Upper blepharoplasty revision technique: Correction of the high eyelid fold using the pretarsal orbicularis oculi flap

Abstract

With the growing popularity of upper lid blepharoplasty, there have been increasing reports of unsatisfactory outcomes that have necessitated a revision surgery. This study aimed to evaluate aesthetic outcomes of surgical correction of the high eyelid fold using a pretarsal orbicularis oculi flap and to highlight the key practice points of this surgical procedure in secondary blepharoplasty. A retrospective study of 31 consecutive Chinese patients who underwent revision surgeries between January 2013 and December 2015 was undertaken through a review of medical records. All these patients underwent surgical correction of high eyelid folds using a pretarsal orbicularis oculi flap, with postoperative follow-up ranging from 6 months to 4years. Postoperative outcomes were reviewed, evaluated, and analyzed. In this study of 31 women who underwent secondary revision procedure of the high eyelid fold using a pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle flap, mean follow-up time was 8.2 (range 6-48) months. All flaps survived without significant complications. There was no reported incidence of hematoma or infection in early postoperative complications. Clinical effectiveness was satisfactory in most of the patients who underwent fold repair (26/31, 83.9%). However, five patients (16.1%) expressed dissatisfaction with postoperative outcomes; of them, four patients (12.9%) had mild asymmetry, whereas surgical revision was required in only one patient (3.2%). Secondary blepharoplasty to correct the high eyelid fold is a challenging procedure for plastic surgeons. Use of the pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle flap for correction of the high eyelid fold is safe and effective, with better biomechanics and a satisfying aesthetic outcome. This provides a novel treatment option in limited secondary revision techniques.