2025 Forehead Lift Costs: Why the Double Difference? 7 Factors Determining Price

The difference in forehead lift quotes stems from the combination of the surgical procedure (incision/endoscopic/temporal) and anesthesia method (sedation/general). The surgeon's experience, hospital facility rating, and recovery care program determine 30โ40% of the cost. The average price range in Korea starts from the 2 million won range, and the price can more than double for complex procedures.
Information as of June 2026
Estimation Structure Explained by Specialists
- Average cost difference between incision and endoscopy is 40-60%
- Anesthesia method accounts for 15-25% of the total cost
- A 30-minute difference in surgery time determines 30% of the estimate
Why is there a 2x difference for the same forehead lift?
This is the question I hear most frequently in the consultation room. "Hospital A is in the 2 million won range, while Hospital B is in the 5 million won range; what is the difference?" The difference in forehead lift costs is not simply due to differences in hospital size or brand.
There are seven major key factors that determine the price of a forehead lift. These include the type of procedure, anesthesia method, the surgeon's experience, hospital facility grade, whether concomitant procedures are performed, post-operative care programs, and regional characteristics. Looking at the average domestic price range in 2025, endoscopic forehead lifts start in the mid-2 million won range, while incisional forehead lifts start in the mid-3 million won range. These prices increase by 50-100% when complex procedures or general anesthesia are applied. The important thing is that expensive is not necessarily better. The necessary procedure varies depending on your forehead structure and the degree of sagging, and a reasonable price range is determined accordingly. Key Point: When receiving a quote, be sure to check that the 'procedure + anesthesia method + recovery care' are specified. Estimates that omit these three items are highly likely to result in additional costs later.
Procedure differences determine 40% of the cost

