2026-10-28
Subbrow Lift vs. Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty: Differences and Recovery Time at a Glance
Explains how a subbrow lift differs from upper blepharoplasty in incision site, which eyelid concerns each suits, and what to expect for scarring and recovery. Notes that results depend on individual eyelid condition.

Subbrow Lift vs. Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty: How Are They Different? Recovery Time at a Glance

You like your double eyelids, but
if your eyelid skin has started to sag,
which surgery should you look into?
As you age and the skin of your eyelids begins to droop,
the double eyelid crease you once had clearly defined
can become hidden.
Your eyes may look heavier than before,
and your lids may feel heavy when you open your eyes.
But redoing double eyelid surgery
may make you hesitate, since your current eye shape could change.
You want to remove the sagging skin,
but if you also want to keep your existing double eyelid shape as much as possible,
one option to look into is a subbrow lift.
This procedure makes an incision just below the eyebrow
to remove excess skin from the drooping upper eyelid.
Let's look at how it differs from upper blepharoplasty,
and what you should consider.

Is there a reason the incision is made below the eyebrow?
Just because eyelid skin has sagged
doesn't mean everyone is treated with the same surgical approach.
The surgical plan can vary depending on where the skin has drooped and how much,
as well as the position of the eyebrows.
A subbrow lift involves an incision just below the eyebrow
to remove excess skin.
Compared with surgery that makes an incision directly along the double eyelid line,
its incision site is different.
It may be worth considering if you want to remove sagging skin
while keeping your existing double eyelid shape as much as possible,
but how your eyes will look after surgery
depends on your individual condition.
The extent of skin removal and the distance between your eyebrows and eyes
can also affect the outcome.

How is it different from upper blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty is another procedure people often look into
when they're concerned about drooping eyelids.
Both procedures can be used to address sagging skin on the upper eyelid,
but the incision location and surgical plan differ.
Upper blepharoplasty is generally performed with an incision along the crease of the upper eyelid.
Because the double eyelid line can be adjusted as needed,
it may be worth considering if you want to change your existing eye shape.
In contrast, a subbrow lift
makes an incision along the lower edge of the eyebrow to remove skin.
It does not directly target the double eyelid line,
which is a key difference between the two.
Which of the two is more suitable
depends on the condition of your eyelids.
Even if your eyelid skin looks sagging,
in some cases the eyelid-lifting function has actually weakened.
In such cases, it's important to check not only skin sagging
but also the eyelid-opening function.
If you're looking into upper and lower blepharoplasty,
it's a good idea to check which approach suits your current eye condition.

You're probably also curious about scarring and the recovery process.
Since this surgery involves an incision below the eyebrow,
you may be concerned about how the scar will look.
After surgery, swelling and bruising may occur,
and the scar may be noticeable while the incision heals.
How quickly the scar fades and how fast you recover
depend on your skin type and individual healing.
Before deciding on surgery,
it helps to know in advance about the incision placement, scar care, and the precautions to follow during recovery.
When you can return to daily life also depends on the degree of swelling and bruising,
so it's best to allow plenty of time in your recovery plan.
If you've searched for lower blepharoplasty recovery time,
keep in mind that recovery can differ from one eye-area surgery to another.
Lower blepharoplasty recovery time depends on the surgical technique used on the lower eyelid
and the extent of the procedure,
so it should be considered separately from the recovery process of a subbrow lift.
If you're considering upper and lower blepharoplasty together,
your recovery plan may also vary depending on the scope of surgery.
Rather than relying only on information about lower blepharoplasty recovery time
to predict the recovery timeline for other eyelid surgeries,
it's best to get guidance tailored to the procedure you're actually planning.
Which approach is right for your eyes?
Just because your eyelid skin has sagged
doesn't mean a subbrow lift is suitable for everyone.
Eyebrow position and the degree of skin sagging matter,
as do eyelid-opening function and your existing double eyelid shape,
since all of these need to be considered.
If you're thinking about a subbrow lift,
start by considering which parts of your current eye shape you want to keep
and which parts you'd like to change.
Whether you want to keep your double eyelid line,
or find the heaviness of your eyelids bothersome,
can change what you'll want to discuss during your consultation.
When comparing with other options such as upper blepharoplasty,
look into not only the expected results but also the incision location, scarring,
and recovery process.
After thoroughly discussing your eye condition and the results you want,
it's best to decide on the surgical method.
Even if eyelids look similarly droopy,
the causes and conditions differ from person to person.
Start by looking at the features of your current eye shape
and organizing which areas you want to improve.
Start there!















Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the incision made in a subbrow lift?
A subbrow lift is a procedure that makes an incision just below the eyebrow to remove excess skin. Its approach differs from methods that cut directly along the double eyelid line. However, changes to the eye shape after surgery vary depending on each person's eyelid condition.
How do a subbrow lift and upper blepharoplasty differ?
Both procedures can be used to remove sagging skin from the upper eyelid, but they differ in where the incision is made. Upper blepharoplasty is generally performed along the crease of the upper eyelid, and the double eyelid line can be adjusted if needed. A subbrow lift involves an incision along the lower edge of the eyebrow and does not directly target the double eyelid line.
Can a subbrow lift preserve my existing double eyelid shape?
It is an option to consider if you want to keep your existing double eyelid shape as much as possible. However, changes to the eye shape after surgery depend on your individual condition, the extent of skin removal, and the distance between your eyebrows and eyes.
Can drooping eyelids also come with weakened eyelid-lifting function?
Yes. Even if the eyelid skin looks sagging, the eyelid-lifting function may actually be weakened in some cases. In such cases, both skin sagging and eyelid-opening function should be examined. It's best to check which approach is suitable for your current eye condition.
How long is the recovery period for a subbrow lift?
This article does not specify an exact recovery period. It can vary depending on the degree of swelling and bruising. The timing for returning to daily life may also vary by the same criteria, so it's best to allow ample time in your recovery plan.
What do scars from a subbrow lift look like?
The scar may be noticeable while the incision area heals. How quickly the scar fades and how fast you recover depend on your skin type and individual healing. Before surgery, it's a good idea to learn in advance about the incision placement, scar care methods, and precautions during recovery.