Aging of orbicularis oculi: anatomophysiologic consideration in upper blepharoplasty

Factors that affect eyelid show and their importance in upper eyelid blepharoplasty: a systematic review

An understanding of the complexity of the surgical anatomy of the upper eyelid and the surrounding structures is mandatory when trying to minimize complications and achieve excellent cosmetic results during eyelid surgery. Postoperative upper eyelid asymmetry is one of the most common causes of patients' dissatisfaction, and several parameters should be taken into consideration when performing cosmetic blepharoplasties and ptosis surgery. Tarsal platform show and brow fat span are two of the most important variables pertaining to the perception of beauty and youthfulness that every oculoplastic and facial plastic surgeon should address when performing such surgery. The aim of this review paper is to provide a detailed anatomy of the upper eyelid and the surrounding structures, to highlight all the relevant factors that contribute to the perception of beauty and the changes that occur to the aging face and to address the preoperative factors that need to be carefully examined before performing upper eyelid surgery.

Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes After Upper Blepharoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials

Upper blepharoplasty addresses aging-related changes by removing excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper eyelids. This systematic review, which was registered a priori, improves upon previously published reviews regarding functional and aesthetic outcomes following upper blepharoplasty. Custom search strategies were applied across multiple databases, namely MEDLINE (United States National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD), Embase (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), Google Scholar (Alphabet, Inc., Mountain View, CA), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Cochrane Library, London, UK), Science Citation Index (Clarivate Analytics, Philadelphia, PA), PubMed (United States National Library of Medicine), and PsychInfo (American Psychological Association, Washington, DC). Bias was assessed with the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and methodological quality was evaluated with GRADE. Out of 6799 articles, 12 randomized controlled trials with 450 patients (39 men, 411 women) were included. The meta-analysis showed significant reduction in dry eye symptoms post-upper blepharoplasty compared with preoperative status (odds ratio [OR], 0.22; 95% CI, 0.13-0.36; P < .00001). No significant difference in postoperative dry eye incidence was found between orbicularis oculi muscle plus skin excision and skin-only excision (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.86-2.80; P = .25). However, muscle plus skin excision had a higher incidence of lagophthalmos (OR, 7.98; 95% CI, 1.41-45.21; P = .02). No significant differences were observed in eye irritation (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.51-2.84; P = .66) or patient satisfaction (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.42-3.14; P = .80). Continuous suturing techniques increased eye irritation compared with subcuticular suturing (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.07-2.91; P = .03). All studies were high quality with a low risk of bias. The findings support upper blepharoplasty's efficacy in reducing dry eye symptoms, with muscle-sparing techniques minimizing lagophthalmos and maintaining high patient satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Temporal Modified Orbicularis Repositioning: Going beyond the Limits of Temporal Lifting

BACKGROUND

Periorbital rejuvenation is often challenging and requires comprehensive evaluation of its various components to obtain satisfying results. Considering the crucial role of the orbicularis muscle in the periorbital aging process, the first author recently described his personal technique for temporal lifting through a subcutaneous approach in conjunction with an orbicularis muscle flap. In the current article, the authors present a modified and extended temporal lift approach that allows for remarkable improvement, not only in the temporal and brow region but also in the entire periorbital area up to the malar region; therefore, it is named temporal modified orbicularis repositioning (MORE).

METHODS

A total of 212 consecutive patients underwent temporal MORE performed by the same surgeon between May of 2021 and September of 2022. Each patient completed a FACE-Q questionnaire preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Five independent surgeons were asked to score the results evaluating patients' preoperative and postoperative photographs.

RESULTS

No major complications were recorded. The most satisfying aspect of this technique was dramatic periorbital rejuvenation noticeable in all patients. FACE-Q preoperative score was 34.29 ± 5.872, whereas postoperatively it was 80.11 ± 6.796 ( P < 0.05); delta (after - preoperative) mean value was 45.82 ± 8.925. The surgeons' questionnaire mean value was 41.92 ± 6.010. Statistical analysis showed a strong correlation between surgeon and patient satisfaction ( r = 0.7488).

