Subbrow Lift for Droopy Eyelids: Procedure, Results, and Starting Price

What Problems Can a Subbrow Lift Help Correct?

A Subbrow Lift, or hidden-incision technique under the eyebrow, is a surgical procedure used to address drooping and sagging eyelid skin. It helps lift and tighten the sagging upper eyelid skin that covers the eyelid crease, making the eyes look brighter and more refreshed. It can also help improve crow’s feet, drooping outer eye corners, and wrinkles around the eyes, making the eyes look more open and youthful while maintaining the original eye shape. It is particularly suitable for people who want to restore a more youthful and lively appearance to the upper face. It may also help improve vision that has been partially obstructed by drooping eyelid skin.

Who Is a Subbrow Lift Suitable For?

This technique may not suit everyone. Therefore, we have summarized the characteristics of people who may be suitable for this type of surgery as a general guide.

• Already have a defined eyelid crease but have problems with sagging or drooping eyelid skin

• Want to maintain their existing eyelid crease while correcting sagging or drooping eyelid skin

• Have an undefined eyelid crease along with significant eyelid drooping and may benefit from combining the procedure with double eyelid surgery to achieve a more natural-looking eyelid crease.

  
  

Subbrow Lift Surgical Procedure

The procedure begins by marking the area where excess eyelid skin will be removed beneath the eyebrow. Local anesthesia is then administered to the surgical area. The excess skin along the lower part of the eyebrow is removed, and the eyebrow is secured in the appropriate position. The incision is then closed using fine premium sutures with the Premium Stitch technique. The surgical scar is concealed beneath the eyebrow.

Benefits of the Hidden-Incision Subbrow Lift Technique

Choosing a Subbrow Lift with a hidden incision under the eyebrow offers several benefits that make this technique popular, both in terms of post-operative care and aesthetic results. We have summarized the main advantages to help you make an informed decision:

• A Subbrow Lift with a hidden incision under the eyebrow may result in less swelling and bruising, leading to minimal downtime. This may allow you to return to your normal daily activities sooner.

• Compared with double eyelid surgery, this technique may settle more quickly, based on the doctor’s experience, while providing noticeable results.

• A hidden-incision Subbrow Lift can be performed together with double eyelid surgery. It can help reduce the incision required for double eyelid surgery because less eyelid skin needs to be removed in patients with significant sagging of the outer eyelid area and excess eyelid skin. Removing less eyelid skin may help the double eyelid incision heal more smoothly and reduce the visibility of scarring.

• The scar from the hidden-incision Subbrow Lift may gradually become less noticeable over time.

• The procedure provides natural-looking results without looking overdone.

  
  

Precautions of the Hidden-Incision Subbrow Lift Technique

Although a Subbrow Lift with a hidden incision under the eyebrow is generally considered a safe procedure that can provide natural-looking results, there are still some precautions that patients should understand and carefully consider before deciding to undergo surgery. This can help reduce potential risks and support satisfactory results:

• Doctor’s expertise: Removing too much eyelid skin may make it difficult to fully close the eyes. Therefore, it is important to choose an experienced doctor who can accurately assess and determine the appropriate amount of skin to remove.

• Incision location: Although the incision is concealed along the eyebrow line, some redness may still be visible during the early healing period. The scar takes time to heal, and proper care may help reduce the risk of raised scarring.

• Distance between the eyebrows and eyelid crease: People with a very small distance between their eyebrows and eyelid crease may not be suitable for this technique, as lifting the eyelid skin may make the eyebrows and eyes appear too close together and look less natural.

  
  

Preparation Before Drooping Eyelids Surgery

Preparing for surgery is an important step that can help the procedure go smoothly and reduce potential complications. To help achieve the best possible results and minimize swelling and bruising after surgery, you should strictly follow your doctor’s recommendations. The following are general guidelines for preparing before surgery:

• Stop certain medications and supplements: Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding vitamin E, fish oil, herbal supplements, and medications that affect blood clotting at least 2 weeks before surgery, as recommended by your doctor.

• Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages: Stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least 2 weeks in advance to help prevent excessive swelling and bruising and promote faster wound healing.

• Maintain cleanliness and get enough rest: Get enough sleep before the day of surgery. On the day of surgery, avoid wearing makeup and wash your hair beforehand for easier wound care and cleaning.

  
  

Post-Operative Care After Surgery for Drooping Eyelids

Proper post-operative care is an important factor in supporting proper wound healing, reducing swelling and bruising, and preventing infection, which may affect the long-term appearance of the eyelids. Therefore, patients should pay close attention during the recovery period and continue following these precautions until the wound has fully healed.

• Cold and warm compresses: Apply a cold compress regularly during the first 2–3 days after surgery to reduce swelling and bruising. After that, switch to warm compresses to help reduce bruising and promote blood circulation.

• Keep the wound clean: Gently clean the wound according to your doctor’s instructions and avoid allowing the wound to come into direct contact with water until the scheduled suture removal to help prevent infection.

• Sleep with your head elevated: During the initial recovery period, sleep with your head elevated higher than usual to reduce blood pooling. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or side, as this may put pressure on the eye area.

  
  

How Much Does a Subbrow Lift Cost?

The cost of a hidden-incision Subbrow Lift can vary depending on the clinic or hospital. In general, prices may start at around 15,000 baht and range up to 50,000 baht or more. Factors that affect the price include the surgeon’s experience and expertise, the specific technique used by the clinic, and the complexity of each individual case. In addition, some clinics may include post-operative care, medications, or treatments to help reduce swelling. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully ask about the procedure details and any additional costs before making a decision.

