi-specialty medical center that brings stem-cell science, women’s healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, and modern plastic surgery together in one place. As a specialized hub for Stem Cell Therapy and Gynecology, the clinic delivers personalized, comprehensive plans through the SH Stem Cell Center—ranging from facial rejuvenation and anti-aging to advanced stem-cell therapies for serious conditions—and the SH Gynecology Clinic, which offers the full spectrum of women’s health services and vaginal rejuvenation options. With this integrated foundation, SH Clinic provides precise, natural-looking cosmetic solutions supported by medical-grade skincare and regenerative medicine expertise.	Multi-specialty medical center; stem-cell science, women's healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, modern plastic surgery; hub for Stem Cell Therapy and Gynecology; SH Stem Cell Center; SH Gynecology Clinic; integrated coordination; medical-grade skincare and regenerative medicine.

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

Located in Gangnam’s Garosu-gil, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery stands out as the best choice for puffy upper eyelids by combining elite surgical leadership, comprehensive eye surgery offerings, and a rigorously research-driven, safety-focused care system. Led by Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, a board-certified surgeon and award-winning 3D implant researcher who educates peers annually, the clinic applies philosophies that are essential for upper eyelid rejuvenation: Dr. Kim’s emphasis on harmonious facial balance and Dr. Jeong’s integration of function and beauty. These guiding principles inform precise blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, and adjunctive eye procedures to refresh puffiness while preserving natural expression and eyelid function. Supported by board-certified colleagues such as Dr. Lee, a former Surgery Specialist at Seoul National University Hospital, the four-floor facility streamlines consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare under one roof. With surgeons who actively publish, present at international symposiums, and participate in leading societies (including ASPS), and a team averaging over a decade of experience, THE PLUS prioritizes patient safety, personalized communication, and natural, long-lasting outcomes—making it a premier destination for treating puffy upper eyelids in Korea.

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

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam is a premium center dedicated to facial and anti-aging procedures, with a verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience and providing direct consultations before any procedure. For puffy upper eyelids, the clinic offers customized treatment plans that may include upper blepharoplasty, sub-brow lift, and ptosis correction, guided by thorough analysis of periorbital and facial sagging. Their hallmark approach precisely dissects beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues, then lifts the skin, fat, and SMAS together and secures them in a vertical vector opposite the direction of sagging—anatomically driven principles that help produce natural, balanced, and long-lasting rejuvenation.

Patient safety and continuity of care are prioritized with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, a 1:1 dedicated monitoring system, a cross-check protocol for emergencies, and full CCTV coverage of procedures. A separate aftercare center ensures complete, systematic follow-up, and the clinic’s quality is recognized with 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

SH Clinic

SH Clinic in Sinsa, Seoul is a multi-specialty medical center that brings stem-cell science, women’s healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, and modern plastic surgery together in one place. As a specialized hub for Stem Cell Therapy and Gynecology, the clinic delivers personalized, comprehensive plans through the SH Stem Cell Center—ranging from facial rejuvenation and anti-aging to advanced stem-cell therapies for serious conditions—and the SH Gynecology Clinic, which offers the full spectrum of women’s health services and vaginal rejuvenation options. With this integrated foundation, SH Clinic provides precise, natural-looking cosmetic solutions supported by medical-grade skincare and regenerative medicine expertise.

• Why SH Clinic is the top choice for puffy upper eyelids
• Surgical precision for the upper lid: Upper Blepharoplasty (Double-Eyelid Surgery) removes excess eyelid skin and creates a defined crease to ease heaviness—ideal for puffy, tired-looking upper lids.
• Comprehensive eye-area balancing: When appropriate, Lower Blepharoplasty and dermal fillers for the tear-trough can be combined to harmonize the upper-lid outcome and refresh the entire periorbital area.
• Non-surgical refinements: Laser Lifting, Botox for crow’s-feet, Skin Booster injections, and Thread Lift offer minimally invasive ways to enhance skin quality and support a youthful eye frame alongside surgery or as stand-alone care.
• Regenerative approach to rejuvenation: The SH Stem Cell Center designs personalized anti-aging and facial rejuvenation programs, allowing treatment plans that consider tissue quality and long-term skin health.
• One-roof coordination in Sinsa: Seamless collaboration among plastic surgery, aesthetic dermatology, stem-cell medicine, and women’s health ensures efficient consultations, cohesive care plans, and consistent follow-up.
• Personalized, comprehensive planning: Every plan is tailored—from conservative non-surgical steps to definitive surgical correction—so patients get exactly the level of intervention their puffy upper eyelids require.
• Modern cosmetic surgery standards: SH Clinic’s plastic surgery team employs up-to-date techniques to deliver natural-looking eyelid definition with a focus on symmetry, proportion, and long-term attractiveness.

