Dual-plane lift-and-hold technique for brow ptosis in young patients with facial paralysis

Abstract

Background: Direct browlift is useful but leaves a scar above the brow. We proposed a dual-plane browlift to avoid facial scarring while effectively resolving brow ptosis in young and young adult patients.

Methods: Seven patients with facial palsy underwent dual-plane browlift between July 2018 and June 2022. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 31.9 months. Skin resection at the hairline was combined with subcutaneous dissection down to the inferior margin of the brow to "lift" the brow. Fascia lata strips were fixed to the dermis just inferior to the eyebrow to "hold" the brow, and the strips were suspended upward through the subperiosteal tunnel and fixed to the periosteum. Brow height was compared before and after the procedure and with the contralateral side.

Results: The reported complications included slight hematoma at the recipient site, temporary difficulty in closing the eye, and seroma at the fascia donor site. The paralyzed side showed significant differences between the preoperative period and postoperative months (POM) 3, 6, and 12, but differences were not shown in the intervals between POM 3 and 6, 6 and 12, or 3 and 12. The difference in eyebrow height between the paralyzed and nonparalyzed sides was significant preoperatively but not at POM 3, 6, or 12. All scars matured well, and the fascia silhouette was not visible in the forehead region.

Conclusions: Dual-plane browlift enables rigid suspension using the fascia lata and excises flaccid skin without leaving facial scars, yielding excellent cosmetic quality and stable long-term outcomes.

Keywords: Brow lift; Browlift; Dual-plane; Eyebrow lift; Facial paralysis; Fascial suspension.