A new minimally invasive, non-excisional, surgical browlift technique with minimal scarring: a protocol for a prospective observational study

Frank W De Jongh,Laurens B.R Kooiman,Koen J.A.O Ingels,Elijah E Sanches,Sjaak Pouwels,Kim M.E Wehrens,Liang T Tan

doi:10.12688/f1000research.74826.1

Frank W De Jongh, Laurens B.R Kooiman + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.74826.1

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Abstract

Background The aim of this study is to prospectively evaluate the new minimal invasive (MINE) browlift technique with possibly superior results and minimal visible scarring. Methods A prospective observational study will be performed on all available data from patients who will undergo a browlift procedure in the Haaglanden Medical Center from 1-6-2021 till 31-5-2022. Our goal is to include at least 50 patients (1 per week). Inclusion criteria are: patients with medical (i.e. brow-ptosis, facial paralysis) or cosmetic indication, patients with sufficient understanding of the Dutch or English language and willingness to participate in extra study specific follow-up moments and filling in of questionnaires. Exclusion criteria are: <18 years of age and patients with previous brow or eyelid surgery. Patients will be photographed pre- and postoperatively using the VECTRA camera. The database management software Castor will be used to store and collect the data from the questionnaire. The Medical Research Ethics Committee found this study not eligible to be submitted to the Dutch Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Acts (WMO). Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients. Results Outcomes measures to be evaluated include: scarring after procedure; functionality of eyebrow movement; amount of correction in brow ptosis, measured in VECTRA; longevity of procedure in months; aesthetic result as assessed by questionnaires; and adverse effects of the procedure.

Highlights

Ptosis of the forehead or eyebrows is a common problem, especially among the elderly
The position of the brow is affected by the corrugator supercilii, depressor supercilii, orbicularis oculi, and procerus and the frontalis muscle[3]
There is a need to provide relevant evidence in patient care in brow surgery, since most browlift techniques are done from experience and not necessarily evidence based

Summary

Introduction

Ptosis of the forehead or eyebrows is a common problem, especially among the elderly. The motor innervation of these muscles is supplied by branches of the facial nerve. The temporal branch innervates the frontalis, superior part of the orbicularis oculi, the transverse head of the corrugator supercilli and superior part of the procerus muscles. The zygomatic branch innervates the inferior and medial parts of the orbicularis oculi, the inferior part of the procerus, the depressor supercilii and the oblique head of the corrugator supercilii muscles. Methods A prospective observational study will be performed on all available data from patients who will undergo a browlift procedure in the Haaglanden Medical Center from 1-6-2021 till 31-5-2022. Inclusion criteria are: patients with medical (i.e. brow-ptosis, facial paralysis) or cosmetic indication, patients with sufficient understanding of the Dutch or English language and willingness to participate in extra study specific followup moments and filling in of questionnaires.

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