Brow Lift vs Sub-Brow Lift — What’s the Difference?

Introduction

If you’re considering treatment for eyelid sagging, heavy brows, or tired-looking eyes, two procedures come up often:
✔ Brow lift (forehead and eyebrow lifting)
✔ Sub-brow lift (targeted brow elevation under the brow)

Both aim to create a more refreshed eye area, but they differ in technique, treatment area, recovery, and results. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right approach for your concerns.

What Is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift (also called forehead lift) is a surgery that elevates the entire brow and forehead area. It reduces hooding of the upper eyelids caused by a low brow and improves forehead lines and frown wrinkles.

How It’s Done

• Incisions can be made along the hairline or inside the scalp (endoscopic)
• Elevated brow muscles and soft tissue
• Skin repositioned to a higher, youthful level

Top Benefits

✔ Corrects low or drooping brows
✔ Opens up the entire eye expression
✔ Smooths forehead lines
✔ Long-lasting results

Ideal Candidates

• Born with low brows
• Sagging brows due to aging
• Heavy upper lids caused by brow descent
• Forehead lines and a tired eye look

Typical Outcome

Creates a global lift of the brow and forehead, enhancing the upper face appearance.

What Is a Sub-Brow Lift?

A sub-brow lift focuses on the area just below the eyebrow, elevating the brow tail or lateral brow without lifting the forehead itself.

How It’s Done

• A small incision is placed just beneath the eyebrow
• Tissue beneath the brow is lifted and anchored
• No forehead incision is needed

Top Benefits

✔ Targets outer (lateral) brow drooping
✔ Less invasive than a full brow lift
✔ Minimal forehead involvement
✔ Shorter operation and recovery

Ideal Candidates

• Sagging of the outer brow tail
• Mild brow descent
• Good forehead and central brow position
• No major forehead wrinkles

Typical Outcome

Creates subtle elevation of the brow tail and improved eye openness without lifting the entire forehead.

Brow Lift vs Sub-Brow Lift — Side-by-Side

Treatment Area

• Brow Lift = Whole brow & forehead
• Sub-Brow Lift = Just under the brow (mainly lateral area)

Incision & Scarring

• Brow Lift = Along hairline or endoscopic incisions behind hair
• Sub-Brow Lift = Under brow crease (hidden in crease)

Invasiveness

• Brow Lift = More extensive
• Sub-Brow Lift = Less extensive

Best For

• Brow Lift = Extensive sagging + forehead lines
• Sub-Brow Lift = Mild outer brow droop

Recovery

• Brow Lift = Longer (some swelling for 1–2 weeks)
• Sub-Brow Lift = Shorter (mild swelling)

End Result

• Brow Lift = Full upper face refresh
• Sub-Brow Lift = Targeted brow elevation

Who Should Choose Each Procedure?

Choose Brow Lift If:

✔ Your entire brow is low
✔ You notice heaviness across the entire upper lid
✔ You have forehead wrinkles and frown lines
✔ You want significant rejuvenation of upper face

Choose Sub-Brow Lift If:

✔ You mainly have outer brow droop
✔ Central brow sits well
✔ You want a less invasive solution
✔ Forehead lines are minimal

Scars & Visibility

Brow Lift:

• Incisions are usually hidden within the hairline or inside the scalp
• No visible scar on the forehead

Sub-Brow Lift:

• Incision hidden along the brow crease
• Can be well concealed in natural anatomy

Both options are designed for discreet scars when done by skilled surgeons.

Recovery & Downtime

Brow Lift

• Initial swelling/bruising ~10–14 days
• Temporary numbness or tightness
• Return to normal within ~1–2 weeks

Sub-Brow Lift

• Minimal swelling
• Return to normal quickly (often within a week)
• Less discomfort overall

Combined Approaches

In some cases, surgeons recommend combining a brow lift with eyelid procedures (e.g., upper blepharoplasty) for a more complete upper face rejuvenation — especially when brow descent and eyelid hooding coexist.



Final Tips Before Treatment

✔ Ask for a pre-surgery analysis of brow position and upper eyelid hooding
✔ Review before-after photos for similar concerns
✔ Clarify scar placement and visibility
✔ Discuss combination options (e.g., brow lift + blepharoplasty) for best results