The Suture Suspension Browlift: A Novel Technique for Minimally Invasive Brow Shaping

Goals/Purpose: Surgical rejuvenation of the forehead has decreased in popularity over the past 20 years. This has coincided with a proliferation of non-surgical alternatives. However, non-surgical treatments are limited in their control and extent of brow lifting. The purpose of this study is to introduce a novel minimally invasive technique for brow lift that provides greater power and control than currently available methods.

Methods/Technique: This a prospective case series of patients who underwent a novel suture brow suspension for non-surgical brow lift. It involves the use of a 3-0 barbed suture composed of a copolymer of glycolic acid and trimethylene carbonate on a straight needle to elevate or shape the brow by grasping the superficial musculoaponeurotic system without any incisions. This procedure can be done in isolation or in conjunction with other surgical techniques.

Results/Complications: Preliminary results include a total of 4 patients who have undergone the procedure. All 4 were female with average age 49.3 (Range 40-62). All were performed in the operating room in conjunction with other procedures. Two cases were performed in conjunction with other brow procedures to provide additional shaping. One case was performed with local anesthetic only, while 3 were performed with sedation. The only complication was temporary postoperative neuropathic pain in one patient, which was at the site of a concomitant brow procedure and not in the direct area of the suture placement.

Conclusion: The suture brow suspension is a novel minimally invasive technique for brow elevation and shaping that can provide greater control than previously available techniques. It can be performed with local anesthetic alone and preliminary results demonstrate a low risk of complication.