Brow Lift vs Facelift: Which Facial Surgery Addresses Aging Best?

Facial aging affects different areas in different ways. Some people notice heavy brows and a tired-looking eye area, while others experience sagging cheeks, jowls, and loss of jawline definition. Because these concerns originate in different parts of the face, the choice between a brow lift and a facelift depends on where aging is most visible.

This guide explains the key differences between brow lift vs facelift, including treatment areas, results, recovery, and ideal candidates.

What Is a Brow Lift?

A brow lift (also known as a forehead lift) is a surgical procedure that elevates the eyebrows and smooths the upper face.

It primarily addresses:

• Drooping or heavy eyebrows
• Forehead wrinkles and deep frown lines
• A tired, angry, or sad appearance around the eyes
• Upper-face sagging that contributes to hooded eyelids

Brow lifts can be performed using different techniques, including endoscopic, temporal, or hairline approaches, depending on anatomy and goals.

Who is a good candidate for a brow lift?

• Low or sagging eyebrows
• Forehead heaviness affecting eye appearance
• Deep forehead or glabellar lines
• Patients seeking upper-face rejuvenation

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift focuses on rejuvenating the midface and lower face, restoring contour and definition.

It typically improves:

• Sagging cheeks
• Jowls and jawline laxity
• Deep facial folds
• Often combined with a neck lift for full lower-face rejuvenation

Facelift surgery works by repositioning deeper facial tissues and removing excess skin to create a smoother, more youthful profile.

Who is a good candidate for a facelift?

• Moderate to severe facial sagging
• Jowls and loss of jawline definition
• Lower-face aging not corrected by upper-face surgery
• Patients seeking long-lasting facial rejuvenation

Brow Lift vs Facelift: Key Differences

Treatment area

• Brow lift: Forehead and eyebrow region
• Facelift: Midface, lower face, jawline, and sometimes neck

Aging concerns addressed

• Brow lift: Heavy brows, forehead lines, tired eye appearance
• Facelift: Sagging cheeks, jowls, facial folds

Impact on eyes

• Brow lift: Opens and brightens the eye area
• Facelift: Minimal direct effect on eyebrow position

Longevity

• Brow lift: Long-lasting but limited to upper face
• Facelift: Long-lasting comprehensive facial rejuvenation

Recovery

• Brow lift: Generally shorter recovery
• Facelift: Longer recovery due to wider surgical scope

Which Procedure Is Better?

Neither procedure replaces the other—they address different regions of the face.

A brow lift may be better for:

• Upper-face aging
• Drooping brows causing a tired appearance
• Patients who do not yet need lower-face correction

A facelift may be better for:

• Lower-face sagging and jowls
• Loss of jawline definition
• Patients seeking more dramatic rejuvenation

In many cases, surgeons recommend combining a brow lift and facelift to achieve balanced, full-face rejuvenation.

Brow Lift vs Facelift in Korea

Korea is internationally recognized for facial surgery techniques that prioritize:

• Natural facial balance
• Minimal scarring
• Precision-based lifting methods

Both brow lifts and facelifts in Korea are often customized to address specific aging patterns while maintaining natural expression and harmony.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between a brow lift vs facelift helps patients choose the right procedure for their aging concerns. While a brow lift rejuvenates the upper face and eye area, a facelift restores contour and definition to the mid and lower face.

A professional consultation is essential to determine whether one procedure—or a combination of both—will deliver the most natural and satisfying result.