2026-09-03
Sub-brow Lift (Browplasty): Upper Blepharoplasty via Sub-brow Incision
A 50s male sought treatment for severe difficulty opening his eyes, leading to a sub-brow lift to correct eyelid ptosis without creating a double eyelid.
A male in his 50s visited our clinic, stating that it had become extremely difficult for him to open his eyes. He mentioned that this difficulty had suddenly worsened over the past year. Recently, it had become so severe that his vision was impaired, leading to a major accident because he couldn't see a traffic light. Given the situation, he had endured it for as long as he could and came to the hospital to find a quick solution.
Upon examination, his eyelid skin was significantly saggy, obstructing a large part of his vision. His eye-opening strength was also weak, indicating quite severe ptosis. The combination of weak eye-opening muscles and severely sagging eyelid skin had made it difficult for him to see. When it reaches that point, many forehead wrinkles also develop, and opening the eyes becomes incredibly strenuous.
Of course, he likely had ptosis since childhood. However, he probably didn't feel it was difficult to open his eyes back then. It's only recently, as he aged and his eyelid skin started to sag, that he began to feel increasing difficulty in opening his eyes.
The surgery that can be performed in such cases is upper blepharoplasty combined with ptosis correction. Upper blepharoplasty corrects sagging eyelid skin and simultaneously creates a double eyelid. Ptosis surgery involves manipulating the eye-opening muscles to allow the eyes to open better with the same amount of effort.
However, many older men prefer not to have a double eyelid. This is because it can significantly change their appearance or make them look fierce. Men, in particular, often dislike creating a double eyelid where there wasn't one before. Therefore, in such cases, we recommend a sub-brow lift, which can correct sagging eyelids without creating a double eyelid. A sub-brow lift (browplasty) is an upper blepharoplasty performed through an incision below the eyebrow. Since it doesn't create a separate double eyelid, there's less change in appearance, and a natural eye shape can be maintained. You can think of it as returning to how your eyes looked 5-10 years ago when they were less saggy.
Of course, a sub-brow lift (browplasty) alone cannot correct ptosis. It cannot correct the strength of eye-opening. However, in this particular case, even if only the sagging eyelids are corrected without necessarily correcting ptosis, opening the eyes will become much easier than before. In other words, rather than correcting everything with a significant change in appearance, we chose a method that allows for a natural look, even if the degree of correction is slightly less.
The surgery was completed successfully, and he immediately stated that opening his eyes felt much more comfortable right after the procedure.
As such, the most suitable method for each individual is determined through thorough examination and consultation. Not all cases of sagging eyelids require upper blepharoplasty. There are also methods to improve eyelid sagging without creating a separate double eyelid, which we introduce through this case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sub-brow lift (browplasty)?
A sub-brow lift (browplasty) is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision below the eyebrow to lift and tighten sagging eyelid skin. Its characteristic feature is that it corrects sagging eyes without creating a double eyelid, resulting in minimal change in appearance and maintaining a natural eye shape.
Why choose a sub-brow lift instead of upper blepharoplasty?
It is primarily recommended for men who do not want a double eyelid or for individuals who wish to minimize changes in their appearance. A sub-brow lift improves only the sagging eyelids without a double eyelid, achieving natural results.
Can a sub-brow lift also correct ptosis?
No, a sub-brow lift alone cannot directly correct ptosis. This surgery focuses on improving sagging eyelid skin and is different from ptosis correction, which involves manipulating the eye-opening muscles' strength.
Does a sub-brow lift significantly change one's appearance?
No, there isn't a significant change in appearance. Since a sub-brow lift does not create a separate double eyelid, it only improves the sagging eyelids while maintaining the natural eye shape from before the surgery, so the overall impression does not change much.
When should one consider a sub-brow lift?
You can consider it if sagging eyelids obstruct your vision or make it uncomfortable to open your eyes, but you do not want a double eyelid and wish to maintain a natural eye shape. It is particularly suitable for older men.