Introduction

As we age, one of the first areas to show signs of fatigue and gravity is the upper third of the face — the forehead and the eyes. Sagging brows, drooping upper eyelids, and deep forehead lines can make us appear older, more tired, or even stern. Many patients initially seek out upper blepharoplasty to address these concerns, only to discover that the underlying cause often lies higher up — in the brow itself.

At Face Plus Plastic Surgery, we often recommend a combined approach: forehead lifting (brow lift) with upper blepharoplasty. Done thoughtfully, this combination not only rejuvenates the eyes but restores youthful harmony to the entire upper face. Let’s explore why this dual procedure has become a trusted strategy for natural, balanced, and long-lasting results.

Why Combine Forehead Lifting and Upper Blepharoplasty?

It’s not uncommon for patients to come in thinking they need upper eyelid surgery, only to be surprised during consultation. Often, what looks like drooping eyelid skin is actually the result of descended brows pressing down on the eyelids — a classic case of mistaken identity in facial aesthetics.

By combining forehead lifting (also called a brow lift) with upper blepharoplasty, we address both the cause and the effect of upper facial aging:

• Forehead lift repositions the brows to a youthful height, smoothing horizontal forehead lines and softening frown lines between the eyebrows.

• Upper blepharoplasty removes the excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids, restoring brightness and definition to the eyes.

When performed together, the procedures enhance one another — offering a more natural, cohesive result than either could achieve alone.

This dual approach prevents the common pitfall of over-resecting eyelid skin, which can lead to a hollowed or unnatural appearance. Instead, it ensures that each anatomical region is treated according to its specific needs, creating a lifted, awake, and refreshed look.

What Happens If You Only Do Upper Blepharoplasty?

Let’s imagine your brows have dropped slightly over the years — a common effect of aging and repeated muscle movement. If we only perform upper blepharoplasty, we may remove too much eyelid skin just to achieve the desired result. The outcome could look overcorrected, heavy, or unnatural, and it may accelerate the aging of the brow area.

Furthermore, when the brow continues to descend with age, the benefits of upper eyelid surgery may be short-lived. You might find yourself considering revision surgery in just a few years.

On the other hand, if we first lift the brows to their ideal position, we often find that less eyelid skin needs to be removed, preserving the natural eyelid contour and ensuring a softer, more refreshed appearance.

As Dr. Jung Keun Park, director of Face Plus Plastic Surgery, often tells patients:

“Treating the eyelids without considering the brow is like fixing a roof without checking the foundation. For lasting beauty, both need to be addressed together.”

Who Is a Good Candidate for the Combined Procedure?

This dual approach is especially effective for patients who:

• Have heavy, hooded upper eyelids and feel like their eyes are disappearing under the skin

• Notice their eyebrows have drifted downward, giving a tired, sad, or stern appearance

• Want to correct both drooping lids and deep forehead wrinkles

• Are seeking a comprehensive anti-aging solution for the upper third of the face

• Desire long-lasting, natural results that maintain facial harmony

In Korea, where aesthetic trends emphasize natural, harmonious beauty, this combination is increasingly popular among both men and women — especially patients in their 40s to 60s. However, even younger individuals with genetically low-set brows or excess upper eyelid skin may benefit.

At Face Plus, every surgical plan is customized. During your consultation, Dr. Park performs a detailed facial analysis, including brow position, eyelid skin elasticity, forehead muscle activity, and overall facial symmetry. We also take time to understand your aesthetic preferences — whether you prefer a soft, feminine brow arch or a more neutral, gender-balanced contour.

The Surgical Techniques: Art and Precision Combined

Forehead Lifting (Brow Lift)

At Face Plus, we offer several types of brow lift, tailored to your needs:

• Endoscopic Brow Lift: A minimally invasive method using small incisions hidden behind the hairline. This approach offers faster recovery, minimal scarring, and excellent longevity, making it ideal for patients in their 30s to 50s.

• Direct or Mid-Forehead Lift: Suitable for older patients or men with high foreheads or receding hairlines, allowing more precise control over brow shape and symmetry.

• Temporal (Lateral) Lift: Targets the outer brow area, ideal for patients needing a lateral lift without changing the central forehead. This is often chosen by patients who want to correct hooding at the outer corners of the eyes.

Dr. Park carefully selects the technique that will enhance your natural expression, never over-lifting or creating a surprised look. His focus is always on restoring balance, not altering identity.

