Surgical lifting · Upper face
Temporal Lift (Fox Eye Lift) in Seoul
A temporal lift raises the outer end of the brow and the outer corner of the eye. Through a small incision hidden in the temple hairline, the surgeon lifts the temple tissue up and out, giving a longer, more refreshed eye shape without changing the size of the eye.
It is often chosen from the late 20s to the 50s, for drooping outer eye corners, a dropped brow tail or early sagging of the upper face.
What a temporal lift does
With age, the outer part of the brow tends to drop first. The tail of the brow sinks toward the eye, the outer eye corner turns down and the upper face can look tired or sad. A temporal lift treats this one area, the side of the brow and the temple.
The surgeon makes a short incision inside the temple hairline and lifts the tissue in the plane just above the deep temporal fascia (a tough layer covering the temple muscle). The ligament that holds the outer brow down is released. The brow tail and eye corner are moved up and out and then stitched to the deep fascia, which holds them in place. Only a little skin, if any, is removed.
Most often chosen for
- Drooping outer eye corners
- A brow tail that has dropped toward the eye
- Early sagging of the upper face
- A subtle lift and a longer eye contour
Often combined with
- Upper eyelid surgery for heavy or hooded lids
- Endoscopic brow lift when the whole brow needs lifting
- Forehead lift for a fully refreshed upper face
The procedure, layer by layer
This cross-section of the temple shows what the surgeon does at each stage. Press play, or tap a step.
Incision
A short incision is made inside the temple hairline, where hair will cover it once healed.
Where the incision is made
A temporal lift uses one short incision on each side, placed inside the temple hairline. Hair covers it once it has healed.
- A
Temple hairline A short incision just inside the hairline at the temple, closed carefully so it stays hidden by hair.
- →
Lift direction The brow tail and the outer eye corner move up and out toward the temple.
Schematic illustration. Incision placement is planned for each patient, for example taking your hairline height and hair density into account.
How the scar heals over 12 months
The incision sits inside the temple hairline, and the lift is held by the deep fascia, so the skin closes with little tension. Move the slider to see the typical progression.
Healing stage
Week 1
Sutures or staples are in place and the line is red. The scar is hidden in hair. Sutures come out at around day 7–10.
Healing varies. Darker and Asian skin can stay pink or brown for longer. Avoiding smoking and tight hair styles in the first weeks helps the scar settle.
Recovery timeline
Most patients return to daily activities within 7–10 days. Eye and brow contours keep refining for one to three months.
Illustrative curve based on typical recovery; time axis is compressed so the first weeks are easier to read.
- Day 0
Surgery 1–2 hours under local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day.
- Day 1–2
First check-up The incision is checked. Keep your head raised and use cold compresses.
- Day 2–3
Peak swelling Mild swelling and tightness at the temples and around the eyes. Bruising is usually minimal.
- Day 7–10
Sutures out Stitches or staples are removed. Most patients return to daily activities.
- Week 1–2
Swelling eases Mild swelling and tightness fade. The eye shape may look a little too lifted at first and then relaxes.
- Week 3–4
Exercise Gradual return to the gym and strenuous activity once your surgeon clears you.
- Month 1–3
Result settles Eye and brow contours refine into their final shape.
- Month 6–12
Scars mature The hairline scar fades to a fine, pale line.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Are typically in your late 20s to 50s
- Have outer eye corners or a brow tail that droop
- Want a longer, more lifted eye shape without changing eye size
- Have early sagging limited to the upper face
- Are healthy, a non-smoker or willing to stop for several weeks
Another option may suit you better if
- Your whole brow is low: an endoscopic brow lift may suit you better
- Your main concern is heavy upper lids: upper eyelid surgery may be enough
- You want a temporary change: a thread lift or Botox brow lift can help
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Every temporal lift carries risk. Ask about: bleeding or swelling at the temple, temporary numbness of the temple or scalp, temporary weakness of brow movement, hair thinning at the incision, a widened scar, asymmetry, some return of drooping over time and the usual risks of sedation or anesthesia.
Temporal lift cost in Seoul
| Procedure | Approximate price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Temporal lift (fox eye lift) | ₩4,000,000 – ₩8,000,000+ |
| Temporal lift + brow or eyelid surgery | ₩6,000,000 – ₩12,000,000+ |
Your quote depends on how much sagging needs correcting, the surgical approach, any combined procedures, the anesthesia method and the aftercare program. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Temporal lift vs. endoscopic brow lift
| Endoscopic brow lift | Temporal lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mild to moderate drooping of the whole brow | Outer brow and outer eye corner |
| Incision | Small scalp ports | Temple hairline |
| Typical age | Late 30s–50s | Late 20s–50s |
| Operating time | 1.5–2.5 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Back to daily life | 10–14 days | 7–10 days |
| Results last | 7–10 years | 5–10 years |
| Cost | ₩5M–10M+ | ₩4M–8M+ |
Common questions
Is a temporal lift the same as a fox eye lift?
Yes. Fox eye lift is a popular name for a temporal lift. Both lift the outer brow and the outer eye corner through an incision in the temple hairline.
How is it different from an endoscopic brow lift?
A temporal lift treats only the outer brow and eye corner. An endoscopic brow lift lifts the whole brow through small scalp incisions. The two are often combined.
Will people be able to see my scar?
The incision sits inside the temple hairline and is hidden by hair once healed. Some temporary hair thinning at the line is possible.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
Plan for 7–10 days. That covers the first check-up and suture removal before you fly home.
How long do the results last?
Results can last up to 5–10 years, depending on how you age and your skin quality.
How much does a temporal lift cost in Seoul?
Approximately ₩4,000,000 to ₩8,000,000+, or ₩6,000,000 to ₩12,000,000+ when combined with brow or eyelid surgery. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Is the recovery painful?
Most patients feel mild swelling and tightness for 1–2 weeks. Bruising is usually minimal, and discomfort is well controlled with medication.
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.
