National plastic surgery survey: brow lifting techniques and complications

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Brow lifting is a common cosmetic procedure.
• Understanding current trends in brow lifting techniques and outcomes is essential for plastic surgeons.
• Previous research has focused on facelift complications, with brow lift data pending.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess current trends in brow lifting philosophy, surgical techniques, and associated complications.
• To compare the effectiveness and complication rates of endoscopic versus coronal brow lift procedures.
• To gather data on patient satisfaction following brow lift surgery.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 3800 members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
• The survey response rate was 15%, yielding data on 6951 brow lift procedures.
• Data collected included surgical technique (endoscopic or coronal) and reported outcomes.

Main Results:

• Both endoscopic and coronal brow lift techniques were reported as effective by surgeons.
• The coronal brow lift technique was considered more effective for brow elevation, transverse line reduction, and glabellar line reduction.
• Complication rates were low for both methods, with alopecia being the most frequent (2.9%-4%).
• Patient satisfaction was high, ranging from 98.2% to 99.2%.

Conclusions:

• Both endoscopic and coronal brow lifts are effective procedures with low complication rates and high patient satisfaction.
• The coronal approach may offer superior results for specific aesthetic goals compared to the endoscopic technique.
• Alopecia is the most common complication, but overall complication and major complication rates are low.