You can check out their website here: SH Clinic Website

Navigating a Subbrow Lift in South Korea for Medical Tourists

South Korea draws a global crowd for plastic surgery—and the Subbrow Lift is no exception.

Why South Korea for Cosmetic Procedures?

Here’s why so many people choose South Korea:

• Top Technology and Expertise: Korean clinics use the latest techniques and boast high success rates.
• Affordability: Surgery packages are often 40-65% cheaper than in Western countries, and costs are bundled to include more than just the procedure.
• Smooth Logistics: Medical tourism agencies help with everything—visa, flights, hotels, and transport.
• All-Inclusive Packages: Many clinics offer packages covering consultations, tests, surgery, anesthesia, accommodation, transfers, and follow-ups.

The Patient Journey: Step-by-Step Process

Here’s what the process usually looks like:

• Initial Consultation: Often starts online with a surgeon. You’ll discuss your goals, get assessed via video or images, and see simulations.
• Pre-op Requirements: Disclose all health info, get tests, and stop certain meds or habits as directed. Agencies can help with visas.
• Surgery Day: Local anesthesia with sedation is the norm; the surgery takes 45–90 minutes. You’ll have precise incisions, excess tissue removal, and careful suturing.
• Post-op Care: Swelling is managed with cold packs and an elevated head. Stitches out in 4–7 days, with online follow-ups possible after you go home. Detailed care instructions are given.
• Travel and Accommodation: Many packages include hotel stays and regular transfers. Plan to stay 6–7 days for suture removal and initial follow-ups. Language support and premium recovery options may also be available.

South Korea’s ability to bundle surgery, care, and logistics into one predictable experience sets it apart—especially for patients who value convenience, transparency, and cost-effectiveness.

Table 1: Typical Patient Journey for Subbrow Lift in South Korea

Phase	Key Activities	Approximate Timeline	Key Support/Inclusions
Pre-Arrival Planning	Online/in-person consults, medical history/tests, plan finalization, visa applications, travel/bookings, pre-op instructions	Weeks/Days Before Surgery	Agency coordination, translation, visa help
Day of Surgery	Arrive at clinic, checks, anesthesia, Subbrow Lift (45–90 mins), post-op care, discharge	Day 0	Clinic staff, anesthesia, post-op instructions
Immediate Post-Surgery	Manage swelling/pain, stitch removal (Day 4–7), first follow-up, wound care, light activity back	Days 1–7	Medications, packs, transfer, translation
Mid-Term Recovery	Bruising resolves, swelling reduces, scar fades; return to desk work, avoid strenuous activity, hair regrowth	Weeks 2–8	Follow-ups, scar care guidance, restrictions
Long-Term Outcome	Scar fading (by 3 months), final results (up to 6 months), possible long-term online follow-up	Months 3–6+	Online follow-ups, sun protection advice

Cost Analysis: Subbrow Lift in South Korea vs. Other Countries

Money matters—especially when you’re traveling for care.

Average Costs in South Korea

A "Brow lift" or Subbrow Lift in Seoul averages about $3,121, with most packages ranging from $2,290 to $5,000, often including consultations, surgery, anesthesia, and sometimes hotels and transfers.

Cost Comparison: South Korea vs. USA and Turkey

Comparing international prices, South Korea often offers a better deal overall:

• South Korea: Packages from $2,290–$5,000 for a Subbrow Lift or similar surgeries, usually including multiple services.
• Turkey: Starts around $2,040, but patients may pay extra for accommodation, travel, and care.
• United States: A brow lift starts at $4,500, with national averages from $5,460–$7,500, and can go as high as $20,000 in some cities. These prices usually cover only the surgeon’s fee—not anesthesia, facility, or aftercare.

