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

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 The order is coronal incision. The choice of surgical method depends on the degree of forehead sagging, scalp elasticity, and hairline height. Clinically, coronal incision is often recommended if forehead sagging is 5mm or more, while endoscopy is recommended if it is 3mm or less.

• Average surgery time for endoscopic forehead lift: 90-120 minutes
• Average surgery time for coronal incision forehead lift: 150-180 minutes
• Cost difference by surgical method: Average 40-60%

Anesthesia method, 15-25% of the total estimate

Forehead lifts are performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Sedation anesthesia involves the intravenous administration of 200–400 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 300,000–500,000 KRW, while general anesthesia costs around 800,000–1,200,000 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.

Surgeon's Experience and Hospital Facility Rating

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 20–30% 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 and Combined Procedures

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.

Aftercare and Hidden Costs

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 ​​Seoul 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.

• Average number of post-operative care sessions: 3-5 times (disinfection, suture removal)
• Medication prescription period: 7-10 days (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory painkillers, anti-edema medication)
• Seoul Gangnam vs. Nationwide average price difference: 20-30%

Cost comparison by type of forehead lift procedure

Common Misconceptions

Things to Check When Getting a Quote

• Whether the type of procedure (endoscopic/incision/temporal) is specified — If it only says 'forehead lift,' additional costs may arise later
• The anesthesia method (sedation/general) and whether a board-certified anesthesiologist is on staff — Anesthesia accidents are the number one criterion for choosing a hospital
• Number of post-operative care sessions and whether costs are included — Check if disinfection, suture removal, and medication prescriptions are separate
• Conditions and duration of the revision surgery warranty (AS) — Verify in writing whether free revision surgery is possible in case of fixation failure
• Cost of pre-operative CT or 3D simulation — Some hospitals include it in the consultation fee, while others charge an additional 100,000 to 300,000 won

Frequently Asked Questions Question

What is the average starting cost for a forehead lift?

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.

Why is there such a large cost difference between endoscopic and incisional methods?

It is due to differences in surgery time and recovery management. The incisional method takes 60–90 minutes longer (average 150–180 minutes), and requires longer monitoring in the recovery room. Additionally, the number of suture removals is higher (2–3 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.

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