Dual cortical tunneling method for endoscopic forehead lift

Abstract

Background Endoscopic forehead lift with cortical tunneling is an effective option for rejuvenation of the upper third of the face. Although it has been considered safe and reliable, with relatively consistent long-term results, relapse and weakening of adhesion have been common problems. Methods We suggest the dual-tunneling method for overcoming these limitations. A total of 100 patients aged 17 to 65 years underwent forehead lifting with cortical tunneling by the senior author from August 2016 to December 2017. The single-tunnel method was applied in one half of the patients and the dual-tunnel method in the other half. Bilateral brow positions were measured immediately following surgery and 6 months later. Results For all cases, cortical tunneling was done at the central incision and both paramedian incisions; therefore, three tunnels were used in the control group and six tunnels in the experimental group. In the single-tunnel group, relapse distances were 2.39±0.83 mm for the medial brow and 3.26±0.91 mm for the lateral brow (6 months postoperatively; n=100). The dual-tunnel group showed significantly smaller (P<0.001) relapse distances, with values of 1.69±0.46 mm and 2.17±0.59 mm for the medial and lateral brow, respectively (6 months postoperatively; n=100). The experimental group did not show an increase in complications. Conclusions The dual-tunneling method, designed to minimize the cheese-wiring effect, uses a triangular plane to avoid a focal fixation. The fixation also includes the periosteum to hold the forehead tissue in place, inducing stronger adhesion.