Everything You Need to Know About Endoscopic Brow Lift: Cost and Recovery

2025-04-22

A well-performed endoscopic brow lift offers natural rejuvenation, making it a popular option for those looking to smooth forehead wrinkles and lift drooping brows. This article provides details about Endoscopic brow lift techniques, offering comprehensive information for readers interested in forehead lift procedures. In this article, we’ll explain the cost of forehead lift surgery, recovery timelinepossible side effects, and how to ensure long-lasting results.


An endoscopic brow lift is a modern plastic surgery technique designed to rejuvenate the upper face by lifting the brow and smoothing the forehead. This procedure uses an endoscope—a slender camera device—to visualize the underlying structure of the brow through small incisions made in the scalp. By using the endoscope, the surgeon can precisely target the tissues that need to be lifted, resulting in a more natural and youthful brow position. The minimally invasive nature of the endoscopic brow lift means that scarring is greatly reduced, and the risk of nerve injury is minimized compared to traditional methods. For people looking to refresh their appearance with less downtime and fewer visible marks, this technique is a popular choice in the field of plastic surgery.

What Is a Brow Lift?

endoscopic brow lift incision location
Endoscopic brow lift incision location(in red dotted lines)

An endoscopic forehead lift, or brow lift, is a procedure that lifts the eyebrows and forehead through small incisions along the hairline.
It can simultaneously address:

• Droopy eyelids
• Forehead wrinkles
• Deep frown lines

In some cases, the procedure can also improve brow symmetry. This technique addresses a variety of concerns and helps restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

Although it has been practiced for over 30 years, the endoscopic brow lift has recently gained popularity in Korea—especially in Gangnam—as a go-to procedure for enhancing facial expressions after middle-aged eyelid surgery. The effectiveness of the endoscopic brow lift lies in its ability to rejuvenate the upper face while delivering natural-looking results.

 

While this technique has been practiced over 30 years, its popularity has surged in Korea—especially in Gangnam—as a go-to procedure for improving expressions after middle-aged eyelid surgery.

Brow lift before and after in Korea
Brow lift before and after with upper blepharoplasty

Benefits of the Procedure

The endoscopic brow lift offers a range of benefits for those seeking to enhance their facial appearance. One of the primary advantages is the significant improvement in brow position, which helps restore a youthful contour to the upper face. Thanks to the use of the endoscope, the surgeon can perform a more precise and controlled lift, reducing the likelihood of complications and promoting a smoother recovery. The small incisions used in this technique are typically hidden within the hairline, resulting in minimal visible scarring. Additionally, the endoscopic brow lift can be performed alongside other facial procedures, such as eyelid surgery, for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. Overall, the combination of natural-looking results, minimal scarring, and the ability to address multiple concerns at once makes the endoscopic brow lift an appealing option for many individuals.

Preparation for Endoscopic Brow Lift

Proper preparation is key to achieving the best possible outcome from an endoscopic brow lift. The process begins with a detailed consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, where you’ll discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure. During this meeting, the surgeon will carefully evaluate the structure of your face, the current position of your brow, and the quality of your skin to determine the most effective approach. You’ll also be asked to provide a comprehensive medical history, including any previous surgeries, health conditions, and current medications. In preparation for surgery, you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol for a period of time. On the day of your endoscopic brow lift, it’s important to arrive at the clinic with a companion and wear comfortable clothing to ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.

Endoscopic Eyebrow Lift Cost in Korea

Before endoscopy became standard, brow lifts required large incisions across the hairline.
Today, most clinics in Korea use minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.
 

endoscopic incision position
Endoscopic incision position

Typical cost in Korean plastic surgery clinics:
KRW 2.5M to 7.5M ($1,900–$5,700), depending on:

• Fixation method (Endotine vs. Suture with bone tunnelling)
• Surgeon’s experience

Endotine vs Suture fixation for the Brow lift
Endotine vs Suture fixation for the Brow lift

 

Endoscopic Forehead Lift Recovery

Common Temporary Effects

a) Numbness or Tingling

Due to dissection near the sensory nerve(supraorbital nerves), temporary numbness, tingling, or itching can occur.
This usually resolves in 2 to 8 months.