Each brow lift is performed with attention to the underlying muscular and ligamentous structures that support the brow and forehead. This ensures a stable, long-lasting lift without unnatural tension or distortion.

Upper Blepharoplasty

This procedure removes excess eyelid skin and, if needed, fat that causes puffiness or heaviness. At Face Plus, we favor hidden-incision techniques, where the scar lies naturally in the eyelid crease.

Our surgical approach is informed by a deep understanding of ethnic and anatomical variations, particularly in East Asian patients. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, Dr. Park tailors the incision shape, fat removal, and skin excision to enhance the eye contour while preserving its unique character.

Combining both procedures allows for optimal tension balance — meaning neither the brow nor the eyelid is overcompensating for the other. This synergy is what leads to such harmonious, age-defying outcomes.

Recovery: What to Expect After Combined Surgery

Combining two procedures may sound daunting, but recovery is typically very manageable. In fact, many patients find it easier to recover from a single, combined operation than from two separate ones spaced months apart.

Timeline Overview

• Day 1–3: Swelling and bruising peak; mild discomfort is common. Cold compresses and rest are recommended. Patients should keep their head elevated and avoid strenuous activity.

• Day 4–7: Stitches are removed (for upper eyelid incisions and brow area depending on the approach). Swelling begins to subside noticeably.

• Week 2: Most patients feel comfortable going out with makeup or sunglasses. Light activities can usually resume.

• Week 3–4: You’ll see more refined results; any residual swelling or bruising is minimal. Return to normal routines, including work and social engagements, is typical by this stage.

• 3 Months+: Final results settle in, with natural brow contour, smooth forehead, and refreshed eyes. Scars continue to fade over time.

Dr. Park and the Face Plus team will guide you through every step — from pre-operative instructions to aftercare tips that minimize scarring and promote smooth healing. Our clinic provides multilingual support and concierge assistance for international patients, ensuring a seamless recovery experience in Seoul.

Why Face Plus Plastic Surgery?

Combining forehead lifting with upper blepharoplasty requires not just surgical skill, but artistic vision and deep anatomical understanding. At Face Plus, you’re in the hands of a globally trusted expert.

Dr. Jung Keun Park

• Ph.D. in Plastic Surgery from Seoul National University

• Over 21 years of experience in facial rejuvenation and reconstructive microsurgery

• Known for precision techniques and results that appear refined, not artificial

• Treats a global patient base, including from the U.S., Japan, Middle East, and Southeast Asia

Face Plus Advantages

• Located in Gangnam, the heart of Korea’s beauty and medical tourism industry

• Specializes in natural-look facial surgeries that enhance, not exaggerate

• Emphasis on personalized consultations, ensuring the procedure matches your unique features

• Offers advanced techniques like Ultherapy and thread lifting, ideal for patients who prefer less invasive options or want to extend surgical results

• Known for patient-first care, from safety protocols to post-op monitoring and support

Real Patient Concerns We Hear Often

“I don’t want to look shocked or too tight after surgery.”
We understand. At Face Plus, we prioritize subtle elevation — keeping your natural facial expression intact while refreshing your appearance.

“Can’t I just do upper blepharoplasty alone?”
You can, and sometimes it’s the best choice. But if the brow is low, blepharoplasty alone may not give the result you’re hoping for — or it may not last as long.

“Will the scars be visible?”
No. Incisions for forehead lifts are typically hidden in the hairline or forehead creases, and eyelid scars are tucked into the natural eyelid fold. With proper care, they fade beautifully.

“How long will the results last?”
While aging continues, most patients enjoy the benefits of combined surgery for 10 years or more. The results can be extended further with non-surgical treatments like laser resurfacing or Botox.

Is the Combined Procedure Right for You?

If you're starting to notice sagging brows, hooded lids, or a general sense that your upper face no longer reflects your energy or confidence — a consultation is the best place to start.

At Face Plus Plastic Surgery, we take the time to understand your goals and facial dynamics. Our priority is always balance, harmony, and safety.

“Our job is not to change your face, but to return it to a younger, more vibrant version of itself.” – Dr. Park

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve been considering forehead lifting, upper eyelid surgery, or both — Face Plus Plastic Surgery in Seoul offers world-class expertise with a personal touch.

Book your consultation today and explore how combining procedures can bring out the best in your natural beauty.