Doctor's Column

SH Plastic Surgery's sub-brow lift goes beyond simply correcting sagging eyelids; by performing it alongside upper canthoplasty, it also compensates for a stuffy eye appearance and sagging at the inner corners of the eyes. We also provide scar management using the German Aesclepion MCL31 Dermablate laser to achieve a natural, open, and refreshed eye look. Check out information on sub-brow lift, upper canthoplasty, scar management, and blepharoplasty.

Facial Designer Sung-hoon Kim

Must-check before sub-brow lift! If you miss 'this', it can lead to failure.

Hello, I am Face Designer Kim Sung-hoon.

I would like to start this article by introducing the question most frequently asked by patients who visit SH Plastic Surgery while considering today's topic.

"Unlike other hospitals, why does SH Plastic Surgery recommend an upper canthoplasty along with it?"

In fact, many patients visit our clinic after learning the reason from a YouTube video I posted 4 years ago.

(I will explain the reason below, but I'll leave the link first for those who are curious.^^)

A sub-brow lift is an excellent surgery that improves heavy eyelids and creates a refreshed impression, but there are several limitations when it is performed alone. To complement this, SH Plastic Surgery recommends an upper canthoplasty as well, which makes the surgical results more stable and natural.

Reasons for Wanting Surgery

It is not merely cosmetic surgery, but a surgery that considers both quality of life and the improvement of one's impression simultaneously.

The most common concerns patients complain about are as follows:

The upper eyelids feel heavy and saggy, making the eyes look stuffy.

Double eyelids are buried and not clearly visible.

Eyelids are thick, making the impression look fierce.

As one ages, the eyes become covered, giving a feeling of a narrowed field of vision.

It is a representative method to solve these problems. However, because it is difficult to resolve all issues with this single surgery alone, additional supplementation is necessary for a more complete result. The answer to that is an upper canthoplasty.

Disadvantages and Limitations

It is not merely cosmetic surgery, but a surgery that considers both quality of life and the improvement of one's impression simultaneously. The most common concerns patients complain about are as follows:

1. Occurrence of Scars

It is performed through an incision right beneath the eyebrow. The incision line is brought as close as possible to the eyebrow to reduce scarring, and an oblique cut is made along the hair follicles to minimize follicle damage. In particular, the scarring at the inner head of the eyebrow is more important than at the tail, and since scars tend to remain more prominently in younger patients, meticulous care is required during the design phase.

At SH Plastic Surgery, we perform scar treatments free of charge at 1 and 2 months post-surgery using the MCL31 Dermablate Er:YAG laser from Germany's Aesclepion, consistently managing scars to minimize them.

2. Reduction in Distance Between Eyes and Eyebrows

After surgery, the structural distance between the eyes and eyebrows may decrease. In this case, a forehead lift can be a fundamental solution, but that does not mean you need to avoid this surgery altogether. If design and complementary methods are properly utilized, you can achieve sufficiently satisfying results.

3. Inability to Resolve Sagging at the Inner Corners of the Eyes

This surgery alone cannot resolve sagging at the inner corners of the eyes. This is because the inner corner area is affected by a downward pulling force from the corrugator supercilii muscle. Therefore, it is difficult to lift the 'inner corner of the eyes' with this surgery alone. To supplement this area, an upper canthoplasty surgery performed from the double eyelid line is necessary. When performed together, the inner corners of the eyes open naturally, improving a stuffy impression and making the eyes look much more refreshed.

Face Designer Kim Sung-hoon's Approach

SH Plastic Surgery does not stop at simply pulling up the skin.

We closely analyze the anatomical structure around the eyes and muscle movements to create a design that considers each patient's individual eye shape and overall facial balance.

By performing a sub-brow lift and an upper canthoplasty together, we pursue results that go beyond simple correction of sagging to satisfy both aesthetic impression correction and functional satisfaction.

Recovery Process

Before surgery

When only sub-brow lift surgery is performed

With this alone, sagging at the inner corners of the eyes remains, which can make the eye shape look sharp.

