Patient outcomes, satisfaction, and improvement in headaches after endoscopic brow-lift

To improve preoperative counseling for patients considering endoscopic brow-lift (EBL).

To understand patient-reported outcomes, satisfaction, and recovery after EBL surgery to improve preoperative counseling.

A retrospective telephone survey of 57 patients who had EBL or EBL with concurrent rhytidectomy to assess cosmetic and functional outcomes using 47 questions.

Questions evaluated outcomes, satisfaction, and recovery.

Fifty-three patients (93%) reported the procedure was successful, and 55 patients (96%) would recommend undergoing this procedure. Forty-two (74%) were incidentally told they looked younger; 37 patients (65%) were told they looked less tired. Forty-two patients (74%) reported increased confidence. Fifty-one patients (89%) required analgesics for less than 1 week, 44 patients (77%) reported scars as unnoticeable, 54 patients (95%) reported postoperative edema lasting less than 2 weeks, 16 patients (28%) reported alopecia at an incision site, and 36 patients (63%) had some numbness. In the 16 patients who reported headaches before surgery, 8 patients (50%) reported an improvement in either frequency or intensity. Patients who underwent rhytidectomy were significantly more likely to take 2 weeks or longer to return to normal activities. No differences were noted between rhytidectomy with EBL compared with EBL alone in analgesic use, edema, numbness, alopecia, and satisfaction.

Endoscopic brow-lift is well tolerated and most patients are happy with the outcome. Relying on patient-reported information helps us to better understand the surgical experience and to improve preoperative counseling.

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