CONCLUSIONS

Temporal MORE proved to achieve a comprehensive rejuvenation of the periorbital area in a straightforward and reproducible way, with a fast recovery and a low complication rate. In this cohort, patient satisfaction with the result was remarkable and comparable to the judgment of the surgeons interviewed.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Effect of Upper Lid Blepharoplasty Surgery on Corneal Topography and Corneal High-Order Aberrations

The objective of this study was to prospectively investigate the effect of upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery for dermatochalasis on corneal topographic data and high-order aberrations (HOAs). Fifty eyelids of 50 patients with dermatochalasis who underwent upper lid blepharoplasty surgery were prospectively studied. A Pentacam (Scheimpflug camera, Oculus) device was used to measure corneal topographic values, astigmatism degree, and HOAs before and at 2 months after upper eyelid blepharoplasty. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 55.96 ± 12.4 years, 40 (80%) were female and 10 (20%) were male. We found no statistically significant difference in the pre-and postoperative values of corneal topographic parameters (p > 0.05 for all). In addition, we observed no significant postoperative change in the root mean square values of low, high, and total aberration values. In HOAs, we detected no significant change in spherical aberration, horizontal and vertical coma, and vertical trefoil; we only found a statistically significant increase in horizontal trefoil values after surgery (p < 0.05). In our study, we found that upper eyelid blepharoplasty did not cause significant changes in corneal topography, astigmatism, and ocular HOAs. However, studies are reporting different results in the literature. For this reason, it is important for patients considering upper eyelid surgery to be warned about visual changes that may occur after surgery.

Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Immunohistochemical, Metabolic, and Morphometric Differences in Affected and Nonaffected Sides in Hemifacial Spasm vs Healthy Subjects

BACKGROUND

Subtle morphological alterations have been reported even in the nonaffected side of the orbicularis oculi muscle in patients with hemifacial spasm. However, no previous study assessed immunohistochemical, metabolic, and morphometric alterations in orbicularis oculi muscle fibers in affected and nonaffected sides in patients with this condition, compared with samples obtained from healthy subjects. The purpose of this study is to objectively assess and compare orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) samples of hemifacial spasm affected and nonaffected sides and healthy subjects.

METHODS

Orbicularis oculi samples from 8 patients with hemifacial spasm who had not been previously treated and 6 healthy subjects were prepared using hematoxylin and eosin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide tetrazolium reductase, cytochrome oxidase, succinate dehydrogenase, Gomori staining, and monoclonal antibodies against myosin slow and myosin fast. A digital image analysis software was used for objective analysis.

RESULTS

OOM fiber area was significantly greater in both affected ( P = 0.0379) and nonaffected sides ( P = 0.0012) of HFS samples when compared with control subjects' fibers. A significantly greater number of oxidative fibers were observed in both affected and nonaffected sides of patients with HFS when compared with control subjects ( P < 0.001 for both). A significantly greater percentage of slow fibers was observed in the affected side of HFS patients ( P = 0.0012) compared with control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

This study's findings suggest that repeated contractions might lead to OOM fiber hypertrophy, increased mitochondrial metabolism, and possible conversion of fast-twitch orbicularis oculi muscle fibers into slow-twitch fibers in patients with HFS. Alterations were observed in affected and nonaffected sides, confirming initial findings that the nonaffected side is not normal in this unique condition.

Objective Comparison of Eyebrow Position after Internal and External Browpexy

BACKGROUND

Several brow-lift techniques have been used to prevent brow ptosis after blepharoplasty. For example, both internal and external browpexies have been adopted worldwide. However, few studies have compared these two methods. The authors compared postoperative eyebrow position changes between upper eyelid skin excision, internal browpexy, and external browpexy.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 87 patients who underwent upper blepharoplasty performed by a single clinician at their institute between April of 2018 and June of 2020. Patients with routine outpatient photographs taken before and after surgery were enrolled in the study. ImageJ was used to measure brow height at eight points in each eye. Brow height changes were compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

Routine photographs were available for 68 patients (133 eyes). Thirty-nine patients underwent internal browpexy (78 eyes), nine underwent external browpexy (17 eyes), and 20 underwent upper eyelid skin excisions (38 eyes). Three months after surgery, significant elevation was noted on the lateral side of the brow in the internal browpexy group and across the whole brow in the external browpexy group. In the upper eyelid skin excision group, whole brow ptosis was observed. Brow-lift outcomes were better in the external than in the internal browpexy group, whereas both browpexy groups showed better outcomes than the upper eyelid skin excision group.

