Patient and surgeon experience with the endotine forehead device for brow and forehead lift.

[PURPOSE] : To report our experience with the Endotine forehead fixation device (Coapt Systems, Palo Alto, CA, U.S.A.), a bioabsorbable fixation method for forehead and brow lift.

[METHODS] : Retrospective noncomparative case series of 31 patients who underwent forehead and brow lift surgery using the Endotine device in a single center during a 12-month period from 2004 to 2005.

[RESULTS] A mean brow lift of 2.8 mm (SD, 0.2-7.1 mm) was achieved. There were no cases of recurrence during the follow-up period of 4 months to 22 months. Problems encountered included palpability, tenderness, and numbness. In the majority of cases, these symptoms resolved within a few months and were not troublesome to the patient. Other problems included visible lumps, device mobility, and exacerbation of a high hairline. Patient satisfaction was high, with 95.3% of patients saying they were either happy or very happy with the results; 81% of patients said they would recommend the Endotine as a method of fixation. All surgeons were pleased by the lift achieved and felt the device was easy to use. Problems reported by the surgeons included 1 dislocated device, discomfort, palpability beyond 15 months, a lack of lateral compared with central lift, and cost. Two of the 3 surgeons are still using the Endotine device as the preferred method of fixation.

[CONCLUSIONS] : The Endotine device is effective, safe, and easy to use, and has high patient satisfaction. Problems included numbness, tenderness, and palpability. A preference for other fixation methods was indicated by some because of cost, length of surgery, and the amount of lift achieved.