Surgical Tips for Aesthetic Lower Lid Blepharoplasty: Prevention of Round Eye

Abstract

In the present study, we highlight surgical tips based on our experience in lower eyelid blepharoplasty. These have been shown to be crucial in the prevention of several complications, specifically lateral lower-lid displacement.

Methods: A series of bilateral lower-lid blepharoplasties were performed on 280 patients at Humanitas-Research-Hospital (Milan, Italy) between January 2016 and January 2020. Patients with a history of lower-lid blepharoplasty and patients requiring canthopexy/canthoplasty were excluded. Needing to singularly evaluate and correct several lower-eyelid structures to obtain a harmonic result, we preoperatively assessed the amount of skin excess, the eyelid margin malposition relative to the globe, and the presence/absence of herniated fat-pads. Pre- and postoperative standard photographs were collected. Patients were evaluated by measuring scleral show, snap-back test, and distraction test. Blinded-fashioned photograph analysis was performed by independent plastic and oculoplastic surgeons who did not execute the procedures. A visual analogue scale was administered to all patients to assess satisfaction.

Results: In total, 280 patients underwent successful lower blepharoplasty, with satisfactory results of scleral show, snap-back test, and distraction test. Of the 280 patients, four presented postoperative complications. At 10-month follow-up visit, we achieved a mean patient visual analogue scale satisfaction score of 8.4. Postoperative surgeon's photographs mean score was 4.5.

Conclusions: Without the use of muscle flaps, our technique averts tarsal ligament misposition, preserves orbicularis-muscle innervation, and limits thermal spread, assuring excellent stability of results and high patient and surgeon satisfaction. Cosmetic outcome in terms of symmetry, appearance, and lower lid line definition revealed high satisfaction with the result over time, with a remarkably low complication rate.