Does Brow Bone Augmentation Raise The Eyebrows?

Q: Dr. Eppley, One thing I did notice in brow bone augmentation before and after pictures was that the eyebrows seem more raised. This was most apparent to me in brow bone augmentations that were done with bone cement but this also seemed to occur in those that got fat grafts too, albeit to a much lesser extent. Is such an outcome a given? Or can it be avoided in any way? What causes this in the first place?

A: Whether the eyebrow raises after any form of brow bone augmentation is an issue which I nor any patient have ever noticed in any significant manner. At the least no patient has ever told me it was a concern or problem after surgery. It would make sense that some elevation may occur since volume and projection is being added and the overlying skin surface area is not being increased per se. (minus the tissue expansion effect) I do know that the reverse can be true…brows can fall somewhat after brow bone reduction which is why I almost always do some minor brow lifting with most brow bone reductions.

Whatever the browlifting effect that may or may not occur wit brow bone reduction, it does not appear to be significant.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana