“Endoscopic-assisted, subperiosteal browlift bone fixation technique outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis”

BACKGROUND: The optimal central forehead fixation method after endoscopic-assisted, subperiosteal browlift is an ongoing clinical controversy. There are two general categories of central forehead bone fixation: permanent bone fixation (e.g., fixation implants, bone tunnels) and temporary bone fixation (e.g., removable, percutaneous titanium screws). A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare complication and revision surgery incidence rates using permanent versus temporary fixation after subperiosteal browlift for upper third facial rejuvenation. METHODS: PubMed and Embase databases were queried for studies reporting on adult patients undergoing endoscopic-assisted, subperiosteal browlift for upper third facial rejuvenation. Papers reporting on patients undergoing alternative browlift approaches, revision surgery, or browlifts with concomitant facial plastic procedures were excluded. RESULTS: The database search yielded 296 unique studies, of which 13 met inclusion criteria. Data on article characteristics, patient demographics, and the most common complications were extracted. A meta-analysis of complication incidence rates revealed the pooled complication rates across both fixation categories to be