Fan-Shaped Thin Fat Pedicles for Tear Trough Correction Through a Layer-Level Fixation: A Modified Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty.

Abstract

Fat repositioning is an effective way to treat tear trough deformity (TTD) in Asians. Recent techniques mainly focused on the fixation technique, whereas how to precisely shape and individually quantify the fat pedicle has been ignored. This article introduced an individualized, targeted, and tension-free technique to fabricate a fan-shaped thin septum fat pedicle for repositioning. Furthermore, a layer-level fixation method was advocated to provide sufficient, continuous, uninterrupted filling of the TTD. From January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018, 492 patients underwent this procedure. Through a transconjunctival incision, a continuous fan-shaped, tension-free, customized septum fat pedicle was precisely designed to match the TTD anatomy. The pedicle could either be elongated, or thickened, or debulked, or translocated, to meet the patients' individual needs. At the same time, a layer-level fat pedicle fixation technique was applied to fully interrupt the TTD. The mean operation time was 60 ± 9.3 minutes. All patients demonstrated a significant improvement with elimination of both eye bags and TTD. High satisfaction was noted among the patients. No obvious resorption of the fat pedicles was observed, and the lower lid contour improvements were durable. One infection occurred after 3 days of surgery, and was resolved by removal of the suture followed by topical application of iodine and oral antibiotics for 3 to 5 days. No other complications were observed. Precisely repositioning transconjunctival fat using a layer-level fixation technique with a fan-shaped thin fat pedicle under a subperiosteal plane is an effective, lasting, and safe approach for individually treating TTD.