Arcus Marginalis Release Research Articles

Surgical correction of sunken upper eyelid with upper arcus marginalis release and precision fat distribution technique.

Sunken upper eyelids, characterized by hollowing in the upper orbital region, can contribute to an aged or fatigued appearance. We aim to report on the surgical technique and its effects, involving the release of the arcus marginalis of the upper eyelid and the precise distribution of orbital fat. From December 2021 to March 2023, a total of 84 eyelids from 42 patients who underwent surgical correction for sunken upper eyelids, utilizing the upper arcus marginalis release and precision fat distribution technique, were included in this study. Preoperative and postoperative sunken depths were measured and statistically analyzed. Aesthetic satisfaction was assessed through patient questionnaires. Preoperative and postoperative sunken depths measured 9.2 ± 2.2 mm and 5.9 ± 2.3 mm, respectively. The mean improvement was 3.3 mm, a change of statistical significance. Aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction yielded favorable results. No major complications were observed during the follow-up period. The upper arcus marginalis release and orbital fat distribution technique demonstrated favorable outcomes in correcting sunken upper eyelids. This procedure ensures stable placement of orbital fat at the deepest sunken point, resulting in aesthetically pleasing and enduring results. This technique serves as a valuable alternative for patients with moderate to severe sunken eyelids.

Periorbital Hyperpigmentation—Dark Circles under the Eyes; Treatment Suggestions and Combining Procedures

Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) is a frequent concern among both young and adult patients. The etiology is multifactorial with a genetic background. Prevalence is higher in darker skin types. It has been estimated as high as 30% in a recent Indian study. Females are often more disappointed by POH than males. Treatment has to consider underlying pathologies and patients’ needs. We present our treatment algorithm for POH. In this study, 74 patients with POH, 64 females (86.5%) and 10 males (13.3%), were treated. Of these, 39 patients (53%) had a family history of POH. The age range of patients was 18−57 years (average: 36.1 years). In case of tear trough deformity, soft tissue augmentation was used by injection of hyaluronic acid gel, calcium hydroxylapatite, or autologous fat. Blepharoplasty with partial fat pad resection or repositioning via arcus marginalis release was used to correct severe orbital fat herniation and excess of the lower lid skin. Melanin hyperpigmentation of the skin was improved by sessions of Q-switched 1064 and 532 nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Small vessels (capillaries and veins) were targeted by a 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd-YAG laser. Sessions of intense pulsed light (IPL) or CO2 fractional laser were employed to improve skin texture and fine lines. Topical hyaluronic acid-based formulations may be used as adjuvant self-treatment by patients. For pigmented and mixed-type POH, ultraviolet light protection is recommended as a maintenance treatment. By the use of various technologies, treatment can be individually tailored.

Application of Orbital Septum Fat Flap Stuffing to Correct Inferior Orbital Sulcus Deformities.

Summary:The inferior orbitopalpebral sulcus deformity is challenging during lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Plastic surgeons are currently addressing each case individually, depending on the patient’s unique circumstances. Nevertheless, patients with large orbital grooves often complain that the inferior orbitopalpebral sulcus is not sufficiently improved. Altogether, 189 patients underwent transcutaneous blepharoplasty. According to their local anatomy, 98 underwent transcutaneous blepharoplasty surgery only, 59 had it combined with arcus marginalis release, and 32 had it combined with orbital septum fat flap stuffing. For the latter 32 patients, the orbital fat was trimmed and flipped to roll over the edge 10 mm from the infraorbital rim to form a base to repair the tear trough deformity and palpebromalar groove. Excessive dermatochalasis was removed, excrescent bulging fat was released, and the sulcus deformity was flattened using the orbital fat flap. The cosmetic results were satisfactory. Releasing the orbital septal fat helped restructure the deformity. The lower eyelid bags and lower orbital sulcus deformities were well corrected, allowing recovery with a convex-type facial contour. Using an orbital fat flap to treat a tear trough deformity and palpebromalar groove is effective and safe. Careful performances by surgeons can avoid serious complications. This operation satisfies both patients and surgeons.

Three-Dimensional Topographic Surface Changes in Response to Compartmental Volumization of the Medial Cheek: Defining a Malar Augmentation Zone.

