Dark Circle Removal in Korea — Eye-Specialized Care & Cost Guide

Why Korea — and Why an Eye-Specialized Clinic?

1) Eyelid–brow harmony (not just a higher brow)

Eye-specialized centers plan the brow, eyelid skin, crease, and canthi together. That means natural lift vectors, no “surprised” arch, and less chance of over-resecting eyelid skin.

2) High-volume refinement

Korean periorbital surgeons routinely perform temporal and endoscopic lifts alongside upper blepharoplasty/ptosis repair, leading to predictable, subtle rejuvenation—especially for middle-aged patients with lateral hooding.

3) Structure-preserving, tailored choices

From internal browpexy (mini support via your upper-lid incision) to sub-brow (powerful for Asian lids with lateral excess), you’ll get the least invasive option that solves your problem.

4) Fly-in friendly

Clear English consults, remote photo reviews, transparent quotes, printed aftercare, and visit planning around stitch removal (~day 5–7).

5) Value without cutting corners

Surgeon-led care, hospital-grade protocols, and meticulous scar placement—at competitive pricing compared with many global hubs.

What a Brow Lift Actually Does

• Repositions the brow (often the tail) to open the outer eyelid and reduce lateral hooding.
• Protects eyelid surgery: Lifting a low brow first can prevent over-removal of eyelid skin during upper blepharoplasty.
• Balances asymmetry: Subtle side-to-side differences are common; planning includes MRD1/eyelid show and brow–lid distance.

Which Brow Lift Is Right for You?

• Temporal (Lateral) Brow Lift — short-scar, fan favorite
  Small incision(s) hidden in the temple hairline; targets the brow tail and lateral hooding. Quick recovery, natural.
• Endoscopic Brow Lift — global elevation
  Several tiny scalp incisions and a scope to release brow depressors and lift the entire brow/forehead. Best for global descent or heavy glabellar frown lines.
• Sub-Brow Lift — precise for lateral excess (common in Asian lids)
  Skin strip just beneath the brow; powerful outer-lid de-hooding with a scar camouflaged at the brow. Great when skin is the main culprit.
• Internal Browpexy (Trans-bleph) — micro support
  Performed through an upper bleph incision to lightly suspend the brow tail. Mild lift, minimal added downtime.
• Direct / Mid-Forehead Lift — targeted strength
  Incision at/above the brow or within deep forehead creases; strong correction, often favored in men with thick brows/forehead lines.

(We rarely recommend threads for lasting brow support—they’re temporary and don’t address true descent.)

Brow Lift vs. Upper Blepharoplasty—Which First?

• Low brow + hooded skin: Lift the brow first (temporal or endoscopic), then perform conservative upper bleph if needed.
• Normal brow + extra skin: Upper bleph (crease design + skin tailoring) may be enough.
• Low lid margin (ptosis): Add ptosis repair; skin removal alone won’t fix droop.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

• Outer-lid heaviness that returns soon after taping/lifting the brow
• Photos show brow tail below the orbital rim or clear lateral hooding
• Makeup smudging on the outer lid; asymmetry in brow height
• Realistic goals: soft elevation and brighter eyes—never a “pulled” look

Cost Estimates (Guide)

Final fees depend on anatomy, method, hairline/skin quality, and whether you combine with eyelid surgery. Ranges below reflect typical surgeon + facility + anesthesia in KRW.

• Temporal (Lateral) Brow Lift: ₩2.0M–₩4.0M
• Endoscopic Brow/Forehead Lift: ₩3.0M–₩6.0M
• Sub-Brow Lift: ₩2.0M–₩4.0M
• Internal Browpexy (add-on to Upper Bleph): ₩0.8M–₩1.8M
• Direct or Mid-Forehead Lift: ₩2.5M–₩4.5M
• Combo (Upper Bleph + Temporal Brow Lift): ₩3.8M–₩7.5M (scope-dependent)
• Revision / Complex Asymmetry: ₩3.5M–₩7.0M

Example Scenarios

• A. Middle-aged, lateral hooding only: Temporal brow lift → ₩2.0M–₩4.0M
• B. Global brow descent + frown lines: Endoscopic lift → ₩3.0M–₩6.0M
• C. Asian eyelid with lateral skin excess: Sub-brow lift (± upper bleph) → ₩2.0M–₩6.5M total
• D. Mild tail support during upper bleph: Internal browpexy add-on → ₩0.8M–₩1.8M
• E. Male patient with heavy brows/strong lines: Direct/mid-forehead → ₩2.5M–₩4.5M

Travel Timeline (Typical)

• Day 0: Outpatient surgery (45–120 min)
• Days 1–3: Peak swelling/tightness; head elevated; cool compresses
• Day 5–7: Stitch removal (if external); shampooing per instructions
• Day 7–10: Socially presentable; light makeup after clearance
• Weeks 3–6: Swelling refines; brow settles naturally
• Months 3–6: Final position & scar maturation

How to Get a Personal Estimate (Fast)

Send (email or upload):

1. Photos: front, 45°, side; brows relaxed and then gently lifted with fingers (to simulate the goal)
2. State your priorities: lateral hooding, global descent, asymmetry, forehead lines
3. Any prior eyelid/brow procedures or Botox/fillers (what/when)
4. Hairline/hairstyle concerns (important for scar planning)
5. Travel window and downtime preferences

You’ll receive a custom plan (best method & whether to pair with upper bleph/ptosis repair), a fee range, and a 7–10 day recovery calendar fitted to your trip.

FAQs

Will I look “surprised”?
No—lift vectors and amount are conservative. We prioritize a soft tail elevation and natural arch.

Where are the scars?
Temporal/endoscopic = hidden in hair. Sub-brow/direct = along the brow line/forehead crease, planned for camouflage and guided scar care.

Can I combine with eyelid surgery?
Often yes. Upper bleph and/or ptosis repair may be combined or staged for the most balanced result.

How long does it last?
Typically years. Aging continues, but proper technique and aftercare (sun protection, avoiding over-heavy brows) support longevity.

Is endoscopic better than temporal?
Different tools for different problems: temporal for lateral hooding; endoscopic for global descent/frown line release. Your anatomy decides.