Forehead lifts are broadly divided into three surgical procedures. The procedures are Endoscopic Brow Lift, Coronal Brow Lift, and Temporal Brow Lift.
The Endoscopic Brow Lift involves making 5-6 incisions of 1-2 cm in the scalp and proceeding with an endoscopic camera. It leaves minimal scarring and allows for quick recovery, but the fixation strength is relatively weak. The procedure takes an average of 90-120 minutes.
The Coronal Brow Lift involves making an incision in the scalp from above one ear to the opposite ear. It offers strong fixation with a long duration, but the recovery period is longer, lasting 2-3 weeks. The surgery takes 150-180 minutes.
The Temporal Brow Lift is a method that involves making an incision only along the hairline near the temple. It is suitable for moderate sagging, and the surgery takes 60-90 minutes. Among the three procedures, the cost is Endoscopic Forehead lifts are performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Sedation anesthesia involves the intravenous administration of 200โ400 mg of Propofol via conscious sedation.
General anesthesia utilizes inhaled anesthetics such as Sevoflurane via endotracheal intubation. An anesthesiologist must be present, and recovery room monitoring is mandatory.
The average cost of sedation anesthesia is around 300,000โ500,000 KRW, while general anesthesia costs around 800,000โ1,200,000 KRW. General anesthesia is recommended for surgeries lasting 180 minutes or longer, or for complex procedures.
In Korea, according to the guidelines of the Korean Society of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, observation in the recovery room for at least two hours is mandatory during general anesthesia. You must check if this cost is also included in the estimate.
Caution
The method of anesthesia is determined by considering not only the surgery time but also the patient's underlying conditions (hypertension, diabetes, etc.) and cardiovascular status. Choosing the cheapest anesthesia unconditionally is dangerous.
A board-certified plastic surgeon is a given. What matters is experience performing forehead lifts. In clinical practice, medical staff who perform more than 50 surgeries annually are classified as the 'highly experienced group.'
Membership in the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, a history of publishing SCI-indexed papers, and experience presenting at international conferences (ISAPS, ASPS) are also reflected in the cost. Medical staff in this category are charged an average of 20โ30% higher fees.
The hospital facility grade is also important. Under the Medical Service Act, operating rooms must maintain a cleanliness level of Class 10,000 (based on dust count) or lower. Advanced hospitals are equipped with HEPA filters at the Class 1,000 level.
Also, check for the availability of emergency equipment. It is safer to choose a facility equipped with defibrillators, emergency carts, and oxygen saturation monitoring systems. These facilities cost 10-15% more, but safety is doubled.
Concurrent procedures are more common than forehead lifting alone. The most common combination is upper blepharoplasty. There is significant synergy when correcting sagging forehead and eyelids simultaneously. In some cases, 100-200U of Botox is additionally administered to the glabella and around the eyes. Costs vary depending on the product, such as Allergan's Botox, Meditoxin, and Nabota.
Forehead volume can also be added by combining it with fat grafting. An average of 10-20cc is grafted, with a survival rate of 60-70%. In this case, the total cost increases by 30-50%.
A point to note regarding combined procedures is the recovery period. It takes about 2 weeks for a forehead lift alone, but it increases to 3-4 weeks if upper eyelid surgery is also performed. Office workers should consider their vacation schedules.
Tip: Find a clinic with extensive experience in combined procedures on K-Dia. Performing multiple procedures at once increases cost efficiency by 20-30% compared to performing them individually.
One thing that is easy to overlook in an estimate is aftercare costs. Typically, 3-5 disinfection and suture removal sessions are required after a forehead lift. Check if these costs are included.
The edema management program is also important. Recovery speed can vary by 30-40% depending on whether radiofrequency (RF) treatment, lymphatic massage, and compression bandages are provided.
Check the medication prescription as well. A 7-10 day supply of antibiotics (3rd generation cephalosporins), anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ketorolac), and anti-edema medication (tranexamic acid) is standard. You must ask whether these costs are separate or included.
Some hospitals offer a one-year free after-service (AS) warranty. This is a system that provides free re-operation in the event of fixation failure or asymmetry. While the initial cost is 10-20% higher at places with this warranty, it is safer in the long run.
There are also price differences depending on the region. Prices in the Gangnam area of โโSeoul are 20-30% higher than the national average, while they are 10-15% lower in provincial metropolitan cities. However, it may be difficult to find experienced medical staff in provincial areas.
It is important to find a hospital with strong clinical recovery care. Compare hospitals offering 1:1 customized care programs on K-Dia.
Minimal scarring, quick return to daily life Long-lasting results, certain effectiveness Good Lateral Canthal Lifting Effect Misconception The more expensive the hospital, the better the results Truth Price is also influenced by facilities and services. In clinical practice, the surgeon's experience (annual number of surgeries) and the selection of the surgical procedure determine 70% of the outcome. Even at a hospital in the 3 million won range, if a procedure is performed that does not suit your forehead structure, it will be ineffective. The important thing is to find a medical team that fits your case.
Misconception: A low quote means a substandard surgery.
Truth: Quotes vary depending on the region, hospital size, and marketing costs. They are not directly related to the actual quality of the surgery. What matters is whether the 'procedure + anesthesia + post-operative care' is clearly specified on the quote. Even with a low-cost quote, it can be a reasonable choice if these three things are disclosed transparently.
As of 2025, endoscopic forehead lifts start in the mid-2 million won range, while incisional forehead lifts start in the mid-3 million won range. There can be a difference of over 1 million won depending on the anesthesia method, hospital facility grade, and whether concomitant procedures are performed. When comparing quotes, please first check if the surgical procedure and anesthesia method are identical. It is due to differences in surgery time and recovery management. The incisional method takes 60โ90 minutes longer (average 150โ180 minutes), and requires longer monitoring in the recovery room. Additionally, the number of suture removals is higher (2โ3 times), which increases post-operative care costs. The cost difference is approximately 40-60% on average.
How much does the cost of anesthesia differ?
Sedation anesthesia costs an average of 300,000 to 500,000 won, while general anesthesia costs around 800,000 to 1,200,000 won. General anesthesia is more expensive because the presence of an anesthesiologist and 2 hours of observation in the recovery room are mandatory. General anesthesia is recommended when the surgery time is 180 minutes or longer or when complex procedures are performed.
Are post-operative care costs included in the estimate?
It varies by hospital. Some include disinfection and suture removal, while others charge 50,000 to 100,000 won separately per visit. Since an average of 3 to 5 visits are required, the total difference can be between 150,000 and 500,000 won. Before signing the contract, be sure to verify the 'number of follow-up appointments and costs' in writing.
How do I check the revision surgery (AS) warranty?
Check if the 'AS warranty conditions' are specified in the contract. Typically, free revision surgery is provided within one year in the event of fixation failure or severe asymmetry. However, cases caused by 'patient negligence (drinking, smoking, etc.)' are excluded. Check to see if there are documented clauses rather than just verbal agreements.
Are there additional costs if side effects occur after a forehead lift?
Complications such as infection, hematoma, and nerve damage are usually treated free of charge by the hospital. However, separate costs may be incurred for issues arising from the patient's failure to follow instructions (failure to quit smoking, excessive activity). Be sure to check the pre-operative consent form for a clause regarding the cost of treating complications. Individual differences exist, and consultation with a specialist is required.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. You must consult with a specialist before the procedure.
Anesthesia method, 15-25% of the total estimate
Surgeon's Experience and Hospital Facility Rating

Item
Basic Facilities
Advanced Facilities
Cost Difference
Operating Room Cleanliness
Class 10,000
Class 1,000 (HEPA)
+10%
Anesthesia Monitoring
Basic 3 Types
7 Types or More (Including BIS)
+15%
Emergency Equipment
Defibrillator
Full Set Emergency Cart
+5%
Recovery Room Nursing
1:3 Nurses
1:1 Dedicated Nurse
+10%
Concurrent Procedures and Combined Procedures
Aftercare and Hidden Costs

Cost comparison by type of forehead lift procedure
Endoscopic forehead lift [Fast recovery]
Coronal Incision Forehead Lift [Strong fixation]
Temporal Incision [Medium Option]
Common Misconceptions
Things to Check When Getting a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions Question
What is the average starting cost for a forehead lift?
Why is there such a large cost difference between endoscopic and incisional methods?