Given the widespread use of facial fillers and recent identification of distinct facial fat compartments, a better understanding of three-dimensional surface changes in response to volume augmentation is needed. Advances in three-dimensional imaging technology now afford an opportunity to elucidate these morphologic changes for the first time. A cadaver study was undertaken in which volumization of the deep medial cheek compartment was performed at intervals up to 4 cc (n = 4). Three-dimensional photographs were taken after each injection to analyze the topographic surface changes, which the authors define as the "augmentation zone." Perimeter, diameter, and projection were studied. The arcus marginalis of the inferior orbit consistently represented a fixed boundary of the augmentation zone, and additional cadavers underwent similar volumization following surgical release of this portion of the arcus marginalis (n = 4). Repeated three-dimensional computer analysis was performed comparing the augmentation zone with and without arcus marginalis release. Volumization of the deep medial cheek led to unique topographic changes of the malar region defined by distinct boundaries. Interestingly, the cephalic border of the augmentation zone was consistently noted to be at the level of the arcus marginalis in all specimens. When surgical release of the arcus marginalis was performed, the cephalic border of the augmentation zone was no longer restricted. Using advances in three-dimensional photography and computer analysis, the authors demonstrate characteristic surface anatomy changes in response to volume augmentation of facial compartments. This novel concept of the augmentation zone can be applied to volumization of other distinct facial regions. Therapeutic, V.

Tear trough deformity: different types of anatomy and treatment options.

AimTo explore the efficacy of tear trough deformity treatment with the use of hyaluronic acid gel or autologous fat for soft tissue augmentation and fat repositioning via arcus marginalis release.Material and methodsSeventy-eight patients with the tear trough were divided into three groups. Class I has tear trough without bulging orbital fat or excess of the lower eyelid skin. Class II is associated with mild to moderate orbital fat bulging, without excess of the lower eyelid skin. Class III is associated with severe orbital fat bulging and excess of the lower eyelid skin. Class I or II was treated using hyaluronic acid gel or autologous fat injections. Class III was treated with fat repositioning via arcus marginalis release. The patients with a deep nasojugal groove of class III were treated with injecting autologous fat into the tear trough during fat repositioning lower blepharoplasty as a way of supplementing the volume added by the repositioned fat.ResultsSeventy-eight patients with tear trough deformity were confirmed from photographs taken before and after surgery. There were some complications, but all had complete resolution.ConclusionsPatients with mild to moderate peri-orbital volume loss without severe orbital fat bulging may be good candidates for hyaluronic acid filler or fat grafting alone. However, patients with more pronounced deformities, severe orbital fat bulging and excess of the lower eyelid skin are often better served by fat repositioning via arcus marginalis release and fat grafting.

A Novel 3D Analysis of Arcus Marginalis Release for Midface Rejuvenation

A Novel 3D Analysis of Arcus Marginalis Release for Midface Rejuvenation

Use of a novel orbicularis oculi muscle overlap method for correction of tear-trough deformity.

Although the fat-pad-sliding method reported by Loeb and the "arcus marginalis release with preservation of orbital fat" method reported by Hamra are useful techniques for correcting tear trough deformity in the Asian population, including Japanese patients, occasional cases of tear-trough deformity have persisted even after surgery. To solve this problem, the authors developed a novel orbicularis oculi muscle overlap method, which has enabled them to obtain good results. The orbicularis oculi muscle overlap method was performed for 10 patients (9 women and 1 man) with prominent tear-trough deformity. The average of these patients was 52 years (range, 34-72 years). The origin of the orbicularis oculi muscle was elevated at its adherence to the maxillary bone, and the innermost portion of the origin of the orbicularis oculi muscle was excised by a width of 6 to 7 mm to reduce the muscle tension. This muscle flap was overlapped relative to the orbital fat, which was repositioned over the orbital rim and sutured in place. Tear-trough deformity improved in all cases, and the patients were highly satisfied with their flat lower eyelids. The orbicularis oculi muscle overlap method is effective for thin eyelids with prominent tear-trough deformity. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Comparison of the Transpalpebral and Endoscopic Approaches in Resection of the Corrugator Supercilii Muscle

Corrugator resection is an integral part of periorbital rejuvenation and can be accomplished through the open coronal, endoscopic, or transpalpebral technique. While most authors concur about the importance of corrugator resection during brow lift surgery, considerable debate remains regarding the efficacy and technical ease of muscle resection with these approaches. The authors conducted a cadaver study to compare the completeness of resection of the corrugator muscle with the transpalpebral and endoscopic techniques. A split-face study was performed in 10 fresh cadavers. On one side, the corrugator muscle was resected through an endoscopic approach, and on the opposite side of the face, a transpalpebral resection was performed. After the completion of both procedures, a coronal incision was made; gross observations were noted; photographs were taken; and muscle weights were recorded. In 19 of 20 cadaver halves, subtotal or total resection of the corrugator muscle was accomplished. In only one endoscopic instance was any muscle left in continuity. This occurred along the superior aspect of the arcus marginalis release when the corrugator muscle was hidden by the upper edge of the cut periosteum. Unlike the previous reports, the authors found that transpalpebral and endoscopic techniques both allow subtotal or total resection of the corrugator muscle. Inadequate resection is technique dependent rather than procedure dependent.

