Upper-Face & Eye-Area Thread Lift in Cheongdam & Apgujeong, Seoul

What is an upper-face thread lift?

Much of what people describe as "tired eyes" actually starts above the eye. As we age, the outer part of the brow tends to descend, the temple can hollow, and the skin of the upper lid gathers more heavily at the outer corner. The eye itself has not changed, but it looks smaller, heavier and more fatigued.

An upper-face thread lift places fine absorbable threads in the temple and lateral brow region to support that tissue in a slightly higher position. The goal is a refreshed, more open look rather than a surprised or pulled expression. Because the brow is so expressive, small changes make a visible difference, and restraint is essential.

How Doje Clinic approaches the upper face

At Doje the upper-face thread lift is not a stand-alone "brow lift" product. It is one of three axes in the Eye Program, alongside volume (soft filler for hollows) and skin (eye-area skin improvement). Dr. Byun Jeik first decides whether lifting is needed at all, since some tired-looking eyes are mainly a hollowness or skin problem.

• Brow assessment – the position and shape of the brow at rest, and how much you lift it unconsciously to keep your eyes open.
• Vector design – threads are oriented to support the lateral brow and temple, preserving a natural brow arch for your face.
• Entry points – placed discreetly, often within or near the hairline where possible.
• Conservatism – the technique uses the clinic's 17 years of accumulated thread-lift experience, with the aim of avoiding an overdone or asymmetric result.

Where the temple has hollowed, soft filler may be considered to support the lift; where the upper-lid skin is crepey, Eye Thermage with Softwave or Re2O Fine may be added.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

• Suits early brow descent and lateral hooding with good skin quality.
• Suits people who find themselves raising their brows to look alert, causing forehead lines.
• Suits those wanting a subtle, reversible-feeling refresh rather than surgery.
• Not suitable for significant excess upper-lid skin that rests on the lashes; blepharoplasty or brow surgery assessment is more appropriate.
• Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active skin infection, or with some medical conditions reviewed at consultation.

What to expect, step by step

1. Consultation: brow and lid assessment, comparison with older photos if you have them.
2. Plan: whether lifting is the main need, and whether filler or skin care should accompany it.
3. Marking: brow position and vectors drawn with you upright and relaxed.
4. Treatment: local anaesthesia, then thread placement, with symmetry checked at each step.
5. Review: follow-up after early swelling resolves.

Recovery and aftercare

Swelling around the temples and upper lids is common for several days, and because eye-area tissue is loose, puffiness can travel down to the lids. Sleep with your head raised and use cold compresses in the first day if advised. Avoid strong facial expressions, rubbing the eyes and brows, facial massage, saunas and intense exercise for the first weeks. Tightness or mild tenderness at the temples when chewing or yawning usually eases within a week or two.

Cost

The fee depends on the thread design and whether other Eye Program items are combined. It is quoted after the 1:1 consultation; ask for a written quote. Korean non-covered (비급여) aesthetic fees are set per plan.

Frequently asked questions

Will a thread lift change my eye shape?

It is designed to support the brow and open the eye area while keeping your natural eye shape. The aim is subtle.

Is it the same as a surgical brow lift?

No. It offers a more modest lift with less downtime and no surgical incision; significant excess skin may still need surgery.

Can it reduce forehead lines?

If you raise your brows to compensate for hooding, supporting the brow may reduce that habit; Botox may also be discussed.

How long is the downtime?

Typically several days of swelling or tightness around the temples and eyes, varying between individuals.

Is it part of the Eye Program?

Yes, it is the lifting axis of the Eye Program, combined with filler or skin care only when needed.

Related at Doje Clinic

• Eye Program
• Doje Signature Thread Lift
• Hooded Eyes & Brow Descent
• Tired-Looking Eyes
• Hollow Temples
• Eye Thermage
• Thread Lift Aftercare

Medical information on this page is general education, not a diagnosis. Suitability, risks and the final plan are confirmed in a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Byun Jeik. Last updated 17 October 2026.