"Sub-brow lift and endoscopic forehead lift must not be approached solely for cosmetic purposes"

[Joseilbo] Starting from middle age, people begin to feel various bodily changes due to aging. Changes that occur as one grows older—such as presbyopia, arthritis, various allergies that were absent in youth, and decreased immunity—can cause feelings of depression or discomfort. In the case of wrinkles, they are difficult to notice quickly, but deep wrinkles in the upper face, such as on the forehead and around the eyes, affect one's physiognomy, impression, and overall image.

▲ Director Kim Seong-hoon (Photo provided by SH Plastic Surgery)

Kim Seong-hoon, head director of SH Plastic Surgery, stated, "Just managing wrinkles well can give you a youthful look that appears younger than your actual age and help you regain confidence, so there is high interest among middle-aged and older adults in anti-wrinkle plastic surgery."

The sub-brow lift, a representative middle-aged eye surgery, is a procedure that pulls up sagging skin through an incision made below the eyebrow, and it is recommended for those concerned about sagging eyelids that occur with age. Director Kim explained that aside from the aging phenomenon of sagging eyelids, it can also solve functional problems such as difficulty opening the eyes due to sagging, eyelashes poking the eyes, or the obstruction of the field of vision.

He explained, "Because it effectively pulls the eyelids through an incision under the eyebrow rather than directly on the eyelid skin, it leaves minimal scarring, and one can achieve clear-looking eyes without undergoing double eyelid surgery. With minimal scarring, it becomes almost invisible once the wound heals, allowing for natural-looking changes, and even in cases where the skin is thick and firm, it can create a natural and refreshing look."

Another middle-aged surgery often cited is the endoscopic forehead lift. This surgery is a one-stop method for improving overall aging symptoms appearing on the upper face. It enhances the overall elasticity from the forehead to the eyebrows by fixing the sagging forehead to the periosteum using Endotine via bone tunneling.

Director Kim said, "Endotine, which is used in endoscopic forehead lifts, is a medical material specially designed to elevate skin tissue, and its safety has been proven by receiving approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the US FDA. Because Endotine inserted into the body is absorbed within about 9 months after surgery, it provides a broader and more balanced fixation effect compared to methods using screws or sutures."

He continued, "When performing youth-restoring plastic surgeries such as sub-brow lifts and endoscopic forehead lifts, one should not focus solely on cosmetic purposes. While it is important to project an overall youthful impression through surgery, the approach should aim to alleviate burdens by understanding and improving the wrinkles and sagging that middle-aged people worry about."

He also added, "Before surgery, a systematic surgical plan must be established by accurately assessing each individual's skin condition and degree of aging, followed by a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. You should choose a clinic that provides thorough post-operative care to ensure rapid recovery and prevent recurrence of sagging."

Source: Joseilbo