CONCLUSIONS

Within 3 months of surgery, both internal and external browpexy provided significant brow-lift effects, preventing brow ptosis caused by blepharoplasty with skin excision. External browpexy had better brow-lift outcomes than did internal browpexy.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Rejuvenating the aging upper periorbita

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy of a comprehensive surgical approach in rejuvenating the aging upper periorbita.

METHODS

Three hundred and twenty eyes of 160 patients who were treated for dermatochalasis(D), eyebrow ptosis (EP) and blepharoptosis (BP) were included in the study. One hundred and ninety-eight patients had only dermatochalasis, 74 patients had D and EP, 39 patients had D and BP, 7 patients had D, EP and BP and 2 patients had D, EP and blepharospasm. The patients were evaluated before surgery, at 1 week, 1 month and 6 months after surgery. Dermatochalasis was scored between 0 and 3 points according to upper lid laxity and IP drooping. EP was scored between 0 and 2 points as normal, lateral EP and total EP. Aging was classified as mild in those with a total score of less than 3 points, moderate in those with a score of 3-6 and severe in those above 6 points.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 121 were female and 39 were male, with a mean age of 52 (40-87) years. The surgeries were performed as follows: upper eyelid blepharoplasty (UEB) 197(61.6%) patients, UEB + browpexy(B) 77(24.1%) patients, UEB + B + levator resection(LR) 7(2.2%) and UEB + LR 39 (12.2%) patients. While a statistically significant improvement was observed in patients who underwent UEB + B (p < 0.001), postoperative improvements were not found statistically significant compared to preoperative scores in other surgeries. The postsurgical scores showed statistically significant improvement in all age groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive surgical treatment can provide effective results in upper periorbital rejuvenation for patients with varying degrees of upper periorbital aging.

Types of periocular wrinkles based on anatomical and contractile characteristics of participating periocular muscles: A modified classification method and personalized injection technique

BACKGROUND

Clinical classification methods for periocular wrinkles based on participating muscle behavior are lacking, and traditional treatment lacks detailed and individualized methods.

AIMS

This study aimed to propose a modified classification system and individualized treatment for periocular wrinkles based on the participating muscles.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Periocular wrinkles were classified into types I.I, I.II, I.III, II, and III. A personalized treatment pattern with a multipoint, low-dose technique was developed based on wrinkle classification and severity. Standard photographs were taken and assessments made at follow-up to evaluate wrinkle severity.

RESULTS

Wrinkle severity was reduced at 1 and 3 months after periorbital botulinum toxin injection, and no serious adverse events were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Periorbital wrinkles were classified according to participating muscles. The modified injection pattern was individualized, effective, and safe for the treatment of periorbital wrinkles.

A Comprehensive Approach to Upper Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery

BACKGROUND

Upper eyelid aging results from comprehensive changes, and studies have failed to comprehensively address these changes.

OBJECTIVES

This study proposes a comprehensive approach to the surgical treatment of aging upper eyelids.

METHODS

Data of 116 patients with aging upper eyelids were analyzed. Each eye was scored on upper eyelid laxity, degree of blepharoptosis, and upper eyelid socket depression at preoperation and 6 months after surgery. Based on average scores of both eyes, three degrees of aging were considered: mild, moderate, and severe. All patients underwent comprehensive surgical treatments. Depending on its condition, loose skin was appropriately removed, and the levator palpebrae superioris (LPS) was corrected in patients with degenerative ptosis. Meanwhile orbital septum fat was released or periumbilical fat mass was used as a filler to correct upper eyelid socket depression. All cases were summarized based on a classification and grading system. Scores were reassessed, and satisfaction survey was conducted after 6 months follow-up.

