Subbrow blepharoplasty

Subbrow blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid lift, subbrow resection, or blepharoplasty with subbrow resection, is a popular cosmetic procedure in Russia and the CIS countries. Its purpose is to remove excess eyelid skin and fat deposits by making an incision just below the eyebrow and tightening the skin upwards. This surgery is typically recommended for patients with thickened eyelid skin and a significant distance between the eye and the eyebrow.

Don’t be afraid of the incision – in modern plastic surgery, it is precisely made along the hairline below the eyebrow, meticulously stitched with fine threads. With proper care and adherence to post-operative rules, the scar is virtually invisible within 2-3 weeks after the surgery.

Subbrow blepharoplasty is often combined with upper eyelid blepharoplasty, allowing for the removal of excess skin and the formation of a new eyelid crease. When performing only subbrow blepharoplasty, the eyelid crease remains unchanged, and the skin is simply lifted.

Key information about the procedure:

  • Duration of the surgery: 40-60 minutes

  • Type of anesthesia: Sedation

  • Hospitalization: 1-2 hours

  • Return to normal life: The next day

  • Clinic visits: 2-3 times

  • Stitches removal: 7 days after surgery

  • Why Do Patients Consider Subbrow Blepharoplasty?

Why are patients considering

  • Age-related changes: The sagging of eyelid skin can cause discomfort and, in some cases, even lead to vision problems. Subbrow blepharoplasty can effectively address this issue and restore comfort and self-confidence.

  • Genetic factors: Some patients inherit excess upper eyelid skin, which can manifest at a young age. In such cases, surgeons recommend the procedure when the excess skin causes physical and psychological discomfort.

Who Is a suitable candidate for subbrow blepharoplasty?

Subbrow blepharoplasty is ideal for individuals looking to correct eyelid drooping and related issues, such as a tired or sad appearance. This procedure is most commonly chosen by middle-aged and older patients whose eyebrows have sagged due to the natural aging process. Ideal candidates are those with good overall health and realistic expectations of the surgery’s results.

Why choose South Korea?

South Korea is renowned for performing the highest number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries in the world. Local doctors are considered among the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates become plastic surgeons. Korea’s medical equipment and facilities are on par with those in the United States and Germany, placing it in the top three countries for the best-equipped clinics.

All blepharoplasty surgeries are performed in accredited clinics with authorization to treat foreign patients, and they have in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons operating on our patients have between 15 to 30 years of experience specializing in blepharoplasty and perform no more than two surgeries per day.

Preparing for blepharoplasty surgery

  • Fasting: Refrain from eating or drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

  • Medications: Avoid taking medications like Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that may increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks before the surgery. Tylenol should only be avoided for 3 days before the surgery.

  • No smoking: Do not smoke, including using hookah or electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down tissue healing. Your surgeon may recommend quitting smoking before the operation, as some doctors may refuse to perform surgery on smokers due to the high risk of complications. Avoid being near smokers or in designated smoking areas in public places.

  • Medical history: Review your medical history and be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Do not hide this information from your surgeon and coordinators.

  • Consultation: Visit the surgeon for a consultation and show them photos of your desired outcome. When selecting photos, try to choose ones where the person has no makeup, and their natural features and nationality are similar to yours.

  • Medical tests: If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. Otherwise, all necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.

  • Transportation: Arrange for someone to take you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.

  • Preparation items: Place items next to your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone.

The blepharoplasty surgery process

After discussing the operation details with the patient and finalizing the design, the preparation in the operating room begins. Special straps are fastened on the patient’s hands and legs to minimize movement during sleep. The operation area is disinfected, and a catheter is inserted to administer medications and sedation.

The anesthesiologist begins administering the anesthesia, typically propofol, while the surgeon administers local anesthesia to the upper eyelid area and begins the operation.

A precise incision is made beneath the eyebrow, excess fat and skin are removed, and the incision is closed with surgical sutures. The patient is then awakened and escorted to their room.

What to expect after surgery

After the surgery is completed, a translator and medical nurses will wake you up and assist you in moving to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment, as they feel like they woke up in a warm bed due to the effects of anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may experience chills, but this will quickly pass. A warming mattress is provided on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There will be minimal pain, as it is dulled by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the operation. However, you may feel swelling in the upper eyelids, as the body begins the healing process. Medical patches will be attached to your face; do not touch them or remove them to see the results, as this is strictly prohibited.

After a few minutes of waking up, you will be given a cold compress to place on your eyes. The more frequently you use the compress during the first week after the surgery, the faster the swelling will subside.

You will remain in the clinic for another 1-2 hours after the operation, with a catheter in your arm for medication administration. After the intravenous drip is finished, and the catheter is removed, the coordinator and medical nurses will assess your condition. If you do not experience symptoms like dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge, including changing clothes, picking up medications, and receiving post-operative recommendations.

In the evening before bedtime, place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the pain-relief medications prescribed by the surgeon. Apply a cold compress every few minutes.

For the next three days, swelling will increase, and there may be swelling in the eyelids and forehead, along with the appearance of bruises and discoloration. Do not be alarmed and continue to apply a cold compress and follow the rehabilitation guidelines. After the surgeon removes the stitches on the 7th day after the surgery, the swelling will begin to decrease, and nurses will treat the surgical area, remove scabs, and release you home without bandages or patches.

Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us through any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Recovery process after blepharoplasty with subbrow incision

Immediate post-procedure: After the procedure, you will experience minimal pain in the first few hours. You can leave the clinic within 1-3 hours after the operation, provided you do not experience symptoms like nausea, weakness, or dizziness.

Days 1-2: Try to apply a cold compress frequently and sleep in an elevated position. Your face may begin to swell, and you may notice bruising and swelling at the surgical site. These are normal symptoms, and patience is key.

Days 3-7: Swelling will start to subside and may move downwards on the face, making the cheeks and cheekbones appear puffy. Avoid strenuous physical activities and activities that involve bending the head down. On the 7th day, the surgeon will examine you, remove stitches, and nurses will treat wounds and gently remove scabs.

Days 7-14: Swelling decreases, any bruises may disappear, and you can gradually return to your normal life. Regular extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Don’t forget to apply healing ointment to help the stitches dissolve, making the fact that you had surgery barely noticeable.

Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. Continue to avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. The stitches will start to fade, and they can be easily concealed with makeup.

Days 21-30: Your eyes may still be swollen, especially in the mornings. Eyelids may appear different and asymmetrical from day to day, depending on how your head was positioned during sleep. This is normal and will soon resolve.

Days 31-60: Remaining swelling gradually subsides, symmetry is restored, and eyelids take on a constant position and shape.

Days 60-90: You can go swimming and sunbathe, but avoid diving and rubbing your eyes to prevent any harm to healing tissues. Always use sunscreen.

1 year after surgery: Complete rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide patients with a final cost that includes post-operative care, anesthesia, room stay, medications, and even VAT (which can be refunded as tax-free). The cost of the surgery ranges from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 KRW, depending on the clinic and the specific type of surgery or combination of surgeries. Accredited plastic surgeons in Korea caution that the price may change after a personal examination and when determining whether your surgery is a primary or revision procedure.

Before & After

Patient results may vary. Please remember that to provide you with detailed information about treatment and your trip, you need to fill out a QUESTIONNAIRE, describe your desired results in detail, and attach your photos. The information provided on the website does not guarantee that this procedure is suitable for you.