How to Correct Drooping Eyelids Without Surgery

For those who have drooping eyelids but are not yet ready to undergo surgery, are concerned about pain, or do not have enough time for recovery, there are currently other medical treatment options and self-care methods that may help improve the appearance of drooping eyelids and the skin around the eyes. The suitability and results of these methods may vary depending on the individual and the treatment approach, as follows:

Eye Area Skin Tightening Devices (RF / HIFU)

Using skin-tightening devices such as Thermage (RF) or Ulthera/HIFU is another popular treatment option. These technologies deliver thermal energy to the deeper layers of the skin around the eyes to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. This can help the sagging skin around the eyelids and outer corners of the eyes contract and become naturally firmer and tighter. The treatment does not involve incisions or injections and typically requires little to no downtime, allowing you to return to your normal daily activities shortly after treatment.

Botox for Lifting the Outer Corners of the Eyes

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections around the eyes and outer corners of the eyes can help reduce wrinkles and create a subtle lifting effect around the eyelid area. The treatment relaxes the muscles that pull the outer corners of the eyes downward. When these muscles relax, the muscles that lift the eyebrows may have a greater lifting effect, making the eyebrows and outer corners of the eyes appear more lifted. The eyes can look more open and refreshed. Results are usually noticeable within 1–2 weeks and can last for approximately 4–6 months.

Under-Eye Fillers

Injecting dermal fillers, such as Hyaluronic Acid, can help address sunken areas and deep hollows around the eyes. A doctor may inject filler beneath the eyebrows, in the temples, or into the hollow eye sockets to restore volume and support sagging skin. This can make the eyelids appear firmer and more volumized. Fillers can also help improve the appearance of under-eye dark circles, making the overall face look brighter and more youthful immediately after treatment.

Eye Muscle Exercises

In addition to medical technologies, eye muscle exercises are a natural method that can be performed at home to help slow the development of drooping eyelids. Place your index and middle fingers gently beneath your eyebrows and push upward while slowly attempting to close your eyes. Hold the position for approximately 5 seconds, then release. Performing this exercise regularly may help strengthen the muscles around the eyelids, improve the firmness of the skin around the eyes, and reduce the likelihood of developing drooping eyelids in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Subbrow Lift with a Hidden Incision Under the Eyebrow

Subbrow Lift surgery is of interest to many people. However, there are still many questions and concerns to consider before deciding to undergo the procedure. To help readers gain a better understanding and address their concerns, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about this surgical technique, along with clear answers to help you make an informed decision, as follows:

Will the Scar Be Noticeable After a Subbrow Lift?

Many people are concerned about scarring after surgery. With the Subbrow Lift technique, the doctor carefully conceals the incision along the lower edge of the eyebrow. During the early healing period after suture removal, a faint red line may still be visible. However, over time, the scar may gradually become less noticeable as it blends with the surrounding skin and is concealed by the eyebrow hair. Proper wound care and consistently applying scar-reducing medication as prescribed by your doctor may help the scar gradually fade and become less noticeable.

How Long Is the Recovery Time After a Subbrow Lift?

One of the key advantages of the hidden-incision Subbrow Lift technique is its relatively minimal downtime. Swelling and bruising are generally less noticeable than with conventional double eyelid surgery. Most patients can return to work and resume their normal daily activities within 1–3 days after surgery. However, patients should avoid getting the incision wet and refrain from applying makeup around the eyes until the sutures are removed. In general, the doctor will schedule suture removal approximately 5–7 days after surgery.

How Long Do the Results of a Subbrow Lift Last?

The results of a Subbrow Lift can last for many years, depending on each individual’s skin condition, post-operative care, and the natural aging process. In general, the tightening effect on the eyelid skin can last approximately 5–10 years. However, as you age, the skin naturally loses elasticity, which may cause the outer eyelid area to gradually sag again over time. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and maintaining consistent care for the skin around the eyes may help prolong the results.

Subbrow Lift Reviews at Sky Clinic

Choosing to undergo a Subbrow Lift at Sky Clinic can be a worthwhile investment in your confidence. For those who are still considering the procedure and looking for a safe, reputable clinic, we have gathered reviews and real patient experiences to give you a clearer picture of the process, from the initial consultation with the doctor to the results after surgery, and help you make an informed decision.

Dr. Sky’s Opinion

Dr. Sky personally prefers this technique and performs it regularly. Depending on the patient’s concerns, the procedure may be performed on its own or combined with double eyelid surgery. The treatment approach is tailored to each patient’s individual needs, with a focus on addressing the underlying concerns appropriately and achieving natural-looking results.

Summary

Correcting drooping eyelids with a Subbrow Lift can be an appropriate option for those seeking natural-looking results, faster wound healing, and relatively minimal downtime. Concealing the incision beneath the eyebrow can also help reduce concerns about visible scarring. However, the appropriate treatment should be determined through an evaluation by a qualified specialist to ensure it suits each individual’s facial structure and concerns. Those interested can consult the ophthalmologists at Sky Clinic, who specialize in Double Eyelid Surgery, Epicanthoplasty (inner corner eye opening), Ptosis Correction (weak eyelid muscle adjustment), Subbrow Lift, and Under-Eye Fat Removal Surgery to determine the treatment best suited to your individual needs.