#1 Sub-Brow Lift Surgery: Why Combine It with Upper Canthoplasty?

SH Plastic Surgery's sub-brow lift surgery goes beyond simply correcting sagging eyelids; it is performed in conjunction with upper canthoplasty to also address heavy-looking eyes and drooping inner eye corners. We even provide scar management with the German Aesclepion MCL31 Dermablate laser to achieve natural and refreshed eyes. Find information on sub-brow lifts, upper canthoplasty, scar management, and eye shape correction. – Facial Designer Kim Sung-hoon

Essential checks before sub-brow lift surgery! Missing ‘this’ could lead to failure.

Hello, I am Facial Designer Kim Sung-hoon.

I’d like to start this article by introducing the most common question people ask when they visit SH Plastic Surgery, especially those contemplating today’s topic.

‘Why does SH Plastic Surgery recommend combining it with upper canthoplasty, unlike other clinics?’

Many patients actually visit us after watching my YouTube video from four years ago, where I explained the reasons.

(I’ll explain the reasons below, but for those curious, I’ll leave the link first.^^)

A sub-brow lift is an excellent surgery for improving heavy eyelids and creating a more refreshed impression, but it has several limitations when performed alone. At SH Plastic Surgery, we recommend combining it with upper canthoplasty to compensate for these limitations, making the surgical results more stable and natural.

Reasons for wanting the surgery

This is not merely a cosmetic procedure but a surgery that considers both quality of life and impression improvement.

The most common concerns patients express are:

My eyelids feel heavy and saggy, making my eyes look tired.

My double eyelids are hidden and not very visible.

My thick eyelids make my impression look fierce.

As I age, my eyes feel covered, and my field of vision seems to narrow.

This is a representative method for solving these problems. However, it’s difficult to solve all issues with a single surgery, so additional supplementation is needed for more complete results. The answer to that is upper canthoplasty.

Disadvantages and Limitations

This is not merely a cosmetic procedure but a surgery that considers both quality of life and impression improvement. The most common concerns patients express are:

1. Scarring

The procedure involves an incision directly below the eyebrow. The incision line is placed as close to the eyebrow as possible to minimize scarring, and it is made obliquely along the hair follicles to minimize damage to them. Scarring at the inner corner of the eyebrow is particularly important compared to the tail, and since scars tend to be more prominent in younger individuals, careful attention is required during the design phase.

At SH Plastic Surgery, we use the German Aesclepion MCL31 Dermablate Er:YAG laser to provide free scar treatment one and two months after surgery, consistently managing scars to minimize them.

2. Reduced distance between the eye and eyebrow

Structurally, the distance between the eye and eyebrow may decrease after the procedure. While a forehead lift can be a fundamental solution in this case, there’s no need to avoid the surgery. Satisfactory results can be achieved by appropriately utilizing design and complementary methods.

3. Inability to resolve inner eye corner drooping

This surgery alone does not resolve drooping at the inner corner of the eye. This is because the inner corner of the eye is pulled downwards by a muscle called the procerus muscle. Therefore, it is difficult to lift the ‘inner corner of the eye’ with this surgery alone. To compensate for this, upper canthoplasty, performed along the double eyelid line, is necessary. When performed together, the inner corner of the eye opens naturally, improving a tired impression and making the eyes look much more refreshed.

Facial Designer Kim Sung-hoon’s Approach

SH Plastic Surgery doesn’t just stop at lifting the skin.

We meticulously analyze the anatomical structure around the eyes and muscle movements to design a procedure that considers the patient’s individual eye shape and overall facial balance.

By performing sub-brow lift and upper canthoplasty together, we aim for results that go beyond simple sagging improvement, satisfying both impression correction and functional satisfaction.

Recovery Process

Before Surgery

When only sub-brow lift surgery is performed

This alone can leave the inner corner of the eye drooping, making the eyes appear sharp.

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

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

However, drooping at the inner corner of the eye is not sufficiently resolved by sub-brow lift surgery alone,

Performing upper canthoplasty together corrects a sharp impression and

Can naturally resolve drooping at the front.

Facial Designer Kim Sung-hoon’s Reflection

Sub-brow lift surgery is effective in improving heavy and tired-looking eyes.

However, it has limitations such as scarring, reduced distance between the eye and eyebrow, and drooping at the inner corner of the eye.

At this point, it is the key to compensating for these drawbacks and achieving much more natural and refreshed eyes.

SH Plastic Surgery meticulously analyzes the patient’s eye structure and overall facial balance to

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

Furthermore, we systematically provide post-operative scar management and recovery care, aiming not just to make the eyes appear larger but to

Pursue natural beauty and functional improvement simultaneously.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions during consultations.

I hope this helps those who had questions related to today’s topic.

FAQ

Q1. Do I absolutely have to get a sub-brow lift and upper canthoplasty together?

A. Not everyone necessarily needs to have both. However, if there is accompanying drooping at the inner corner of the eye, a sub-brow lift alone has limitations. In such cases, we often recommend combining it with upper canthoplasty to achieve more natural and refreshed eyes.

Q2. Will there be a lot of scarring?

A. Scarring varies slightly depending on individual skin condition and healing ability. We design the incision line to match the eyebrow shape as much as possible, and we continuously manage it with laser treatment after surgery to help it heal inconspicuously over time.

Q3. Will my impression change too much after upper canthoplasty?

A. This is what patients worry about most, but we prioritize naturalness. The surgery is performed in a way that doesn’t overly change your impression, but gently corrects it while preserving your original eye shape.

Q4. I’m concerned about my eyes and eyebrows becoming too close.

A. Yes, that can happen. It can be sufficiently adjusted during the design phase, and in some cases, 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, sutures are removed about a week after surgery. Swelling and bruising vary individually but usually subside significantly within 2-3 weeks, and the eye shape settles naturally after about 3 months. We meticulously manage you throughout this process.

Q6. Can I not have upper canthoplasty?

A. Yes, it’s possible. However, if there is accompanying drooping at the inner corner of the eye, a sub-brow lift alone may leave a tired impression.

In such cases, combining it with upper canthoplasty can correct the inner corner, completing a more refreshed and softer eye shape.

Q7. Will there be scars after upper canthoplasty?

A. Upper canthoplasty involves an incision along the double eyelid line, so scarring is rarely exposed. We also design it to hide scars, and we assist recovery with lasers and management programs after surgery, so you don’t need to worry.

Q8. Is there also an improvement in vision?

A. Yes, especially those who feel discomfort due to their eyelids covering their vision often say they feel much more comfortable after surgery. It’s a surgery that can be expected to have both cosmetic and functional improvements.

Q9. Is revision surgery possible?

A. Yes, it is possible. However, we need to carefully check what methods were used in the previous surgery and the current condition of scars and skin. Rather than proceeding excessively, we provide guidance on the safest and most effective method after thorough consultation.

Q10. How much does it cost?

A. The cost varies depending on the patient’s eye condition, skin laxity, and whether they choose one or both surgeries. Since we provide a customized quote after confirming the exact condition through consultation, it’s best to schedule a consultation.

SH Plastic Surgery Clinic

※ This article discloses actual before and after photos for accurate information delivery.

These photos are published with the patient’s consent, and please note that bruising and swelling may vary and differ among individuals.