Eyebrow position recognition and correction in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

OBJECTIVES To improve (1) recognition of eyebrow ptosis, asymmetry, or deformity and (2) selection of the appropriate surgical technique based on the patient's underlying etiology. DESIGN Nonrandomized, retrospective study of patients undergoing surgical correction of eyebrow asymmetry. Forty consecutive patients were identified as having asymmetric eyebrow ptosis or deformity. Varying etiologies included those that were congenital, posttraumatic, age-related, iatrogenic, or idiopathic, with or without facial nerve paralysis. Patients underwent a variety of surgical approaches for correction of the eyebrow malposition, including transblepharoplasty, midforehead, coronal, and endoscopic procedures. Preoperative evaluation of patients, identification of patient-specific appropriate surgical technique, and photographs and grading of postoperative results are discussed. RESULTS All patients had a minimum follow-up period of at least 4 months (mean, 15 months; range, 4 months to 3 years). Preoperative and postoperative photographs were obtained and graded. Complete symmetry was achieved in 8 patients (20%), considerable improvement in 23 patients (57%), modest improvement in 7 patients (18%), and no improvement in 2 patients (5%). No notable postoperative complications were reported. Recommendations for improving results are included. CONCLUSIONS The key to correction of eyebrow ptosis in patients undergoing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery is to first recognize the asymmetry. It is also important to note the effect of reconstructive and cosmetic surgical procedures on eyebrow position in order to limit the need to perform additional procedures to correct resultant eyebrow asymmetries and deformities. Finally, the surgeon must consider which eyebrow-lift technique is optimal for the patient's underlying etiology to improve postoperative results and patient satisfaction.