Nuances of the Direct Brow Lift: Oculoplastic Surgeons’ Perspective

Abstract

The direct supraciliary brow lift is an effective procedure to treat brow ptosis, limited by risk of a cosmetically undesirable scar. We performed a comprehensive literature review of direct supraciliary brow lift techniques and provide a summary of the key considerations. The optimal direct brow lift is initiated with thoughtful incision design and a carefully beveled supraciliary incision. Subcutaneous tissue debulking and wound edge undermining optimize wound eversion and approximation. A layered meticulously executed skin closure is essential for optimal cosmesis. The senior author’s personal technique, incorporating these concepts, is described and illustrated. We reviewed 76 patients (141 brows) who underwent our refined technique. At the time of final follow-up visit (average 4.9 months), 72 patients (94.7%) reported complete satisfaction with results. Adverse outcomes were found in 4 patients (5.3%) and included transient paresthesias (n = 3) and hypertrophic scarring (n = 1). Postoperative care routinely included the use of topical steroids and additional treatment with microneedling and 5-fluorouracil in 2 patients (2.6%) to optimize healing. The direct supraciliary brow lift is a minimally invasive and effective procedure to correct brow ptosis and may yield excellent cosmesis when key principles are utilized.