Changing the Deepest Roots,
Leaving No Traces Behind
AVA's detail lies in reconstructing the invisible core structures beneath the skin.
Sub-Brow Lift
From the age of 30 onwards, eye-area ageing presents two concerns that cannot be fully resolved by incisional double eyelid surgery alone — a heavier appearance from thicker skin and lateral hooding. A sub-brow lift is one of the most effective approaches to addressing both simultaneously.
Quick Facts
| Procedure | Sub-Brow Lift · Sub-brow Lift |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | Dr. Kim Seungsoo (Board-certified Plastic Surgeon, 10+ yrs) |
| Key Technique | AVA 'Dual-Plane' Sub-Brow Lift |
| Time | 1 hour |
| Anesthesia | Local / IV Sedation |
| Hospitalization | Not required |
| Stitch Removal | Days 5–7 |
| Follow-up Visits | 1–2 times |
| Recovery | From 1 week |
| Best For | Concerned from age 30 onwards that incisional double eyelid surgery alone will produce a heavy or harsh appearance · Upper eyelid skin descending to cover the eyelid crease · Lateral hooding causing a tired or stern look · Desire to preserve the existing eyelid crease while refreshing the eye appearance · Recurrence of laxity following previous eyelid surgery · Preference for eye-area improvement without the commitment of a forehead lift |
AVA 'Dual-Plane' Sub-Brow Lift
Dissection extends below the skin to the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is then fixated to the periosteum. This delivers long-lasting lifting with minimal residual scarring.
Eyelid Skin Thickness — Why Does Incision Location Matter?
The skin immediately below the brow is thick, becoming progressively thinner as you move towards the eyelid crease. This difference in thickness determines both the definition of the eyelid crease and the softness of the overall appearance.
| Location | Thickness | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Immediately below the brow | Thickest | Creates the expressive portion of the eye — the area refined by sub-brow lifting |
| Upper eyelid (mid-zone) | Intermediate | A natural transition zone from thick to thin skin |
| Near the eyelid crease | Thinnest | This thin skin must fold to create a crisp, defined eyelid crease |
※ A defined eyelid crease is formed by thin skin folding at the crease line. When thick skin forms the crease, the fold becomes bulky and the appearance heavier.
Two Core Reasons Why a Sub-Brow Lift May Be Needed
It is one approach that addresses the limitations of incisional double eyelid surgery alone in managing age-related eye-area changes from the age of 30 onwards.
Preventing a Heavy Appearance — The Limitation of Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery From Age 30 Onwards
A defined, crisp eyelid crease requires thin skin to fold at the crease line.
When a significant degree of laxity is present and incisional double eyelid surgery is performed, the thin skin is excised and the thicker overlying skin comes to form the crease. This results in a heavier fold above the crease and a harsher overall appearance.
The thick skin below the brow is excised and elevated → the thin skin remains to form the crease naturally, maintaining a soft, natural-looking appearance. This is why, from the age of 30 onwards, combining a sub-brow lift with eyelid surgery is generally preferable to incisional double eyelid surgery alone.
Improving Lateral Hooding — One of the Most Effective Approaches With Minimal Scarring Burden
With age, the skin at the outer corners of the eyes stretches and descends considerably. This is a primary cause of a tired or stern appearance.
The incision length of double eyelid surgery has inherent limitations in covering the lateral corner region, making it difficult to adequately address lateral hooding on its own.
A sub-brow lift provides sufficient incision reach to address lateral hooding, while the scar is concealed immediately beneath the brow and is barely visible. It is one of the most effective approaches for improving lateral hooding with a minimal scarring burden.
Check Point Highly Recommended For
Sub-Brow Lift Procedure
Hidden Design
Incision designed along the inferior brow margin
Dual Dissection
Skin and orbicularis oculi muscle separated independently
Muscle Fixation
Orbicularis oculi elevated and fixated to the periosteum
Micro-Suture Closure
Tension-free closure to minimise scarring
Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery Alone vs Sub-Brow Lift + Eyelid Surgery — Which Combination Is Right for You?
The appropriate approach varies by degree of laxity and age.
| Comparison Item | Incisional Double Eyelid Only | Sub-brow Lift + Double Eyelid |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal Candidates | Patients with minimal laxity (primarily in their 20s to early 30s) | From age 30 onwards, patients with emerging laxity or with lateral hooding |
| Skin Removed From | Thin skin at the eyelid crease level | Thick skin below the brow + minor crease refinement if needed |
| Eyelid Crease Result | When laxity is pronounced, thick skin covers the crease, producing a heavier appearance | Thick skin position is addressed, maintaining a natural eyelid crease |
| Lateral Hooding Resolution | Limited by the extent of the incision; difficult to fully address | Lateral hooding addressed simultaneously one of the most effective scar-friendly solutions |
| Scar Location | Along the eyelid crease (inconspicuous) | Immediately below the brow (inconspicuous) |
| Change in Appearance | Risk of a thicker crease and harsher look | Original appearance preserved while softly restoring definition |
| Recommended For | Ages 20s–early 30s with minimal laxity | From age 30 onwards for all cases where laxity has begun |
Anti-Aging Procedures — At a Glance
The right fit depends on where the laxity is, how deep it runs, and your recovery window.
| Procedure | Area | Time | Anesthesia | Recovery | Key Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facelift Full Face Lift | Full face, jaw, neck | 3 hours | IV Sedation | From 2 weeks | AVA Plastic Surgery 'Dual-Plane' Lifting |
| Mini Facelift Customised Mini Lift | Mid / lower face (choose) | 2 hours | IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Only the Incision Is Shorter — SMAS Dissection Is the Same |
| Forehead Lift Endoscopic Forehead Lift | Forehead, glabella, brow | 1 hour | IV Sedation | From 1 week | '1.5 cm × 4 Minimal Incisions' — No Visible Scarring |
| Sub-Brow Lift Sub-brow Lift | Upper lid, eye corners | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | From 1 week | AVA 'Dual-Plane' Sub-Brow Lift |
| Upper Blepharoplasty Upper Blepharoplasty | Upper eyelid | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Incisional Ptosis Correction — An Important Addition |
| Lower Blepharoplasty Lower Blepharoplasty | Lower eyelid | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Surgeon-customized approach |
| Philtrum Reduction Philtrum Reduction | Philtrum (nose-to-lip) | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Dual-Plane Philtrum Reduction |
| Corner Lip Lift Corner Lip Lift | Mouth corners, lips | 30–50 minutes | Local / IV Sedation | From 1 week | Scar Management Is the Essence — Triangular Flap Transposition |
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The AVA Difference
AVA Dual-Deep Plane Lifting
Multi-layer dissection of SMAS and deep tissue with tension applied at the SMAS layer.
The incision-site skin is designed to remain tension-free.
Anatomy-Based Long-Term Design
Dissection depth and lift vectors are individually calibrated
based on Mendelson's midcheek anatomy and Jacono's long-term outcome data.
Patient Satisfaction Defines Completion
Surgery is complete not when sutures are removed,
but when the patient smiles in front of the mirror.
Q&A
RELATED · Medical Terms
Post-op Instructions
- Do not rub the surgical area strongly for about a week.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 2 weeks as they delay recovery.
- Swelling and bruising vary individually but will gradually improve.
- Light walking or stretching helps reduce swelling.
Curious About This Procedure?
Our head surgeon provides a one-on-one assessment and a tailored treatment plan just for you. Results and recovery may vary by individual.