Forehead Lift
in Seoul, Korea
AVA's detail lies in reconstructing the invisible core structures beneath the skin.
Forehead Lift
This procedure addresses the 'forehead' — the very starting point of facial ageing. Through four 1.5 cm incisions within the scalp and endoscopic dissection, the glabellar frown muscles are released and the sagging forehead and brows are lifted simultaneously. Unlike upper blepharoplasty or sub-brow lifting alone, this procedure targets the origin of descent, producing natural improvement from top to bottom.
A forehead lift uses small incisions inside the scalp and an endoscope to lift the forehead and brows from where sagging begins, while releasing the frown muscles between the brows.
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Quick Facts
| Procedure | Forehead Lift · Endoscopic Forehead Lift |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | Dr. Seungsoo Kim (Board-certified Plastic Surgeon, 10+ yrs) |
| Key Technique | '1.5 cm × 4 Minimal Incisions' — No Visible Scarring |
| Time | 1 hour |
| Anesthesia | IV Sedation |
| Hospitalization | Not required |
| Stitch Removal | Days 7–10 |
| Follow-up Visits | 2–3 times |
| Recovery | From 1 week |
| Best For | Deepened forehead and glabellar lines · Descended brows causing a heavy or tired appearance around the eyes · Compensatory use of the forehead muscles to open the eyes · Results not achievable with upper blepharoplasty or sub-brow lifting alone · Desire to address all areas of descent in a single procedure · Wishing to treat upper facial ageing from its point of origin |
'1.5 cm × 4 Minimal Incisions' — No Visible Scarring
Only four small incisions of approximately 1.5 cm are made within the scalp. The incision lines remain hidden beneath the hair, keeping any scarring completely concealed.
Why Is a Forehead Lift 'The Procedure That Improves Everything'?
Facial ageing begins with descent of the forehead. Whether you address the starting point or only the downstream effects is what fundamentally determines the outcome.
Ageing Starts at the Forehead
Upper facial ageing begins with descent of the forehead, which then progressively pulls down the brows, eyelids, and outer corners of the eyes. The root cause of upper facial laxity lies in the forehead.
What Happens With Upper Blepharoplasty or Sub-Brow Lifting Alone…
These procedures address only the downstream effects of the descent. While improvement is seen in the treated areas, other areas — such as the sagging forehead and glabella — may remain unchanged or become more prominent by contrast.
Addressing the Origin Improves Everything
Because a forehead lift addresses the origin of descent — the forehead itself — the result is a natural, cascade improvement from top to bottom: forehead, glabella, brows, eyelids, and the outer corners of the eyes.
Often Beneficial When Combined With Other Procedures
In many people, the skin at the outer corners of the eyes descends more significantly than the glabellar region. In such cases, a forehead lift alone may not fully address lateral hooding, and combining it with sub-brow lifting or upper blepharoplasty is recommended.
Three Upper-Face Lifting Procedures — Addressing Descent Step by Step
A forehead lift, sub-brow lift, and upper blepharoplasty all target upper facial descent, but each addresses a different stage of laxity. They may be performed individually or in combination, depending on the degree of descent.
Forehead Lift
Forehead · Glabella · Brows
1.5 cm × 4 incisions within the scalp + Endoscopic dissection + Glabellar muscle release + Lifting & fixation
When full upper facial rejuvenation is desired For fundamental improvement across all areas from the top down
Sub-Brow Lift
Infra-brow skin · Lateral hooding
Incision immediately below the brow + Orbicularis oculi separation + Periosteal fixation
When the brow position is acceptable and only eyelid or lateral hooding laxity needs addressing
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid
Incision along the double eyelid crease + Excision of lax skin and fat + Ptosis correction
When the upper eyelid itself has descended to the point of covering the eyelid crease
Check Point Highly Recommended For
Forehead Lift Procedure
Minimal Incisions
Four incisions of approximately 1.5 cm are made within the scalp
Endoscopic Dissection
Full HD endoscope guides precise dissection down to below the brow line — nerves and vessels are preserved
Glabellar Muscle Release
The frown muscles between the brows are released, addressing the root cause of glabellar lines
Lifting & Fixation
The sagging forehead and brows are elevated and firmly secured
Recommended Combinations by Degree of Laxity — Which Procedure Is Right for You?
The recommended approach varies according to the depth and distribution of laxity. An accurate assessment during consultation guides a tailored decision.
| Degree of Sagging | Description | Recommended Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Laxity | Only slight upper eyelid descent. Forehead and lateral hooding remain relatively unaffected. | Upper blepharoplasty alone |
| Moderate Laxity | Both eyelid and lateral hooding laxity present. Forehead remains relatively unaffected. | Sub-brow lift ± upper blepharoplasty |
| Advanced Laxity | Forehead and glabellar descent is beginning and affecting the brow position. Requires treatment from the starting point. | Forehead lift (alone or combined with sub-brow lift) |
| Significant Laxity | Pronounced descent from forehead to lateral corners of the eyes. Lateral hooding tends to exceed glabellar descent. | Simultaneous forehead lift + sub-brow lift recommended |
※ The above combinations are general guidance only. The optimal approach may vary according to each patient's individual pattern of laxity and skin condition.
