Which nerve is most likely to be injured during a subgaleal brow lift?

The most likely nerve to be injured during a subgaleal brow lift is the supraorbital nerve. This nerve is a branch of the frontal nerve and is responsible for sensory innervation to the forehead, upper eyelid, and part of the scalp. During a brow lift, the surgical technique often involves incisions made above the brow line and dissection in the subgaleal plane, which can put the supraorbital nerve at risk if the dissection is not performed with caution.

In particular, the supraorbital nerve runs along the forehead relatively close to the surgical field and can be inadvertently damaged if proper attention is not paid during the procedure. Surgeons must be aware of the anatomical landmarks to avoid nerve injury and preserve sensory function in the forehead area.

Other nerves mentioned, such as the frontal and supratrochlear nerves, while important in the region, are generally less susceptible to injury during this specific type of surgical procedure compared to the supraorbital nerve. The trochlear nerve is primarily responsible for motor function to the superior oblique muscle of the eye and is not typically involved in surgeries focused on brow elevation or forehead procedures. Thus, the anatomical proximity and surgical positioning during a brow lift make the supraorbital nerve the