RESULTS

The preoperative and postoperative scores of the three groups were significantly different (p < 0.05), and the difference in preoperative and postoperative scores between the three groups was also statistically significant (p < 0.05). The severe aging group had the greatest difference in score. Aside from 8 patients requiring reoperation, patients reported satisfied results after the 6 month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive surgical treatment for patients with different grades of upper eyelid aging can achieve a satisfactory effect of upper eyelid rejuvenation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Anatomic Trends and Directions in Periorbital Aesthetic Surgery

The anatomy of the eyelids and periorbital region is delicate. The individual anatomic variations determine each person's eyelid appearance and function. It is essential that every surgeon that evaluates and treats the aesthetic conditions of patients desiring periorbital enhancement understands the association of anatomy and diagnosis. Each periorbital aesthetic diagnosis has an anatomic basis, and knowledge of the applied anatomy allows a targeted treatment plan. This article outlines the layered anatomy with its clinical significance for the eyelids and periorbital region. Specific examples are used to illustrate the applied anatomy. A contemporary treatment plan for each anatomic problem is given.

A Randomized, Controlled Study Comparing Subbrow Blepharoplasty and Subbrow Blepharoplasty Combined with Periorbital Muscle Manipulation for Periorbital Aging Rejuvenation in Asians

BACKGROUND

Improving periorbital aging is, currently, of great concern. The previous literature has reported some surgical methods for periorbital aging. The purpose of this study was to compare subbrow blepharoplasty (SBB) with subbrow blepharoplasty combined with periorbital muscle manipulation (SBB-pm) with regard to improving periorbital aging.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, controlled study was designed to evaluate and compare the effects of two different surgical techniques on upper lid relaxation, brow shape and periorbital wrinkles. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 underwent resection of excess skin; group 2 underwent a modified technique that involved resection of an elliptical island of skin, separation of the corrugator supercilii muscle and dissection of the orbicularis oculi muscle, followed by suturing it to the orbital periosteum and cross-fixation with itself. The upper eyelid and eyebrow height, periorbital wrinkle score and patient satisfaction were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS

This study included 70 patients (140 eyes). At 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, group 2 was superior to group 1 with regard to the improvement in upper eyelid relaxation at the medial limbus, middle pupil and lateral canthus. The eyebrow assumed a low and flat appearance in group 1. The eyebrow showed a low and flat appearance and then returned to the preoperative level in group 2. When comparing the two surgical techniques, the authors found statistically significant differences in regard to changes in crow's feet and glabellar frown lines. Two patients in group 2 experienced forehead numbness after surgery, which resolved by the 6-month follow-up. Patients in group 2 were significantly more satisfied with their surgery than patients in group 1.

CONCLUSION

SBB-pm is more effective than SBB for improving upper eyelid relaxation and preventing secondary brow ptosis after surgery as well as for alleviating periorbital wrinkles, although it is accompanied by transient forehead numbness.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Age-related structural alterations of skeletal muscles and associated capillaries

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in muscle mass, strength, and quality. We have previously demonstrated the important role of the blood vasculature system in ultraviolet (UV) light-induced changes in skin and its molecular mechanisms. Whereas recent findings revealed structural alterations of the cutaneous vasculature in aged and photoaged human skin, structural changes of blood vessels in skeletal muscles with age have remained unclear. Although, facial skeletal muscles could be involved in skin-aging, here, we show-for the first time-that, in the lateral great muscle, the cross-sectional muscle fiber area and vessels size were decreased in older skin compared with that in younger skin. In the orbicularis oculi muscle, no significant interaction between age and the muscle fiber area was observed. However, a significantly decreased ratio of muscle area was indicated in older skin compared with that in younger skin. Interestingly, the pericyte-covered vessels ratio was decreased in older skin. Therefore, we found that the skeletal muscle capillary destabilizes with age. In summary, we revealed that the lateral great muscle and the orbicularis oculi muscle fibers become thinner with age due to the destabilization of skeletal muscle capillaries. Therapeutic targeting of muscle capillaries might affect the decline of skeletal muscles with age and could potentially regulate muscle/skin-aging.

Aesthetic outcomes of upper eyelid blepharoplasty: a systematic review

Although upper blepharoplasty is a common cosmetic surgical intervention, a better scientific understanding of the aesthetic results and the preferred surgical technique to achieve the best aesthetic results is still needed. A systematic search using four search engines (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane) was performed to identify any study on the aesthetic outcome of a solitary upper blepharoplasty; these were subjected to quality assessment for possible inclusion. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials, controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series (n ≥ 10). A total of 4043 studies were assessed, of which 26 were included. Aesthetic outcomes included patient-reported outcome measures, scarring, eyebrow height, tarsal platform show, and panel or expert evaluation. Meta-analysis was not possible. Patients were generally satisfied with the aesthetic result and scar formation after an upper blepharoplasty. The amount of tarsal platform show increases, which positively affects the aesthetics. The eyebrow seems to move down slightly. The surgical technique used (skin only or skin/muscle removal) did not influence patient satisfaction or the physician-assessed aesthetic outcomes. Patients are generally satisfied after an upper blepharoplasty. The optimal design of the skin excision is still a matter of debate, especially when addressing lateral hooding. Further objective research is advised.