Anti-Aging Procedures — At a Glance
The right fit depends on where the laxity is, how deep it runs, and your recovery window.
| Procedure | Area | Time | Anesthesia | Recovery | Key Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facelift Full Face Lift | Full face, jaw, neck | 3 hours | IV Sedation | From 2 weeks | AVA Plastic Surgery 'Dual-Plane' Lifting |
| Mini Facelift Customised Mini Lift | Mid / lower face (choose) | 2 hours | IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Only the Incision Is Shorter — SMAS Dissection Is the Same |
| Forehead Lift Endoscopic Forehead Lift | Forehead, glabella, brow | 1 hour | IV Sedation | From 1 week | '1.5 cm × 4 Minimal Incisions' — No Visible Scarring |
| Sub-Brow Lift Sub-brow Lift | Upper lid, eye corners | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | From 1 week | AVA 'Dual-Plane' Sub-Brow Lift |
| Upper Blepharoplasty Upper Blepharoplasty | Upper eyelid | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Incisional Ptosis Correction — An Important Addition |
| Lower Blepharoplasty Lower Blepharoplasty | Lower eyelid | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Surgeon-customized approach |
| Philtrum Reduction Philtrum Reduction | Philtrum (nose-to-lip) | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Dual-Plane Philtrum Reduction |
| Corner Lip Lift Corner Lip Lift | Mouth corners, lips | 30–50 minutes | Local / IV Sedation | From 1 week | Scar Management Is the Essence — Triangular Flap Transposition |
Click a row to open that procedure.
The AVA Difference
AVA Dual-Deep Plane Lifting
Multi-layer dissection of SMAS and deep tissue with tension applied at the SMAS layer.
The incision-site skin is designed to remain tension-free.
Anatomy-Based Long-Term Design
Dissection depth and lift vectors are individually calibrated
based on Mendelson's midcheek anatomy and Jacono's long-term outcome data.
Patient Satisfaction Defines Completion
Surgery is complete not when sutures are removed,
but when the patient smiles in front of the mirror.
Answer three questions to get a first direction based on the surgeon's logic. For reference only; confirmed at consultation.
Q1.Does your eyebrow sit below the bony rim above the eye?
Q2.Is there enough eyelid skin to touch the lashes?
Q3.Do your eyes look small or sleepy unless you raise your forehead?
Start with a forehead lift
The brow, not the eyelid, has descended. Removing eyelid skin alone pulls the brow lower, so restoring brow position comes first.
Self-check is for reference. Brow position, skin excess and lid-opening strength are measured at consultation.
Ptosis correction
The lid-opening muscle is weak. Removing skin will not open the eye, so the muscle is addressed first.
Self-check is for reference. Brow position, skin excess and lid-opening strength are measured at consultation.
Upper blepharoplasty or sub-brow lift
Brow and muscle are fine; skin excess is the issue. Inner excess suits upper blepharoplasty, outer (corner) excess suits a sub-brow lift.
Self-check is for reference. Brow position, skin excess and lid-opening strength are measured at consultation.
Ptosis correction + upper blepharoplasty
Both muscle weakness and skin excess are present. Incisional ptosis repair shares the same incision as upper blepharoplasty.
Self-check is for reference. Brow position, skin excess and lid-opening strength are measured at consultation.
Surgery may not be urgent
If none apply, the concern may be the crease or the lower lid. Tell us the impression you want at consultation.
Self-check is for reference. Brow position, skin excess and lid-opening strength are measured at consultation.
Who it’s not for
Not advised if your forehead is already very high or the hairline has receded, since depending on where the incision sits the forehead can look wider; if you have a scalp condition; or if brow position is normal and only the eyelid skin has drooped.
What we suggest instead
When brow position is normal we use a sub-brow lift or upper blepharoplasty instead; when only the frown lines bother you, we start with botulinum toxin.
Pick a surgery date to see stitch removal, return to daily life and the earliest flight home as calendar dates. Confirmed at consultation.
- Arrive in Seoul · consultationD-1Fri, Sep 25
- SurgeryD+0Sat, Sep 26
- Stitch removalD+10Tue, Oct 6
- Back to daily lifeD+14Sat, Oct 10
- Earliest flight homeD+14Sat, Oct 10
- Major swelling settledD+90Mon, Oct 26
Individual recovery and combined procedures change the dates.
Cost depends on the extent of surgery, anesthesia and any combined procedures, and is quoted at consultation. The same criteria apply to every patient.
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Post-op Instructions
- Do not rub the surgical area strongly for about a week.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 2 weeks as they delay recovery.
- Swelling and bruising vary individually but will gradually improve.
- Light walking or stretching helps reduce swelling.
Curious About This Procedure?
Our head surgeon provides a one-on-one assessment and a tailored treatment plan just for you. Results and recovery may vary by individual.