Desired position, shape, and dynamic range of the normal adult eyebrow

Abstract

Objective: To determine the resting and aesthetically desired position of the eyebrows and the range of eyebrow mobility.

Methods: Photographs were taken of 40 adult subjects in 5 poses: eyes open and eyes closed, maximum brow elevation and brow contraction, and brow positioned optimally by the subject. The height of the brow was measured relative to the orbital rim and surrounding structures in 6 locations: the medial brow, above the medial canthus, midpupil, lateral canthus, brow peak, and brow tail.

Results: Women desired the lower border of the brow to fall just below the orbital rim at the medial canthus, at the rim at the midpupillary line and several millimeters above the rim at the lateral canthus. Men desired a lower brow with a lower tail and a less accentuated peak. The brow peak in both women and men was just medial to the lateral canthus. Range of movement was greater medially in men and at the brow tail in women.

Conclusions: The aesthetic position of the medial and central brow is relatively low. The brow peak should be just medial to the lateral canthus. Surgeons planning forehead and brow surgery should consider these parameters to avoid creating an unnatural brow appearance.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00347308.