Eyebrow Tissue Expansion

Abstract

Thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) is a common disease that affects many of the orbital soft tissues.¹ Many of the changes in TAO can be attributed to expansion of orbital adipose tissue and extraocular muscles that lead to proptosis and congestion. The periorbital tissues are also involved in TAO.^2,3 Kim and Kazim⁴ described involvement of the cheek fat. We have also been impressed that the soft tissues of the upper periorbital area, specifically the eyebrow fat pad, seem to be clinically involved.⁵ Eyebrow tissue involvement in TAO may be a useful clinical parameter to identify and characterize the disease in individual patients. We provide photographic evidence of eyebrow tissue expansion in patients with TAO and demonstrate consistency in grading using standardized photographs.