Small-incision frontalis muscle transposition flap for lateral eyebrow ptosis repair.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a novel technique to correct lateral eyebrow ptosis using a frontalis muscle transposition flap.


METHODS
The charts of all patients undergoing eyebrow ptosis repair using a frontalis muscle transposition flap from December 2013 through April 2014 were reviewed to describe the surgical technique.


RESULTS
Sixteen patients underwent eyebrow ptosis repair using a frontalis muscle pedicle flap during the study period. Briefly, after local infiltration, a lateral forehead rhytid was marked and incised for approximately 1.5 cm. Blunt dissection exposed the frontalis-orbicularis angle, the frontalis-orbicularis insertion, and the lateral extent of the frontalis muscle. A pedicle flap of lateral frontalis muscle was created, trimmed, and transposed laterally in graded fashion to achieve the optimal eyebrow height and contour. The incision was closed with 5-0 polypropylene suture. All patients reported improvement in eyebrow position.


CONCLUSIONS
This novel technique provides frontalis muscle elevatory force to the lateral eyebrow through a small incision to improve eyebrow ptosis. Further study, including objective measures of long-term results, is required.
Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
Bryan R
BR
Costin
Julian D
JD
Perry
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001763:Blepharoptosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005138:Eyebrows; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013537:Sutures
D011126:Polypropylenes