Orbicularis Oculi Morphological Alterations in Affected and Nonaffected Sides in Hemifacial Spasm

BACKGROUND

Although the nonaffected side appears to be clinically normal in hemifacial spasm (HFS), it is not known whether this side can be considered normal regarding histopathological findings. The purpose of this study was to objectively evaluate and compare orbicularis oculi samples of patients with HFS (not previously treated with botulinum toxin) and control patients undergoing cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

METHODS

Orbicularis oculi samples from 22 eyelids were evaluated. There were 7 samples from the affected and 7 samples from the nonaffected sides of patients with HFS who had not been previously treated with botulinum toxin, and 8 samples from normal control patients. Muscle samples were prepared using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and a digital image analysis software was used for objective analyses.

RESULTS

When compared with normal controls, endomysial and perimysial connective tissue areas were significantly increased (P = 0.015) on the affected side in HFS, suggesting that this disorder is associated with chronic alterations that lead to muscle degeneration. Cell density was significantly reduced on the affected (P = 0.028) and also on the nonaffected sides in HFS (P = 0.003) compared with normal controls. This was observed, although, clinically, there were no signs or symptoms of increased muscular contraction on the nonaffected sides in any of the patients with HFS studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant morphological differences in the orbicularis oculi muscle in patients with HFS were observed on both the affected and nonaffected sides. Our findings suggest a potential role for muscle homeostasis disturbances on both sides for patients with HFS. Affected sides in patients with HFS did, however, demonstrate muscle degeneration that was not present on the nonaffected sides.

The malaris muscle concept reconsidered

The malaris muscle has long been described as one of the facial muscles. Numerous studies have attempted to define and examine the malaris muscle owing to its clinical implications related to the facial aesthetic concept. In the anatomical context, however, the concept of the malaris muscle remains ambiguous. This review article proposes a reconsideration of the malaris muscle. The article focuses on the anatomical concept of the malaris muscle from previous studies to the current studies as well as the conceptual changes in the malaris muscle. To improve understanding of the role of the malaris muscle in the facial aesthetic aspects, here the article reviews the role of the malaris muscle in facial aging appearance and discusses the practical clinical applications surrounding this aging gradation.

Orbicularis-Tarsus Fixation Approach in Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Modification of Park's Technique

BACKGROUND

Incisional double-eyelid blepharoplasty is widely applied because of its extensive indications and robust results. The orbicularis-levator fixation method is an incisional approach that provides stronger adhesion than traditional techniques. However, there remains the risk of postoperative relapse or suture spitting out.

METHODS

The authors introduced a modified technique for supratarsal crease formation. When necessary soft tissue removal was completed, the orbicularis oculi muscle was anchored on the tarsus. Then the muscle edges near canthus were reattached to prevent muscle retraction. For skin closure, the skin-pretarsal fascia-skin maneuver was adopted to enhance cicatricial adhesion.

RESULTS

Six hundred and fifty-nine patients underwent double eyelidplasty by the same surgeon using this modified technique. Patients were followed up from 2 to 38 months, with a mean period of 15 months. Short-term complications included mild edema, bruising or reddish change of the upper eyelid, yet all gradually relieved in 6-8 weeks. Fourteen cases of palpebral fold asymmetry and nine cases of unsatisfactory fold formation near the inner canthus were encountered, and all the defects had been well improved by revision surgeries. Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with the long-term outcomes, which showed as natural and well-defined palpebral folds without scar hypertrophy, suture spitting out or crease depression. Besides, no supratarsal crease drooping or disappearing was observed 3 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors introduced an orbicularis-tarsus fixation method for upper eyelid blepharoplasty. It is a reliable technique that enables high feasibility and long-lasting result, and with lower risk of suture spitting out.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The malaris muscle: its morphological significance for sustaining the intraorbital structures

