Current concepts in brow lift surgery

During the past decade, surgeons have increasingly recognized that brow ptosis is an important contributor to dermatochalasis and ptosis of the upper eyelid. Surgical elevation of the ptotic brow improves eyelid esthetics; conversely, failure to appreciate and to alleviate brow abnormalities frequently compromises the results of upper eyelid surgery. Improved understanding of eyebrow anatomy and of the pathophysiology of the aging face, combined with advances in small-incision surgery, have culminated in a unified approach to correction of the ptotic brow. Despite improvements in surgical techniques, the surgical outcome can deviate from the perceived eyelid-brow ideal. Both the surgical management and objectives of eyebrow surgery continue to evolve.