Forehead (brow) lift at RNWOOD: the two methods and how the risks differ
RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul performs forehead (brow) lifts by two methods: endoscopic and bicoronal. Dr. Min-Hee Ryu explains that the right method can differ with the degree of eyebrow descent and the condition of the forehead and hairline, and he does not apply the same forehead lift to every patient. For a patient with a broad forehead, he explains that a bicoronal forehead lift may be more suitable than an endoscopic one.
What decides the method?
| Factor | Why it is assessed |
|---|---|
| Degree of eyebrow descent and upper eyelid sagging | It shapes how much change is needed |
| Condition of the forehead, including its breadth | A broad forehead is a point Dr. Ryu raises when comparing the two methods |
The bicoronal method uses an incision along the upper forehead line, and the endoscopic forehead lift uses five small incisions inside the hairline. Most people choose the endoscopic forehead lift because of the fast recovery and hidden incision lines. Patients should keep in mind that it can make the forehead 3 to 5 mm broader; however, this is not very noticeable.
How do the risks of the two methods compare?
| Risk area | Endoscopic | Bicoronal |
|---|---|---|
| General surgical risks | Anesthesia reactions, bleeding, hematoma, infection, fluid collection, pain, prolonged swelling, poor healing, scarring | The same, plus wound separation, skin loss and visible scars |
| Brow position | Asymmetry, excessive or insufficient elevation | The same |
| Hairline and scalp | A changed hairline, scalp numbness, hair loss | A changed hairline, scalp contour irregularity, scalp numbness, itching, pain, hair loss |
| Nerves | Temporary or permanent forehead or eyebrow weakness from facial or temporal nerve injury | The same |
| Specific to the method | Fixation material can become palpable, visible, displaced, infected or painful and may need removal or revision | — |
Both can require emergency treatment or further surgery if a complication occurs, and for both, no result, symmetry, scar quality or duration can be guaranteed.
What does a forehead lift not change?
It does not change wrinkles on the forehead. It addresses brow sagging and upper eyelid sagging.
What should I send for the online assessment?
Straight-on front and side photographs taken without makeup, in which the forehead, hairline and eyes are visible, together with your procedure history with dates, medical conditions and medications. The face should be expressionless in the photographs. The method is confirmed at the in-person consultation with Dr. Ryu.
Is a forehead lift always the answer to heavy brows?
Not necessarily. Dr. Ryu's approach to every area is to identify the cause of the change and treat only the range that cause requires. The in-person assessment decides whether a forehead lift fits.
Frequently asked questions
Q1) Which is better, an endoscopic or a coronal brow lift?
A1) Neither is better in general. The method depends on eyebrow descent and the condition of the forehead and hairline.
Q2) Is a bicoronal lift suited to a broad forehead?
A2) Dr. Ryu explains that it may be more suitable than an endoscopic lift for a patient with a broad forehead.
Q3) What risk is specific to the endoscopic method?
A3) Fixation material can become palpable, visible, displaced, infected or painful, and may need removal or revision.
Q4) Can a forehead lift change my hairline?
A4) Yes. A changed hairline is listed among the risks of both methods.
Q5) Is the result permanent?
A5) No duration can be guaranteed.
About the Author
Dr. Min-Hee Ryu is the Medical Director and Founder of RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul and a plastic surgery specialist certified in Korea (2008). He has been Faculty of the Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC) since 2016, an Editorial Board Member of the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal since 2019, and an Educational Council Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) since 2024.
Forehead (Brow) Lift — endoscopic — Endoscopic brow lift can cause anesthesia reactions, bleeding, hematoma, infection, fluid collection, pain, prolonged swelling, poor healing, and scarring, as well as brow asymmetry, excessive or insufficient elevation, and a changed hairline. Facial or temporal nerve injury can cause temporary or permanent forehead or eyebrow weakness, and scalp numbness or hair loss can occur. Fixation material can become palpable, visible, displaced, infected, or painful and can require removal or revision. General risks include thrombosis or embolism, and a complication can require emergency treatment or additional surgery. No result, symmetry, scar quality, or duration can be guaranteed, and revision surgery can become necessary. Forehead (Brow) Lift — bicoronal incision — Bicoronal brow lift can cause anesthesia reactions, bleeding, hematoma, infection, fluid collection, pain, prolonged swelling, poor healing, wound separation, skin loss, and visible scars. It can also cause brow asymmetry, excessive or insufficient elevation, a changed hairline, and scalp contour irregularity. Facial or temporal nerve injury can cause temporary or permanent forehead or eyebrow weakness, and scalp numbness, itching, pain, or hair loss can occur. General risks include thrombosis or embolism, and a complication can require emergency treatment or additional surgery. No result, symmetry, scar quality, or duration can be guaranteed, and revision surgery can become necessary.