Abstract: Eyebrows Elevation – a New, Easy and Cheap Trick

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Redeeming a technique published in 1967 by Dr. René Guillemain, “the Curl lift”, we find a very easy and a long-lasting result procedure to elevate the eyebrows, in a fast resolution ambulatory intervention. PURPOSE: The “Curl lifting” technique for eyebrows elevation consists in soft tissues elevation using smooth threads tied up in the level of the hairline. The threads are inserted under the skin, in two different surgical plans in order to avoid the “undermining effect” when the threads are tied up. METHODS: In all cases, local infiltrative anesthesia is used. A 15’ blade scalpel is used to stab the skin in each corner of the preliminarily marked square contour. Then, a blunt Reverdin needle is inserted through the external superior orifice in a deep plan, until it goes out across the external inferior orifice and pick up the smooth thread. Then the needle returns bringing the thread. After this the needle is inserted, again, through the internal inferior orifice, in a superficial sub-dermal plan until goes out across the external inferior orifice and pick up again the smooth thread. Then these maneuvers are repeated till the square is completed and the thread’s ends are tied up, cut and buried under the skin, using a delicate hook. The last step is a bandage with Micropore at the forehead, for three days, to immobilize the region. RESULTS: The routine operation is easy and quick to perform with a very short learning curve. The obtained outcome proves to remain for a long time. We are using the Curl-lifting technique for eyebrows elevation, above described, since May 2003, in more than 800 patients from 35 to 82 years (average of 58,5 years). CONCLUSION: The “Curl” lifting technique using smooth threads for eyebrows elevation is one more excellent tool in the therapeutic arsenal of ancillary procedures for the correction of facial aging. This is a minimal invasive ambulatory procedure which has as main advantages no visible scars and a short learning curve. This technique has the advantage of no visible scars, like the Castañares technique and the forehead lifting, easy equilibration of both sides which is difficult with Aptos threads, has a very short learning curve and is a low-cost procedure, the opposite of the endoscopic techniques.