Before¤ BeforeSurgeries: Endoscopic Endotine Forehead Lifting

I’m 47, and for the past 10 years, I’ve been increasingly concerned about my drooping eyelids and brows. I’ve always had naturally low brows and puffy upper lids, but with age, it became a real problem. My forehead was heavily wrinkled, making me look at least 10 years older, and my constantly furrowed brows gave me an angry expression. I had been considering an endotine lift for about five years, but the idea of surgery terrified me. I researched extensively, reading everything I could find about the procedure—including even the rarest complications—which only heightened my fears.

Last year, my family moved to Seoul for work. Being in the capital of plastic surgery, I finally decided to take the plunge. I don’t even remember exactly how I found AB Plastic Surgery—I think it was mentioned on a forum—but I now believe it was pure luck. At first, I was a bit hesitant since I couldn’t find much information about the clinic. However, after visiting several places, AB was the only one I truly liked. The clinic was sleek, quiet, and professional. What impressed me most was that the consultation confirmed everything I already knew about my face (from previous consultations with top plastic surgeons in my home country). They didn’t try to push unnecessary procedures on me, and the pricing was very reasonable.

I scheduled the surgery almost immediately. The pre-op tests were minimal compared to the extensive ones required back home. I was extremely nervous, but I went ahead with it. In Korea, they don’t share much information about the surgeon beforehand, so I only found out in the operating room that Dr. Choi had extensive experience with this procedure. The large surgical team in the room reassured me, and before I knew it, I had counted to five and woke up with a new face.

I stayed at the clinic for a few hours before heading home with a driver. I don’t know if it was Dr. Choi’s skillful hands, my body’s healing ability, or a mix of both, but I experienced minimal bruising and swelling. From the very beginning, I could see a noticeable improvement—I still looked like myself, just 10 years younger.

The Recovery Process
The biggest challenge was washing my hair—I was afraid of damaging my sutures. I had four incisions and two endotines inserted under the skin. The day after surgery, Dr. Choi removed my bandages and secured my forehead skin onto the endotines. At first, the tightness made me nervous—I worried it had been pulled too high—but as the minor swelling subsided, it settled in perfectly. Looking back, I even wonder if I should have asked for a slightly more dramatic lift!

By day 4-5, I felt ready to go out in public. My forehead looked incredibly smooth, my eyes appeared more open (though not as much as I had initially hoped), and for the first time in years, I could wear eyeliner again! Some areas around the incisions felt numb, but that improved daily.

One Month Post-Surgery Update
As of December 5, 2024, it’s been a month since my surgery, and I feel almost fully recovered (though I know it can take up to six months for final results). For the first two weeks, my forehead and scalp felt strangely numb, but sensation has mostly returned. I can still feel the endotines under my skin, though they have started dissolving.

When the swelling went down, my brows dropped slightly. Initially, I requested a very natural result, as my husband was worried about my features changing too much—so he’s relieved and happy with how it turned out. While part of me now wonders if I should have opted for a slightly higher lift, I definitely look younger and more refreshed. My forehead is smooth, my eyes are brighter, and most importantly, my face still looks like me.

Perhaps in a couple of years, I might consider blepharoplasty to refine the results further, but for now, I’m very happy. I love how I look in selfies, and I hope the results last for a long time.

Final Thoughts
A huge thank you to Dr. Choi for his skilled hands and aesthetic sense. This experience has boosted my confidence, and I’m glad I finally overcame my fear of surgery. To anyone considering an endotine lift—do your research, but don’t let fear hold you back!

¤ Before

¤ After (1M)