Endoscopic forehead lift in patients with male pattern baldness

• Published in: American journal of otolaryngology Vol. 33; no. 5; pp. 519 - 522
• Main Authors: Shipchandler, Taha Z., MD, Sultan, Babar, MD, Byrne, Patrick J., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.09.2012; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Aged; Alopecia - surgery; Endoscopy - methods; Eyebrows; Follow-Up Studies; Forehead - surgery; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Otolaryngology; Retrospective Studies; Rhytidoplasty - methods; Scalp - surgery; Surgery; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0196-0709; 1532-818X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2011.11.007

Abstract Purpose The presence of male pattern baldness poses a significant challenge when attempting to optimize treatment of the upper third of the face. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate and discuss results of the endoscopic forehead lift in patients with male pattern baldness. Materials and methods This was a retrospective case series done in an academic medical center. Eleven patients with male pattern baldness (Norwood class IV–VII) underwent endoscopic forehead lift for forehead creases and brow ptosis. Results All patients achieved smoothing of the forehead and elevation of the brow with no scalp anesthesia at 1 month postoperatively. All patients were pleased with the healing of their incisions in midline, paramedian, and temporal regions. Alloplastic fixation devices used were visible postoperatively in 2 patients initially. Conclusions The endoscopic forehead lift is a suitable approach for treating the upper third of the face in the presence of male pattern baldness. The use of alloplastic fixation devices may be used in this patient population, but other fixation methods should be considered.