The orbicularis oculi muscle, an important mimetic muscle, was investigated to ascertain its anatomical relation to facial aging-especially its orbital part (Oo). Previous studies of the distinct muscle bundles frequently found inferior to the Oo have provided various definitions, including that of the malaris muscle. This study aimed to examine these muscle bundles and clarify their function in facial aging. Twelve heads of Japanese cadavers (average age: 82.5 years old) were dissected to observe the muscles, focusing in particular on those in the periorbital region. Six specimens were further dissected from the inner surfaces to examine the patterns of facial nerve branches under the operating microscope. Histological examinations of two head halves were carried out to investigate the relationship between the muscle bundles and the intraorbital structures. Muscle bundles consisting of lateral, medial, and U-shaped suspending bundles were observed in the region inferior to the Oo. Lateral and suspending bundles were found in all specimens, while the medial bundles were noted in only 9 of 22 specimens. Some branches of the facial nerve penetrated through the lateral, medial, and suspending bundles. The relationship between the suspending bundles and the protruding orbital fat was assessed. The muscle bundles found in this study were regarded as the malaris muscle-a transitional muscle between the superficial and deep facial layers. The suspending bundle may play a role in sustaining the intraorbital structures.

[The third dimension of the face aging, improvement of its understanding]

OBJECTIVES

Over the past 30 years, surface imaging has made tremendous progress. Surgical management has also been subject of numerous technical and strategic developments. For a better understanding of the curative strategies of face aging, the authors have put into perspective the three-dimensional data acquired up to date.

METHOD

A review of the literature focused on the three-dimensional study of facial aging was carried out.

RESULTS

Thanks to the precision of new surface acquisition systems and larger patient cohorts, our understanding of surfaces and volumes is now much more accurate. 3D, particularly highlights the major impact of aging on the perioral area, which was up to now neglected compared to other facial areas.

CONCLUSION

A technical discussion is needed to identify the best techniques to correct the defects and provide a natural result for those anatomical areas that are heavily impacted by aging but not corrected in the final.

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

Upper lid blepharoplasty is a common procedure for restoration and rejuvenation of the upper eyelids that can be performed safely and reliably. Understanding the anatomy and aging process of the brow-upper lid aesthetic unit along with properly assessing the excesses and deficiencies of the periorbital region helps to formulate an appropriate surgical plan. Volume deficiency in the aging upper lid may require corrective augmentation. Preexisting asymmetries and ptosis need to be identified and discussed before surgery. Standardized photography along with a candid discussion regarding patients' desired outcomes and realistic expectations are essential to a successful outcome.

Predictors of Silicone Tube Intubation Success in Patients with Lacrimal Drainage System Stenosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate prognostic factors affecting silicone tube intubation outcomes in Asian patients with lacrimal drainage system stenosis.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of 822 patients (1,118 eyes) who had undergone silicone tube intubation to treat lacrimal drainage system stenosis between January 2011 and December 2012. Patients were divided into two groups: a success group and a failure group. Success was defined as the disappearance of epiphora symptoms, normalization of tear meniscus height, and the easy passage of fluid without resistance on the postoperative syringing test. Patient and ocular parameters were compared between the success and failure groups.

RESULTS

A total of 994 eyes of 727 patients were included in analyses. Patients had a mean follow-up period of 34.11 ± 18.70 weeks. Silicone tube intubation was successful in 67.2% of participants. Significant differences between the success and failure groups were found for age (p < 0.001), history of ipsilateral facial palsy (p = 0.028), follow-up period (p < 0.001), and degree of passage on the preoperative syringing test (p = 0.001). Only age (p < 0.001) and degree of passage on the preoperative syringing test (p = 0.002) remained significantly associated with silicone tube intubation success in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Age was negatively associated with silicone tube intubation success in patients with lacrimal drainage system stenosis. The success rate was higher in patients who showed easy passage of fluid without resistance on the preoperative syringing test. These factors should be considered by surgeons planning silicone tube intubation in patients with lacrimal drainage system stenosis.

