The Role of the “C-line” in Obtaining a Permanent Brow Elevation

Abstract

Many different aspects of the techniques used for brow lifting have been explored. I have not been fully satisfied, however, by the long-term results obtained by the forehead lift through either the open technique or the endoscopic technique as it has been previously described. After reviewing the functional anatomy of the area and the effectiveness of the successful surgical maneuvers,1–5 I have reached several conclusions. A brief review of the anatomy reveals the location of the retaining structures in the lateral eyebrow region.6–10 These structures prevent the full elevation of the lateral aspect of the brow whereas the medial brow elevation is satisfactory. The localized and limited technique described as “forehead lift” does not take into consideration the lateral portion of the eyebrow but will often lift the medial brow to give the “surprised look” because of inadequate elevation of the lateral brow. Adrien E. Aiache, MD, Beverly Hills, CA , is a board-certified plastic surgeon and an ASAPS member. The temporal crest is the site of convergence of the superficial temporal fascia and the deep temporal fascia or temporal fascia proper. These fasciae enclose the temporalis muscle with the periosteum …