Volumizing the brow with hyaluronic acid fillers.
BACKGROUND
Aging eyes often are treated by excision of apparent excess skin and fat and, in some instances, by elevation of the brow. The result of these traditional approaches is increased definition of the orbit, which is not of benefit for all patients. In some cases, the addition of volume in the periorbital area may provide a better-looking result than traditional surgical alternatives.


OBJECTIVE
The author describes the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for improvement of the periorbital region.


METHODS
Using local anesthetic, patients are provided with a preview of the aesthetic result of treatment with HA fillers to add volume to the brow. Most treatments are performed using HA fillers, which have the benefit of results that are both reversible and long-lasting. The author uses a fanning technique to inject small quantities of material.


RESULTS
The use of these techniques results in a high degree of patient satisfaction. Occasional minor irregularities may occur, but these can be smoothed out by massage or blended by further injection. Results lasting two years are common and we have observed longevity of three years or more in some patients. Some brow configurations that falsely project emotional states, such as anxiety, may also be corrected.


CONCLUSIONS
As in other types of cosmetic surgery, patient selection is key. In properly selected patients, increased fullness of the upper lids is preferable to the greater definition of the lids resulting from traditional surgical techniques. The longevity of treatment and reversibility of changes to the upper lids with HA fillers render this approach both cost-effective and safe.
Lambros
Val
V
Department of Plastic Surgery, University of California-Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA. lambrosone@aol.com
D000375:Aging; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005143:Eyelids; D005260:Female; D005546:Forehead; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D007267:Injections; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018579:Patient Selection; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid