Aging Eyelids Surgery Guide - Upper Blepharoplasty vs SubBrow Lift vs Forehead Lift

When it comes to eye rejuvenation in over 40s,  each has unique aging pattern — that’s why the right procedure must be tailored to your anatomy.

• If you're looking to enhance double eyelids or correct sleepy eyes, upper blepharoplasty may help.
• If you’re more concerned about skin laxity, consider a subbrow lift.
• For those who lift their brows with the forehead, an endoscopic forehead lift could be the ideal option.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each method in detail.

Understanding Droopy Eyelids & Ptosis in Middle Age

As we age, the eyelid skin stretches and muscles weaken, causing eyelid drooping (ptosis), sunken upper eyes, and changes in eyelid fat distribution.

The three most common surgical options for aging eyelids are:

Upper blepharoplasty

InfraBrow lift

Endoscopic forehead lift

Upper Blepharoplasty

This is the most common surgery for middle-aged patients in Korea.

It removes sagging skin and fat from the upper eyelid and can be combined with ptosis correction.

Advantages:

• Removes droopy skin and fat
• Opens up the eyes for a more alert, youthful look
• Can be combined with ptosis correction through the same incision

Disadvantages:

• Removing too much skin can distort the double eyelid shape
• May cause brow descent or worsen frown lines post-surgery in some patients

Best for:

• Patients with thin upper eyelid skin
• Adequate brow position and spacing
• Mild ptosis without strong forehead-lifting habits

Brow Lift (Sub-brow Lift)

This surgery removes excess skin just under the eyebrows, improving sagging while preserving natural eye shape.

Advantages:

• Excellent for treating skin laxity
• Natural shape from early post-op
• Technically simple, minimal surgeon variability

Disadvantages:

• Doesn’t allow for custom double eyelid design
• Additional incision required for ptosis correction
• Visible scar in the early healing period

Best for:

• People with significant skin sagging
• Wide spacing between brows and eyes
• Man who wants more masculine image with low-set brow

Endoscopic Forehead Lift

Through small scalp incisions and a camera-assisted approach, this surgery lifts the entire upper face: brows, forehead, and even the midface.

Advantages:

• Increases the brow–eye distance for more softer look (see below picture)
• Reduces forehead and glabellar wrinkles
• No visible scar – makeup and shampooing possible within a few days
• Bonus: often improves forehead contour

Disadvantages:

• Forehead might get slightly taller (3–5 mm)
• Temporary numbness in scalp (resolves in 2–9 months)
• More expensive then blepharoplasty
• Results highly dependent on surgeon skill

Best for:

• People with narrow brow-eye spacing
• Habitual forehead lifters
• Those with glabellar wrinkles or harsh post-surgery expressions

Comparing the Three Surgeries

Upper blepharoplasty and brow lift both target drooping lids, but eye-brow distance may be shortened after surgery.

If you habitually use your forehead to open your eyes, your brows may drop after upper or brow lift surgery, causing a "stern" look.

Forehead lift addresses this issue.

Summary

Each surgery has strengths and limitations. Consult a skilled surgeon who understands the differences.

At Noonopi Plastic Surgery, we’ve performed over 500 eye rejuvenation surgeries and published research on tailored techniques for middle-aged eyelid correction.

We hope this guide helps you understand your surgical options and make the best decision for youthful, natural-looking eyes.
Have more questions?
📲 feel free to reach out via 🔗WhatsApp

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.