Reservation of pretarsal orbicularis muscle in double-eyelid blepharoplasty

Abstract

Objective To explore the methodology of suturing the upper margin of the orbicularis muscle in pretarsal orbicularis myocutaneous flap to the levator aponeurosis,simulating the mechanism of fibers from the levator aponeurosis to the dermis in natural double-eyelid in blepharoplasty.Methods Pretarsal orbicularis myocutaneous flap was harvested.Dissection between the orbital septum and the levator aponeurosis was performed originating from the upper margin of the tarsi until to the levator muscle.The upper margin of the orbicularis muscle in pretarsal orbicularis myocutaneous flap was sutured to the levator aponeurosis.The lower skin margin to the orbital septum to the upper skin margin was sutured interruptedly.Patients with medial epicanthus were performed epicanthoplasty at the same time.Results 136 eyes in 68 patients were performed with double-eyelid blepharoplasty using this method.62 patients were followed-up for 1 month and 53 patients were followed-up for 3 months.They all reported satisfactory aesthetic results.Conclusions Double-eyelid blepharoplasty using this method accords with the physiological mechanism in natural double-eyelid.Postoperative double-eyelid is natural with little tumefaction.This method can avoid double-eyelid fold retraction and multi-fold occurrence. Key words: Orbicularis muscle; Blepharoplasty; Epicanthoplasty