Westerners can save 40–65% by choosing a Korean package. Turkey may have slightly lower base prices, but the all-in-one packages in Korea mean fewer unexpected costs and a smoother overall journey.

Table 2: Subbrow Lift Cost Comparison

Country/Region	Procedure	Average Cost Range	Key Inclusions/Notes	Estimated Savings (vs. USA)
South Korea (Seoul)	Subbrow Lift/Eyelid Package	$2,290 - $5,000	Package often includes consults, surgery, anesthesia, accomodation, etc.	40-65% savings
Turkey	Brow Lift	From $2,040	Base procedure; extras for travel, stay, care	Varies, sometimes less value
USA (National Avg.)	Brow Lift	$5,460 - $7,500	Surgeon only; no anesthesia, facility, meds, aftercare	N/A
USA (Expensive cities)	Brow Lift	$5,325 - $25,000	Wide variability based on surgeon and area	N/A
USA (Affordable areas)	Brow Lift	$4,500 - $8,500	Some bundles for tourists; often less inclusive than in Korea	N/A

Factors Affecting Cost

Things that matter when budgeting:

• Procedure specifics: Complexity affects cost; Subbrow Lift, brow lifts, and blepharoplasty all have different fees.
• Surgeon's expertise: Highly reputable or experienced surgeons usually charge more.
• Clinic location and prestige: Surgery in Seoul may cost 20% more than other cities due to overheads.
• Type of anesthesia: Local with sedation costs less than general anesthesia.
• Included services: All-inclusive packages may cover much more than just the procedure.
• Extras: Premium transfer, accommodation, or special recovery therapies may increase total cost.

Patient Experiences and Outcomes: Addressing "Puffy Upper Eyelids"

The Subbrow Lift directly targets fullness by taking out extra skin and, at times, fat from the upper eyelid area. It tightens the tissue, lifts the sub-brow region, and changes both how you look and function.

How Subbrow Lift Addresses "Puffy Upper Eyelids"

Patients report improvements both cosmetically and in everyday function:

• Cosmetic Enhancements:
  • Stronger brow arch, a fresher and younger look.
  • More open, lively eyes.
  • Less hooded lids and better-defined creases.
  • Natural, not “done” appearance (avoids the puffy look that can come from certain other methods).
  • Addresses brow/eyelid asymmetry and smooths fine lines.
• Functional Gains:
  • Improves vision if extra skin obstructs your sight.
  • Can relieve headaches caused by forehead muscle tension from drooping lids.
  • Measurable improvements in eyelid position and field of vision.

Real-World Patient Satisfaction

Most people who undergo a Subbrow Lift are very pleased—reporting that they look brighter, more alert, and natural. Patients often share that issues they thought were due to eyelid skin were instead caused by brow sagging, and a Subbrow Lift solved their concerns without taking away the natural eyelid crease. Many experience a boost in confidence and get relief from symptoms like eye makeup smudging or tension headaches. Both surgeon and patient satisfaction scores are high, averaging around 3.5–3.6 out of 4.

This procedure goes beyond looks: it often means better physical comfort and a confidence boost, underlining the importance of choosing a surgeon who values both function and natural appearance.

Managing Expectations: Scarring and Long-Term Results

• Scarring: There will be a scar at the brow, but it’s placed so it’s usually hidden by brow hair, the brow crease, or tattoos. Initially pink, it fades over a few months.
• Longevity: Results are long-lasting but not immune to the natural aging process—some maintenance may be needed with time.
• Combination Treatments: Doctors often recommend combining the Subbrow Lift with upper blepharoplasty for best results, especially if brow sagging and eyelid skin excess both exist.

Conclusion

The Subbrow Lift provides a reliable and focused solution for "puffy upper eyelids" due to issues like dermatochalasis, orbital fat prolapse, or brow descent. It offers both cosmetic and functional improvements with long-lasting, natural results. South Korea's excellence in surgery, integrated care, and cost-effective packages make it a top destination for this procedure, helping patients save significantly while enjoying a streamlined experience. To ensure the best outcome, patients should prioritize thorough consultation and choose reputable clinics and surgeons, focusing on the entire package value.

References

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