Advancement of the frontalis muscle for ptosis of the brow associated with essential blepharospasm

We evaluated our results of advancement of the frontalis muscle to correct brow ptosis associated with blepharospasm in five patients who had difficulty opening their eyelids as a result of ptosis even after injections of botulinum toxin. The frontalis muscle was retracted inferiorly and connected directly to the skin of the eyebrow. Postoperatively the level of the eyebrow was raised above the superior orbital rim in all cases during the observation period (4 to 15 months). Although the operation did not improve muscle spasms, it successfully shortened the duration of involuntary closure of the eyelid. The only postoperative complication was lymphoedema of the eyelids. Results of postoperative injection of botulinum toxin were satisfactory. Advancement of the frontalis muscle corrects brow ptosis without major complications, and is complementary to injection of botulinum toxin.