Preventing Lateral Canthal Malposition in Modern Blepharoplasty.

Abstract

Current goals in lower eyelid blepharoplasty include blending the lower eyelid-cheek junction, which is highlighted in the authors' six-step lower lid blepharoplasty technique. One major question in lower lid blepharoplasty is how to prevent lower lid malposition and ectropion, because these are untoward outcomes after an aesthetic procedure. In the authors' technique, they perform a superficial lateral retinacular canthopexy that is effective and safe and also prevents lower lid malposition or ectropion. A retrospective review of 104 patients who underwent six-step lower lid blepharoplasty was performed. In the authors' series, there was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative intercanthal angles (p < 0.05), and the lateral canthal position did not change significantly from its preoperative position. The authors' six-step blepharoplasty technique addresses signs of midfacial aging, and the lateral canthopexy technique has been shown to have a minimal complication rate and maintains canthal position. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, IV.