Temporal Lift in Gangnam: Raising the Outer Brow and Temple
The short answer
A temporal lift, also called a temple or lateral brow lift, raises the outer eyebrow and temple area through short incisions hidden in the hair above the ears, which lifts drooping outer eye corners and softens a tired look. In Gangnam it typically costs about KRW 3–6 million, takes about 1–1.5 hours under sedation, and most visible swelling settles within 1–2 weeks. Thread versions cost less but last a shorter time.
Key facts
- What it treats: Drooping outer brows, heavy outer upper lids, downturned eye corners
- Typical cost in Gangnam: About KRW 3–6 million (surgical)
- Procedure time: About 1–1.5 hours
- Anesthesia: Local with sedation
- Incisions: About 3–5 cm in the temporal hairline
- Downtime: About 1–2 weeks
- Typical longevity: Several years (surgical)
What a temporal lift is
As the face ages, the tail of the eyebrow often drops before the inner brow. This pushes skin down over the outer upper eyelid, makes the outer eye corner look lower and gives a sad or tired expression. Removing upper eyelid skin alone can make the brow drop further, so lifting the outer brow can be the better first step.
A temporal lift (temple lift or lateral brow lift) works through short incisions in the hair above and in front of the ears. The surgeon frees the tissue under the temple skin, lifts it upward and outward, and fixes it to the deep temporal fascia, a strong layer over the temple muscle. Excess scalp skin is trimmed, and the scars hide in the hair. Because it lifts the outer brow and corner of the eye, it is also used for a subtle upswept eye shape.
Types of temporal lift in Korea
Surgical temporal lift
Incisions in the temporal hairline, tissue lifted and fixed, skin trimmed. Gives the most lasting result.
Endoscopic temporal lift
Uses a small camera through tiny scalp incisions to release and lift tissue, with less skin removal.
Thread temporal lift (non-surgical)
Dissolving barbed threads lift the outer brow. Lower cost and downtime but results usually last months rather than years; see fox eye thread lift.
Temporal lift plus eyelid surgery
Combined with upper blepharoplasty when both brow and lid skin contribute to heaviness.
Who it suits
- Outer brows that have dropped
- Hooding at the outer upper lid
- Mild early upper-face ageing in the late 30s to 50s
Choosing a surgeon in Gangnam
Look for a surgeon experienced in brow and upper-face surgery, ask to see results on patients with similar features, and confirm how the fixation is done. Many Gangnam clinics offer English-speaking coordination.
Cost of temporal lift in Korea
| Option | Typical Gangnam range |
|---|---|
| Thread temporal lift | About KRW 1–2.5 million |
| Surgical or endoscopic temporal lift | About KRW 3–6 million |
| With upper blepharoplasty | About KRW 5–9 million |
See temporal fox-eye lift costs in Korea for more detail.
Recovery and results
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Tightness at the temples, swelling around the eyes |
| Days 7–10 | Stitches or staples removed |
| Weeks 2–4 | Swelling largely gone; slight over-lift relaxes |
| Months 2–3 | Final brow position |
Avoid chewing very hard food for a few days, as the temple muscle can feel sore.
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about hair thinning near incisions, asymmetry, temporary numbness of the scalp, an overly lifted or surprised look, injury to the frontal nerve branch (rare) and relapse over time.
Temporal lift vs. forehead lift
| Temporal lift | Forehead lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Outer brow and temple | Whole brow and forehead |
| Forehead lines | Not treated | Softened |
| Typical cost | KRW 3–6 million | KRW 5–10 million |
See our forehead lift guide if the whole brow is low.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Will the scars show?
The incisions sit inside the hair above the ears and are usually hidden once hair grows normally.
How long does a temporal lift last?
Surgical lifts typically last several years; thread lifts usually last months.
Can it create a "fox eye" look?
It can give a subtle upward outer lift. Over-lifting can look unnatural, so discuss the degree carefully.
Is it painful?
Most people feel tightness and soreness at the temples for a few days.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
About 7–10 days for stitch removal and a check.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.