Direct Brow Lift Combined with Suspension of the Orbicularis Oculi Muscle

BACKGROUND: Although the conventional direct brow lift operation provides a simple means of managing lateral brow ptosis, the scars produced have been unacceptable. However, using the modifications proposed here, scarring showed remarkable improvement. This article reviews our experiences with the presented technique, mainly with respect to postoperative scarring. METHODS: Measured amounts of supra-eyebrow skin and subcutaneous fat were excised en bloc in the conventional manner under 'hyper-hydrated' local infiltration anesthesia. The lower flap and the edge of the upper flap were undermined above the muscular plane, and the orbicularis oculi muscle was directly suture-plicated and suspended upward to the distal frontalis muscle. Skin closure was performed in a basic plastic surgical manner. RESULTS: From April 2007 to April 2012, a consecutive series of 60 patients underwent surgery using the above method. The average width of the excised skin was 8 mm (range, 5-15 mm) at the apex of the eyebrow. Preoperative complaints were resolved without occurrence of significant complications. The surgical scars showed remarkable improvement and were negligible in the majority of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The direct brow lift operation combined with plication/suspension of the superior and lateral portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle provides a simple, safe, and predictable means of correcting lateral brow ptosis. The scars were acceptable to all of the patients. For proper management of the frontalis tone, upper blepharoplasty and/or repair of eyelid levator function must be considered in addition to brow lift procedures.