Evaluation of the midforehead brow-lift operation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine patients who have undergone midforehead brow-lift to assess the resulting brow position, symmetry, and final scar and overall appearance based on objective evaluations by masked plastic surgeons and laypersons.

METHODS: Twenty-one patients undergoing midforehead brow-lift in a single surgeon's practice were identified with at least 6 months' postoperative photographic documentation. Information was collected concerning patient demographics, the cause of brow ptosis, and the outcome of surgery. Four independent evaluators, including 2 plastic surgeons and 2 laypersons, were recruited to compare preoperative and postoperative photographs for brow symmetry, elevation, and incision scar and overall appearance.

RESULTS: The midforehead brow-lift was found to offer excellent aesthetic results in all patients, with the mean across all categories being greater than 3.5 on the 4.0-point scale (independent of the reviewer background). The mean overall score was 3.60. No patients received the lowest rating of a poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: A review of the literature regarding brow-lifts and current practice patterns is provided. We believe that the midforehead brow-lift should hold a prominent place among the current treatments for the aging upper third of the face.