Brow Lift vs Double Eyelid Surgery for Droopy Eyes
Brow Lift vs Double Eyelid Surgery for Droopy Eyes: Which Is Right?
Droopy-looking eyes can be caused by very different anatomical problems, which is why choosing between a brow lift and double eyelid surgery is often confusing—and frequently misdiagnosed.
This guide clearly explains how each procedure works, what problem it fixes, and when one is better than the other.
First: What Causes “Droopy Eyes”?
Droopy eyes are not a single condition. Common causes include:
- Brow ptosis (eyebrows sagging downward)
- Excess upper eyelid skin
- Weak eyelid-opening muscle (ptosis)
- Low or absent eyelid crease
- A combination of the above
Treating the wrong cause leads to poor or temporary results.
Double Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty / Crease Surgery)
What It Fixes
- Heavy or sagging upper eyelid skin
- Low or missing eyelid crease (monolid)
- Tired-looking eyes caused by eyelid heaviness
- Can be combined with ptosis correction if muscle weakness exists
Best For
- Droopiness mainly from the eyelid itself
- Skin folding over the lashes
- Eyes that look smaller when open
- Patients who want eyelid definition or rejuvenation
What It Does Not Fix
- Drooping eyebrows
- Forehead heaviness
- Lateral (outer) brow sagging
If the brow is sagging, eyelid surgery alone can look overdone or short-lived.
Brow Lift
What It Fixes
- Sagging eyebrows pulling the eyes downward
- Forehead heaviness
- Outer eye droopiness
- Angry or tired expression caused by low brows
Best For
- Droopy eyes caused by brow descent
- Heavy outer upper eyelids
- Patients who constantly raise their eyebrows to see clearly
- Patients with minimal eyelid skin excess but low brows
What It Does Not Fix
- Eyelid crease issues
- Eyelid muscle weakness (ptosis)
- Loose eyelid skin in isolation
Key Differences at a Glance
Double eyelid surgery
- Targets eyelid skin and crease
- Makes eyes look more open
- Best for eyelid-related droopiness
- Can change eye shape subtly
Brow lift
- Targets eyebrow position
- Lifts the entire eye area from above
- Best for brow-related droopiness
- Does not change eyelid crease
When You Might Need BOTH
Many patients—especially in their 40s–60s—have combined brow and eyelid aging.
A combined approach may be recommended if:
- Brows have dropped AND eyelid skin is heavy
- Droopiness returns quickly after eyelid surgery alone
- Outer eye corners look especially saggy
- You want long-term, balanced rejuvenation
In these cases, a conservative brow lift + conservative eyelid surgery often gives the most natural result.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Doing double eyelid surgery when the brow is the real problem
- Removing too much eyelid skin to compensate for brow droop
- Ignoring ptosis (muscle weakness)
- Assuming one surgery fits all droopy eyes
These mistakes are a common cause of botched or short-lived results.
Korean Surgical Approach to Droopy Eyes
In Korea, experienced surgeons usually:
- Evaluate brow position first
- Check eyelid muscle strength
- Avoid aggressive skin removal
- Prioritize function + natural appearance
The goal is rested, open eyes, not dramatic reshaping.
Which One Is Right for You?
You may need double eyelid surgery if:
- Eyelid skin folds over the lashes
- Eyes look smaller when open
- Brow position is normal
You may need a brow lift if:
- Brows sit low or feel heavy
- Outer eyes droop more than inner eyes
- You raise your brows unconsciously
You may need both if:
- Aging affects the entire upper eye area
- Previous eyelid surgery didn’t last
A proper anatomical consultation is essential.