Therefore, the incision line is designed only up to the inner border of the pupil to minimize scarring at the inner corners.

When sub-brow lift surgery and upper canthoplasty are performed together

However, because sagging at the inner corners of the eyes cannot be sufficiently resolved with a sub-brow lift alone,

performing an upper canthoplasty together can correct a sharp-looking impression and

naturally resolve even the sagging in the front.

Reflections by Facial Designer Dr. Kim Seong-hoon

A sub-brow lift is effective in improving heavy and stuffy-looking eyes.

However, it has limitations such as scarring issues, a reduced distance between the eyes and eyebrows, and sagging at the inner corners of the eyes.

In this case, it is the key to complementing these shortcomings and achieving a much more natural and refreshed eye shape.

SH Plastic Surgery closely analyzes the patient's eye structure and the overall balance of the face

to design the optimal combination of sub-brow lift and upper canthoplasty.

In addition, by systematically providing post-operative scar management and recovery care, we do not simply make the eyes look bigger,

but pursue both natural beauty and functional improvement at the same time.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions from consultation clients.

We hope this helps those who have had questions regarding today's topic.

FAQ

Q1. Must a sub-brow lift and upper canthoplasty be done together?

A. Not everyone necessarily has to have them done together. However, if there is accompanying sagging at the inner corners of the eyes, there are limitations with a sub-brow lift alone. In such cases, we often recommend upper canthoplasty together because you can achieve a more natural and refreshed eye shape.

Q2. Does it leave a lot of scars?

A. Scarring varies slightly depending on individual skin condition and healing ability. We design the incision line to match the shape of the eyebrows as much as possible, and since we consistently provide care through laser treatments even after surgery, we help the scars fade to become unnoticeable over time.

Q3. Doesn't one's impression change too much after upper canthoplasty?

A. This is what patients worry about the most, but we prioritize naturalness above all else. We proceed with the surgery in a way that softly corrects the eyes while preserving your original eye shape, without overly altering your impression.

Q4. I feel uncomfortable with my eyes and eyebrows becoming closer together.

A. Yes, that can happen. This can be sufficiently adjusted during the design phase, and depending on the case, considering a forehead lift together can create a more natural balance. We adjust it to fit each individual's facial proportions, so you don't need to worry too much.

Q5. How long is the recovery period?

A. Generally, stitches are removed about one week after the surgery. Swelling and bruising vary by individual, but they usually subside significantly within 2 to 3 weeks, and the eye shape settles naturally after about 3 months. We provide meticulous care throughout that process.

Q6. Is it possible not to undergo upper canthoplasty?

A. It is possible. However, if sagging at the inner corners of the eyes is present, a stuffy impression may remain with only a sub-brow lift.

In such cases, performing upper canthoplasty together corrects even the front part, completing a more refreshed and softer eye shape.

Q7. Will there be scars after upper canthoplasty?

A. Since an upper canthoplasty makes incisions along the double eyelid line, scars are rarely exposed. Furthermore, we design it so that scars are not visible, and we help with recovery after surgery through laser treatments and care programs, so you do not need to worry.

Q8. Does it also improve the field of vision?

A. Yes, especially those who experience discomfort because their eyelids droop and obstruct their vision say that it feels definitely much more comfortable after surgery. It is a surgery where you can expect functional improvements as well as cosmetic effects.

Q9. Is revision surgery also possible?

A. Yes, it is possible. However, we need to thoroughly check which method was used in the previous surgery and the current condition of the scars and skin. Rather than proceeding unreasonably, we guide you toward the safest and most effective method after a thorough consultation.

Q10. How much is the cost?

A. The cost varies depending on the condition of the patient's eyes, skin laxity, and whether a single procedure or two surgeries will be performed together. Since we provide a customized quote after checking your exact condition through a consultation, it is best to visit for a consultation.

SH Plastic Surgery Clinic

※ This post reveals actual before and after photos of the surgery to provide accurate information.

Please note that these photos were posted with the patient's consent, and bruising and swelling may vary and differ from person to person.