Long-Term Brow Lift Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To examine long-term outcomes of brow lift procedures, comparing surgical and fixation methods.

Inclusion required original human research, at least 1 brow lift surgery cohort, quantitative measurements for brow elevation with a measure of statistical spread, and a mean follow-up of at least 6 months. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, article screening and data collection were conducted by 2 independent reviewers. Random-effects models were conducted to estimate pooled lateral, central, and medial brow elevation and pooled complication rates.

Of the 22 studies included, there were 2,127 brows, and the weighted average of follow-up intervals was 20.9 months. The lateral, central, and medial brow elevated significantly ( p < 0.0001) by 3.8 mm, 3.02 mm, and 2.41 mm, respectively, with small/moderate heterogeneity. There were no significant differences between pre- and post-trichial long-term elevation or complication rates. Tined implant fixation had significantly greater lateral elevation ( p = 0.0192) and significantly greater dysesthesia rates ( p = 0.027) compared with suture fixation.

This study provides evidence supporting the long-term efficacy of brow lifts with a favorable safety profile. When choosing a technique, physicians should understand that while there were no significant differences between pretrichial and post-trichial brow lifts, tined implants for brow fixation trended towards greater lateral brow elevation and increased rates of dysesthesia compared to using sutures.