Supraorbital nerve and glabellar muscle anatomy
Supraorbital nerve and glabellar muscle anatomy

b) Temporary Hair Loss

Due to the hair growth cycle, some patients may notice mild hair shedding(telogen effluvium).
 

Hair growth cycle
Hair growth cycle

This is reversible and generally recovers naturally by the 6th months.

Forehead lift hair loss
Forehead lift hair loss case: Recovers with time

c) Endotine Palpability

The Endotine device may be felt under the scalp temporarily but dissolves naturally within 6–9 months.

endotine forehead fixation method
Endotine

d) Scarring

Most scars are hidden in the hairline and fade within 2–3 months, especially if the patient has thick hair.

brow lift scars
Hard to see scars after Endoscopic brow lift

Even for patients with thinning hair or receding hairline, scars fade significantly over time. Below photos are Endoscopic forehead lift before after results from Noonopi Plastic Surgery.

brow lift balding patient
Scar healing timeline
endoscopic forehead lift before after
Before and 6 weeks after forehead lift
less visible scar after endoscopic forehead lift
Less visible scars even in balding case(6 weeks after)

Rare Permanent Complications 

a) Permanent Hair Loss

Can occur if excessive tension or cautery damages follicles.

b) Asymmetric Facial Expressions

If eyebrow movement does not return after 12 months, there may be injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve—caused by poor anatomical understanding. 

no nerve injury after brow lift in Korea
Facial motor nerve intact test

🎥 Watch safe Endoscopic Brow Lift from Noonopi Plastic Surgery

How to Avoid Brow Lift Revision Surgery

Thread Lift vs. Endoscopic Brow Lift

Eyebrow drooping is caused by:

• Gravity
• Overactive frowning (glabellar) muscles
 

Too often, thread lifts fails long-term results because they do not weaken the frowning muscles.
In contrast, endoscopic brow lift allows for partial resection of glabellar muscles, creating longer-lasting results.

Frowning muscle
Frowning muscle
glabellar muscle are adequately removed during forehead lift
Frowning picture: Before and After the surgery

Bonus: patients who used to need frequent glabellar Botox may save on injections long-term. 

What Makes a Good Brow Lift Results?

A successful brow lift is one that delivers a refreshed, natural appearance while maintaining harmony with the rest of the facial structure. The ideal result lifts the brow to a height that complements your unique features, smoothing the forehead and reducing wrinkles without creating an overdone look. The skin should appear firm and youthful, and the incisions should be discreetly hidden within the hairline, leaving minimal scarring. Long-lasting results with a low risk of complications are hallmarks of a well-executed procedure. By choosing an experienced plastic surgeon who understands the anatomy and the nuances of brow position, you can achieve a brow lift result that enhances your overall facial balance and boosts your confidence.

 

Preserving sensory nerves while effectively weakening frowning muscles is crucial for:

• Long-term lift
• Safe recovery
• Natural appearance

glabellar muscle and nerve anatomy
Glabellar muscle and nerve anatomy

Partial nerve disruption causes temporary numbness, but not permanent damage—if the surgery is done properly.
 

🎥 Watch: Safe dissection makes easy recovery of sensation after Brow Lift

Managing Brow Lift Swelling 

Proper technique = minimal bruising or swelling

• Most swelling resolves in 1 week
• Natural appearance returns by 3–4 weeks

Early postoperative swelling after endoscopic brow lift
Early postoperative swelling after endoscopic brow lift
Late postoperative swelling after endoscopic brow lift
Swelling almost fades in 1~2 month

Conclusion

If you're considering a brow lift in Korea, choose a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon.
For droopy eyelids, deep frown lines, and a long-lasting natural result, an endoscopic forehead lift is often the most effective solution.

 

Have more questions?

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Noonopi Plastic Surgery | Dr. NK Park


This blog post is for educational purposes only.
All treatments carry individual risks and individual results may vary.
Please consult with a certified professional.