Brow/Upper lid anatomy, aging and aesthetic analysis

The upper eyelid serves the important anatomic function of protecting the eye and rewetting the cornea to maintain vision. The complex dynamic action of the upper eyelid explains its relatively complex anatomy. The brow has an important supportive role. Studies have revealed facial characteristics perceived as youthful and aged, and the anatomic basis of these changes is defined at many levels. Characteristic aging changes in the upper eyelid and brow create an appearance of aging and opportunities for functional and aesthetic improvement.

Changes of eyebrow muscle activity with aging: functional analysis revealed by electromyography

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the activity of the frontalis muscle, the corrugator supercilii muscle, and the orbicularis oculi muscle according to eyebrow movement and aging.

METHODS

Two random cohorts of women aged 20 to 30 years (young group, n = 20; mean age, 24.8 years) and 50 to 70 years (old group, n = 20; mean age, 55.8 years) were recruited prospectively. Surface electromyography was used to evaluate motor unit action potential for each muscle in each of six eyebrow movements. Details on statistical analysis are described in the text.

RESULTS

In both age groups, corrugator supercilii muscle activity was the highest for all six movements. Frontalis muscle activity was highest with maximal frowning but not with maximal eye opening. Orbicularis oculi muscle activity was significantly greater in the older age group than in the younger age group for most actions. When the motion proportion of each muscle was compared, the respective orbicularis oculi muscle and corrugator supercilii muscle indices were higher in the older age group than in the young group.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyebrows are maintained by the dynamic balance of frontalis, corrugator supercilii, and orbicularis oculi muscles, and various combinations of motor recruitment of these muscles determine the eyebrow position and shape. For youthful eyebrows, attenuation of the depressor muscle may restore the muscle balance in treatments for eyebrow rejuvenation.

Medial muscular band of the orbicularis oculi muscle

Despite the importance of anatomic variations in the muscular bands around the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOc), little is known about them. The morphology and variations therein of the medial muscular band of the OOc were thus examined in the current study. Sixty-one hemifaces of Korean cadavers were dissected to enable examination of the anatomic organization of the muscles around the OOc. A medial muscular band of the OOc was observed in 40 cases (65.6%). Three patterns of attachment were found. In type A (14 cases, 23%), it attached to the frontal belly without being attached to the medial canthal tendon; in type B (14 cases, 23%), it originated from the medial canthal tendon at the lower portion of the OOc and inserted into the cheek skin, and in type C (12 cases, 19.7%), it was also observed to insert into the cheek skin and attach to the frontal belly without being attached to the medial canthal tendon. The distance between the inferior edge of the OOc and the subnasale was 16.3 (SD, 4.3) mm and 14.5 (SD, 4.4) mm in cases with and without a medial muscular band, respectively. A space was observed on the inferolateral side of the OOc in about 67.2% of cases. These findings regarding the medial muscular band of the OOc increase further the anatomic variations associated with this region. In addition, it appears that this medial muscular band of the OOc can help to prevent drooping of the OOc.

Infraeyebrow blepharoplasty for blepharochalasis of the upper eyelid: its indication and priority

Eyelid bags and blepharochalasis are the result of relaxation of lid structures like the skin, the orbicularis oculi, and mainly the orbital septum. Therefore, this aged appearance cannot be improved sufficiently with only a skin and orbicularis oculi resection. To improve this appearance, we use a very effective method of tucking of the orbital septum with infraeyebrow excision of the skin and the orbicularis oculi. Between January 2005 and April 2011, 103 patients (206 lids) were treated. There were 89 female and 14 male patients whose ages ranged from 43 to 75 years (mean = 65.2 years). After infraeyebrow excision, blepharoplasty with tucking of the orbital septum, the concealed lid crease becomes apparent and a good rejuvenation effect is obtained in all patients.

Aesthetic blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is one of the most demanding aesthetic procedures, and relevant anatomical knowledge of the eyelid and surrounding area is essential. The pathophysiology of ageing in these sites results in varied clinical features. In upper blepharoplasty, lateral brow lift is a necessary adjunctive procedure. Access through the upper blepharoplasty incision is used to adjust retro-orbicularis oculi fat, for glabellar myotomy, and lateral canthopexy. In lower blepharoplasty, the traditional approach is to use a skin and muscle flap, but skin-only flaps are being reported increasingly. Septal reset and plication of the orbicularis oculi is recommended instead of excision of fat. The aim is improvement of cosmesis with no signs of the procedure.