Surgical lifting · Brow and forehead
Endotine Forehead Lift in Seoul
The Endotine forehead lift raises a low or heavy brow through a few small incisions hidden in the scalp. A small dissolving implant then holds the lifted forehead in its new position while your tissues heal.
It suits people with drooping brows and a heavy upper face who want a firm, lasting lift with scars that sit inside the hair.
What the Endotine implant does
Your forehead has layers: skin, a thin layer of fat, then the frontalis muscle and galea (the tough sheet that covers the top of the skull), and beneath that the periosteum lying on the bone. As you age, the brow and forehead slide down and the outer brow can hood the upper eyelid.
The surgeon lifts the forehead off the bone through small scalp incisions and frees the attachments that hold the brow down. An Endotine is a small biodegradable implant with tiny tines. It is fixed to the skull and grips the lifted tissue at several points, so the brow stays up evenly while it reattaches to the bone. The Endotine gradually dissolves over several months, once healing has taken over.
Most often chosen for
- A low or drooping brow that makes you look tired or stern
- Heaviness of the upper eyelids caused by a low brow
- Horizontal forehead lines and frown lines
- A secure, long-lasting brow position
Often combined with
- Upper eyelid surgery for excess eyelid skin
- Temporal brow lift for extra lift at the outer brow
- Botox to soften remaining forehead lines
The procedure, layer by layer
This cross-section of the forehead shows what the surgeon does at each stage. Press play, or tap a step.
Small scalp incisions
A few short incisions are made behind the hairline, plus one in the hair at each temple. They are hidden once your hair falls back into place.
Where the incisions are made
The incisions are short and sit inside the hair, so there is no long scar across the forehead. Each one is just large enough for the camera, the instruments and the implant.
- A
Scalp ports Two to three short incisions behind the hairline, where the Endotine implants are placed.
- B
Temple A single incision of about 3 cm in the temple hair to release and lift the outer brow.
- →
Lift direction The brow is lifted straight upward in the center and slightly more up and outward at the tail.
Schematic illustration. Incision placement is adjusted to your hairline height and how much each part of the brow needs to rise.
How the scars heal over 12 months
Every incision lies inside the hair and is closed without tension. Move the slider to see the typical progression.
Healing stage
Week 1
Sutures or staples are in place and the lines are red. They are removed at around day 7–10. The scars are hidden in your hair.
Healing varies. Avoid tight hairstyles, hair dye and heat styling until your surgeon clears you. Not smoking helps the scars settle.
Recovery timeline
Most patients return to daily activities within 10–14 days. The brow position continues to settle over 1–3 months.
Illustrative curve based on typical recovery; time axis is compressed so the first weeks are easier to read.
- Day 0
Surgery 1.5–2.5 hours under general or sedation anesthesia. Most patients go home or to their hotel the same day.
- Day 1–2
First check-up Dressing removed and incisions checked. Keep your head raised and use cold compresses.
- Week 1
Swelling and tightness Swelling can drift down to the eyelids. Forehead tightness and numbness are common for 1–2 weeks.
- Day 7–10
Sutures out Sutures or staples come out. You can wash your hair normally.
- Day 10–14
Back to daily life Return to desk work and social plans. Final review before most international patients fly home.
- Week 3–4
Exercise Gradual return to the gym once your surgeon clears you.
- Month 1–3
Brow settles The brow settles into its final position and the Endotine gradually dissolves.
- Month 6–12
Final result Scalp sensation returns and the scars fade to fine lines in the hair.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have drooping brows or a heavy upper face, typically in your late 30s to 60s
- Look tired or angry because of a low brow
- Want a secure, long-lasting brow position
- Prefer scars hidden in the hair
- Are healthy, a non-smoker or willing to stop for several weeks
Another option may suit you better if
- Only the outer brow droops: consider a temporal brow lift
- The problem is extra eyelid skin rather than a low brow: upper eyelid surgery may be enough
- You mainly want to soften lines: Botox or a thread lift can help
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Every brow lift carries risk. Ask about: numbness or itching of the forehead and scalp, temporary hair thinning at the incisions, feeling the implant under the skin until it dissolves, asymmetry or over-elevation of the brows, bleeding or infection, rare injury to the nerve that raises the brow, and the usual risks of anesthesia.
Endotine forehead lift cost in Seoul
| Procedure | Approximate price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Endotine forehead lift | ₩6,000,000 – ₩12,000,000+ |
| Endotine forehead lift + eyelid or temple lift | ₩8,000,000 – ₩15,000,000+ |
Your quote depends on how much the brow needs to rise, the number of implants, any combined procedures, the anesthesia method and the aftercare program. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Endotine vs. endoscopic brow lift
| Endoscopic brow lift | Endotine forehead lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mild to moderate brow drooping | Drooping brows needing secure fixation |
| Fixation | Sutures or fixation devices | Dissolving Endotine implant |
| Typical age | Late 30s–50s | Late 30s–60s |
| Operating time | 1.5–2.5 hours | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Results last | 7–10 years | 7–10+ years |
| Cost | ₩5M–10M+ | ₩6M–12M+ |
Common questions
What is an Endotine?
An Endotine is a small biodegradable implant with tiny tines. It is fixed to the skull through a scalp incision and holds the lifted forehead at several points while the tissue heals to the bone.
Does the implant stay in my head?
No. The Endotine gradually dissolves over several months. By then your brow has healed in its new position and no longer needs the implant.
Will I feel the implant?
You may feel a small bump under the scalp for the first months. It fades as the implant dissolves.
Will people see my scars?
The incisions are short and sit inside the hair. Once healed they fade to fine lines that are hidden by your hair.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
Plan for 10–14 days. That covers the first check-up, suture removal at around day 7–10 and a final review before you fly home.
How long do the results last?
Results can last 7–10 years or longer, depending on how you age and your skin quality.
How much does an Endotine forehead lift cost in Seoul?
Approximately ₩6,000,000 to ₩12,000,000+, or ₩8,000,000 to ₩15,000,000+ when combined with an eyelid or temple lift. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Other lifting procedures
Gangnam.Health is an independent directory and does not perform surgery. This page is general information, not medical advice. Illustrations are schematic. Prices are approximate ranges at Seoul clinics and vary by case; final pricing and treatment plans are set by the operating surgeon after consultation.
