The Role of the Septal Reset in Creating a Youthful Eyelid-Cheek Complex in Facial Rejuvenation

Abstract

Resetting of the septum orbitale over the orbital rim, or "septal reset," is the latest step in achieving periorbital rejuvenation in composite rhytidectomy. The first significant step was the addition of orbicularis repositioning to conventional lateral vector deep plane rhytidectomy, followed by orbital fat preservation using the arcus marginalis release and fat transposition over the orbital rim. Those early procedures have been further refined to include the zygomaticus muscles with the orbicularis oculi in the composite flap, or zygorbicular cheek flap, and a septal reset. The septum orbitale reset has distinct advantages over transposition of orbital fat alone, as it creates a firmer undersurface for the lower eyelid. This maneuver will create a truly youthful lower eyelid-cheek complex, as the normal concave aging skeletonization of the periorbit is transformed to a convex contour of youth. The effectiveness of this operation can be demonstrated in most variations of human anatomy, whether congenital or iatrogenic, allowing the plastic surgeon to utilize the septal reset in virtually every patient undergoing and desiring a harmonious facial rejuvenation.