An Original Application of the Endotine Ribbon Device for Brow Lift

Abstract

Correction of brow ptosis and lateral temporal laxity is one of the goals of surgical rejuvenation of the aging face. The Endotine Forehead (Coapt Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif.) device is an effective bioabsorbable fixation tool for forehead and brow-lift procedures. However, the Endotine Forehead device alone is not able to correct lateral brow ptosis and temporal laxity. In this article, the authors propose an innovative use of another special device, the Endotine Ribbon (Coapt Systems), to provide long-lasting results in lateral brow-lift surgery and temporal lateral laxity correction. Between February of 2006 and April of 2007, a total of 30 patients, aged between 38 and 70 years (average, 50 years), underwent brow-lift surgery. With this technique, the Endotine Ribbon is cut in halves and each portion of it is anchored to the deep temporal fascia with sutures, and its multiple tines facing outward grasp the superficial temporal fascia. The amount of brow elevation produced was assessed by comparison of the preoperative and postoperative vertical distances between the superior eyebrow hairline and the midpupil and lateral and medial canthal angle. The average follow-up period was 18 months. Using this technique, perfectly symmetric lateral eyebrows and temporal laxity correction were obtained in all patients. A lasting result was observed, and no significant adverse events were encountered. The application of the Endotine Ribbon for brow-lift procedures provides significant and reproducible lateral brow elevation and temporal laxity correction. This fixation method is effective, safe, and easy to use, and leads to high patient satisfaction.