Endoscope-Assisted Trichophytic Anterior Hairline Brow Lift

Kim, Ji Min; Hong, Jeong Geun

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The brow lift plays an essential role in upper face rejuvenation. The authors designed a new brow lift technique, the endoscope-assisted trichophytic anterior hairline brow lift. It combines the advantages of an endoscopic approach and an anterior hairline approach. This technique was applied to 13 patients with aesthetically excellent results.
METHODS
A trichophytic incision line was designed within the fine hairs of the entire anterior hairline and the incision was extended to the temporal hair-bearing scalp. After the incision, most of the procedures were conducted in a similar way to the conventional endoscopic brow lift. Without direct visualization, the dissection was extended down onto the root of the nose and the forehead. An endoscope was used from 2 cm above the supraorbital notch to avoid supraorbital nerve injury. Scars were assessed with the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) at the time the sutures were removed. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was checked at postoperative 1-year follow-up. The surgical outcomes for brow position and subjective satisfaction were rated with the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) at postoperative 1-month follow-up. The dermatome of the deep branch of the supraorbital nerve, especially around the hairline, was checked with a two-point discrimination test.
RESULTS
From October 2012 through August 2015, 13 endoscope-assisted trichophytic anterior hairline brow lifts were performed. The GAIS score was 1.62 on average. The VAS score was 2.09 on average. No permanent nerve damage has been reported except for 2 cases of temporary paresthesia. These fully recovered at 1-month follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on our results, we think our technique could be a safe and effective treatment option for brow ptosis patients with a high hairline.