Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Flap Rotation for Correction of Sunken Eyelid in Cosmetic Blepharoplasty

Surgical correction of sunken upper eyelid with upper arcus marginalis release and precision fat distribution technique

BACKGROUND

Sunken upper eyelids, characterized by hollowing in the upper orbital region, can contribute to an aged or fatigued appearance. We aim to report on the surgical technique and its effects, involving the release of the arcus marginalis of the upper eyelid and the precise distribution of orbital fat.

METHODS

From December 2021 to March 2023, a total of 84 eyelids from 42 patients who underwent surgical correction for sunken upper eyelids, utilizing the upper arcus marginalis release and precision fat distribution technique, were included in this study. Preoperative and postoperative sunken depths were measured and statistically analyzed. Aesthetic satisfaction was assessed through patient questionnaires.

RESULTS

Preoperative and postoperative sunken depths measured 9.2 ± 2.2 mm and 5.9 ± 2.3 mm, respectively. The mean improvement was 3.3 mm, a change of statistical significance. Aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction yielded favorable results. No major complications were observed during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The upper arcus marginalis release and orbital fat distribution technique demonstrated favorable outcomes in correcting sunken upper eyelids. This procedure ensures stable placement of orbital fat at the deepest sunken point, resulting in aesthetically pleasing and enduring results. This technique serves as a valuable alternative for patients with moderate to severe sunken eyelids.

Buccal Fat Pad Transplantation for Correction of Asian Upper Eyelid Depression: A Clinical Study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of buccal fat pad transplantation in front of the aponeurosis to correct Asian upper eyelid depression.

METHODS

Eighty-five individuals who were treated with buccal fat pad transplantation were recruited for this study. The upper eyelid depression data were collected before and after treatment, and the aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and the Likert scale.

RESULTS

All patients obtained natural-looking eyelids, and the sunken contour deformity improved. The mean preoperative sunken depth was 6.7±1.0 mm (4-12 mm), and the mean sunken depth at the last follow-up was 4.2±0.9 mm (2-6 mm) (P <0.05). The visual analogue scale score was 2.12±1.75 (1-4) in the immediate postoperative period. The GAIS scores were satisfactory (very much improved, 89.4%; much improved, 7.1%; and improved, 3.5%). According to the Likert scale scores, all patients were satisfied with the clinical outcomes (excellent, 87.1%; very good, 9.4%; and good, 3.5%). A 'fair' or 'poor' result was not reported by any patient.

CONCLUSION

Buccal fat pad transplantation corrects upper eyelid depression in a simple, safe, and effective manner and can efficiently fill the depressed portion and restore a beautiful double eyelid.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

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Anatomic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Correction of Upper-Eyelid Depression and Blepharoptosis in Senile Patients

In senile patients with sunken superior sulcus, involutional ptosis, and higher eyelid crease, a single operation to correct depression or ptosis cannot achieve good results. We demonstrated the anatomy of periorbital septum fibers, which may contribute to the levator muscle's volume depletion and dynamic power transmission disorder, and described a procedure for correcting upper-eyelid depression and blepharoptosis in senile patients. The fibrous webs in these patients connected the posterior aspect of the orbicularis and the orbital septum and extended to the orbital fat and levator aponeurosis. These fibers were dissected to release the periorbital septal fibers, and the orbital septal fat flap was transferred to the depressed region. Advancement or plication of the levator aponeurosis was performed in patients with uncorrected blepharoptosis after the procedures described above. The technique was applied to 13 Chinese patients (25 eyes) between May 2021 and April 2022. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the preaponeurotic fat was displaced forward and down to the upper margin of the tarsus, and the curvature of the upper-eyelid depression was significantly improved. Moreover, the superior sulcus deformity improved, the ptosis was corrected, and the uppermost crease decreased in all patients. No recurrence of ptosis or abnormal adhesion was observed. We believe this is the first study using magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate eyelid anatomy and the effects of surgery in this patient group. Releasing periorbital septum fibers is crucial for correcting a portion of the sunken eyelid and ptosis in Asians.

Management of Unsatisfactory Postoperative Double Eyelid With Intralesional Corticosteroid Injection

Purpose: The present study was designed to observe the curative effect of early intralesional corticosteroid injection to treat unsatisfactory double eyelid.

Methods: This retrospective, observational study included 30 female patients (age 22–35 years) receiving intralesional corticosteroid injection after complaining about the unsatisfactory double eyelid post-transcutaneous upper eyelid blepharoplasty. The postoperative double eyelid anomalies included multiple folds, sunken eyelids, and severe postoperative eyelid edema. The evaluation of the clinical effect was based on the bilateral symmetry of the eyelid, the placement of the lid fold, the radian of the double eyelid, and the extent of the swelling and depression.

Results: Multiple folds were observed in 11 (36.67%) patients, sunken eyelids in 9 (30.00%) patients, and severe postoperative eyelid edema in 10 (33.33%) patients. Among them, 17 (56.67%) patients received one intralesional injection and experienced significant improvement in the eyelid, while 8 (26.67%) accepted another injection at 1 month after the first injection and achieved marked improvement. The remaining 5 (16.67%) patients were dissatisfied with the results and might need further repair surgery: 2 patients had multiple folds, 2 showed postoperative edema, and 1 presented sunken eyelids. None of the patients reported any adverse reactions.

Conclusion: Intralesional corticosteroid injection for the correction of the postoperative unsatisfactory double eyelid is safe and convenient, and provides a novel method for early intervention.