Temporal Lift vs Full Brow Lift vs Sub-Brow Lift

7 December 2025

Korea performs some of the world’s most precise and natural-looking brow and eye rejuvenation surgeries. But because there are several different brow lift techniques — each targeting different aging patterns — choosing the right one can be confusing.

The three most popular options are:

  • Temporal Lift (Lateral Brow Lift)
  • Full Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)
  • Sub-Brow Lift (Upper Eyelid Crease Lift)

Each method lifts a different part of the brow, uses different incisions, and creates different levels of change.

This guide breaks down how each one works, who it’s for, and how Korean surgeons decide the best option.

1. Temporal Lift (Lateral Brow Lift)

Best for: Outer brow droop & temple heaviness

A temporal lift targets the outer one-third of the eyebrow — the area that sags first with aging.

What it improves

  • Drooping brow tail
  • Hooding on the outer upper eyelid
  • Heavy or tired outer-eye appearance
  • Early temple laxity
  • Mild crow’s feet

Incision placement

  • Hidden inside the temple hairline
  • Very small (typically 1–2 cm)

Pros

  • No visible scars
  • Fast recovery
  • Natural, subtle elevation
  • Does not overly lift the center brow

Best candidates

  • 30s–50s
  • Outer brow sagging only
  • Minimal forehead wrinkles
  • Wanting light, natural rejuvenation

Not ideal for

  • Severe brow drooping
  • Deep forehead lines
  • Significant hooding across entire eyelid

2. Full Brow Lift (Forehead Lift / Endoscopic Brow Lift)

Best for: Overall brow descent & forehead aging

A full brow lift elevates the entire brow, from inner corners to outer tails, while tightening forehead muscles and smoothing lines.

What it improves

  • Entire brow droop
  • Asymmetry
  • Deep horizontal forehead wrinkles
  • Frown lines (glabella)
  • Upper eyelid hooding across the whole lid
  • Heavy, low-set brows

Incision placement

  • Usually inside the hairline (endoscopic)
  • Or at the hairline itself for long foreheads

Pros

  • Most powerful brow elevation
  • Rejuvenates entire upper face
  • Smooths forehead and frown lines
  • Long-lasting structural change

Best candidates

  • 40s–70s
  • Low-set brows
  • Strong forehead aging
  • Looking for a major lift

Not ideal for

  • Very high hairlines (unless tailored incision is used)
  • Patients wanting subtle change

3. Sub-Brow Lift (Under-Brow Lift)

Best for: Sagging upper eyelid skin under the brow

A sub-brow lift removes excess skin directly beneath the eyebrow to reduce hooding without lifting the eyebrow itself.

What it improves

  • Upper eyelid hooding, especially in the inner and central lid
  • Heavy eyelids that make eyes look small
  • Tired or droopy appearance
  • Loss of eyelid crease visibility

Incision placement

  • Directly under the eyebrow
  • The scar hides in the natural lower brow border

Pros

  • Extremely natural
  • Preserves eyebrow position
  • Ideal for patients who don’t want brows elevated
  • Tightens skin directly where needed

Best candidates

  • 40s–70s
  • Thick, heavy upper eyelid skin
  • Patients who prefer natural brow height
  • Best for Asian eyelid anatomy

Not ideal for

  • People wanting brow lifting
  • Those with thin skin where scars may be visible

Which One Should You Choose? Korean Surgeon Guidelines

Korean surgeons typically choose:

Choose a Temporal Lift if:

  • Your drooping is mostly on the outer eyelid
  • You want minimal downtime
  • You want subtle lifting without changing brow shape
  • You have mild aging and want preventive rejuvenation

Choose a Full Brow Lift if:

  • Your entire brow is low
  • You have forehead wrinkles + brow sagging
  • You need significant eyelid opening
  • You want more dramatic, wide-open eyes

Choose a Sub-Brow Lift if:

  • Your eyelid skin is heavy but your brows are already well-positioned
  • You want to correct hooding without changing brow height
  • You want the most natural, subtle improvement
  • You are older and want effective eyelid rejuvenation

Combination Treatments (Very Common in Korea)

Korean surgeons often combine techniques for tailored results:

  • Temporal Lift + Upper Blepharoplasty → For outer hooding + inner crease shaping
  • Full Brow Lift + Ptosis Correction → For droopy eyelids and low brows
  • Sub-Brow Lift + Lower Blepharoplasty → For complete upper-lower eye rejuvenation

The goal is harmony — ensuring the brow, eyelid, and temple all match.

Why Korea Excels in Brow & Eye Lifting

  • Natural, subtle aesthetic philosophy
  • Precision incision placement for minimal scarring
  • Advanced endoscopic methods
  • Deep understanding of Asian and international anatomy
  • High-volume specialists
  • Excellent swelling and scar aftercare

Patients choose Korea because results look refreshed, lifted, and harmonious — never overdone.

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