Long-term Histopathologic Study of the Frontalis Muscle Flap After Frontalis Suspension for Severe Ptosis Repair

Abstract

To investigate the long-term histopathologic changes of the frontalis muscle flap after frontalis muscle flap suspension for severe ptosis repair. Eight 3-month miniature pigs were selected as the experimental animals, and self-comparison was used. The experimental side of the upper eyelid was constructed to have severe ptosis by resection of the levator aponeurosis, while the other side served as the control. Samples of the upper eyelid composite at 6 months and 12 months after ptosis repair were obtained and studied through light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The histopathologic study revealed that the frontalis muscle flap kept viable with normal muscular structure and direction 6 months and 12 months after the frontalis suspension procedure. The frontalis muscle flap appears to be a suitable material for frontalis suspension technique because of its feasibility and histopathologic stability.