Measurement of Normal Eyebrow, Eyelid, and Pretarsal Skin Heights

Abstract

The anatomic relationships of the eyebrows and eyelids influence facial appearance. Restoration or preservation of the symmetry of the eyebrows and eyelids through surgical means can restore a normal appearance. To establish the normal relationships of these facial structures in 143 normal Caucasian individuals, measurements were taken of the eyebrow height, the upper eyelid crease height, and the amount of visible pretarsal skin. It was noted that with increasing age the variation of the mean estimates for eyelid and eyebrow measurements was increased. Aging affected the measurements in younger patients, but in the middle age range, 41–60 years, the mean estimates leveled off or decreased. A high degree of intereye correlation was observed. Eyebrow and pretarsal skin heights as well as eyelid crease height were greater in females than in males. Corrective or cosmetic procedures on the eyelid and eyebrow should take into account these normal anatomic relationships.