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Patients reported satisfaction with endoscopic brow lift results

Endoscopic brow lift was well tolerated by patients, with more than 90% reporting successful outcomes, according to recent study results.

Researchers conducted a retrospective telephone survey of 57 patients (mean age, 49.5 years; 97% women) who had endoscopic brow lift (EBL; n=49) or EBL with concurrent rhytidectomy (n=8). Outcome, satisfaction and recovery were evaluated via the 47-question survey.

Seventy-five percent of patients had concurrent blepharoplasty and 70% had functional noncosmetic goals. The procedure was rated successful by 93% of patients, with 96% saying they would recommend undergoing the procedure. Seventy-four percent reported they were “incidentally told they looked younger,” and 65% reported being told they looked less tired. Increased confidence was reported by 74% of patients.

Analgesics were required for less than 1 week by 89% of patients. Scars were considered unnoticeable by 77% of patients. Ninety-five percent of patients reported edema lasting less than 2 weeks, with alopecia at incision sites cited by 28% and numbness reported by 63%.

Of 16 patients who had reported regular headaches before EBL, two reported complete postsurgical headache resolution; six reported improvements in frequency or intensity. Patients whose surgery included rhytidectomy were slower to return to work or normal daily activities compared with patients who had EBL alone (39% vs. 87% able to return to work within 2 weeks; P=.02). Patients who had EBL and rhytidectomy compared with EBL alone reported no differences in analgesic use, edema, numbness, alopecia and satisfaction.

“Overall, patients undergoing EBL are satisfied with their outcomes,” the researchers concluded. “Relying on patient-reported information helps us to better understand the surgical experience and to improve preoperative counseling. We hope to see further progress in this area … and strongly believe that this area represents many opportunities for further research.”