Objective Brow Height Measurements Following Pretrichial Brow Lift and Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

BACKGROUND: As the ptotic brow drops below the supraorbital rim, it can exacerbate dermatochalasis by pushing the adjacent skin of the upper lid further down. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes associated with a combined pretrichial brow lift and upper lid blepharoplasty in patients with dermatochalasis and mild to moderate brow ptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case series of 46 patients with dermatochalasis and mild to moderate brow ptosis treated with a combined, bilateral pretrichial brow lift and upper lid blepharoplasty from January 2008 to December 2011. Main outcome measures included measurements of brow lift at 3 months post-operatively, complications encountered, patient satisfaction and surgeon satisfaction. RESULTS: Outcomes from 46 patients were evaluated. The mean brow lift was 1.85 mm at the lateral canthus, 1.54 mm at the lateral limbus, 1.31 mm at the mid-pupil, and 1.07 mm at the medial limbus. Brow lift at the lateral canthus was significantly more elevated than at the medial limbus (P < 0.001). Minor complications were encountered in seven of 46 patients (15.2%). Mean patient satisfaction score was 3.20 and surgeon satisfaction 3.24 (max = 4, very satisfied). CONCLUSIONS: The modified pretrichial brow lift offered effective lateral lift that complements an upper lid blepharoplasty. This technique was met with a high degree of patient and surgeon satisfaction, and had a minimal complication profile.