Zur Therapie des Festoons (Hängefalten)

In German there is no word for the term "festoon" but it can be used to describe folds due to gravity of the upper and the lower lid, sometimes accompanied by an oedema. The manuals of eyelid surgery (Neubauer or Heilman and Paton) recommend a direct excision, perhaps in combination with a shortening of the lid. But the postoperative result may show a poor scar and a persisting oedema. In cases of low grade festoon a temporary therapy using hyaluronic acid is possible. A combination of different surgical steps, such a subciliary incision, arcus marginalis release, a lift of the malar region, thinning out the subcutaneous oedematous skin region, skin excision and optionally a resurfacing may lead to a better cosmetic outcome.

Arcus Marginalis Release II Via Endoscopic Midface-Lift

Tear troughs in combination with midfacial ptosis may be early and synergistic signs of aging. Premaxillary and suborbicularis oculi fat (SOOF) descent decreases soft tissue volume covering the orbital rim, while prolapsing retroseptal fat actually underscores the resulting tear trough shadow. This volume change precedes skin redundancy. Thus, volume redistribution avoiding external skin incisions is the adequate treatment. De la Plaza's transconjunctival lower lid blepharoplasty is a reliable tool for arcus marginalis release. For patients also requiring an endoscopic midface-lift, even the transconjunctival incision for intraorbital fat compartment realignment can be avoided by performing the release of the lower orbita septum via the buccal mucosa incision.

Periosteal Fixation During Subperiosteal Brow Lift Surgery

To report the efficacy of periosteal fixation combined with Y-to-V scalp incisions during small-incision subperiosteal forehead and brow lift. This is a retrospective case series of 19 patients over 12 months; 16 patients underwent bilateral and 3 unilateral surgery. Unilateral surgery was performed in patients with facial nerve palsy and was augmented with cable suspension. Superior arcus marginalis release and visualization of the supraorbital nerve was achieved using an endoscope or a transblepharoplasty approach. All patients achieved a desirable brow lift and contour, with a mean lift of 2.4 +/- 1.0 mm. The mean follow-up was 11 months. During follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence of brow ptosis. All patients had an improvement of the glabellar furrows. Minor complications included transient diplopia (n=1), reduced medial upper eyelid sensation (n=1), brief postoperative bleeding from one of the small-incision sites (n=1), and persistent sensory loss involving the central scalp incisions (n=2). No long-term alopecia was noted in any case. Our results suggest that with periosteal fixation combined with Y-to-V scalp incisions, bone fixation is not necessary to achieve a desirable height during small-incision subperiosteal forehead and brow lift.

Small incision subperiosteal and trans-blepharoplasty forehead and browlift

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of non-endoscopic, small-incision subperiosteal forehead and browlift in patients undergoing associated upper eyelid blepharoplasty. This is a retrospective, non-comparative case series of 14 consecutive patients in 12 months. Eleven patients underwent bilateral and three unilateral surgery. Unilateral surgery was performed in patients with facial palsy and was augmented with cable suspension. The technique involves five small scalp incisions to create a single subperiosteal and deep temporal cavity. Superior arcus marginalis release and direct visualisation of the supraorbital nerve was achieved via a trans-blepharoplasty approach. All patients achieved a desirable browlift and contour. Follow up ranged from 2 to 40 weeks. Minor complications included transient diplopia (1), reduced upper eyelid sensation (1), and brief postoperative bleeding from one of the small incision sites (1). Small incision and trans-blepharoplasty forehead and browlift is a safe and effective method to achieve a cosmetically desirable browlift in patients that require associated upper eyelid blepharoplasty, using standard oculoplastic equipment without the need for an endoscope.

Periorbital and midfacial rejuvenation via blepharoplasty and sub-periosteal midface rhytidectomy

The stigmata of midfacial ageing are the malar descent, lateral orbital festoon formation, tear-through deformity, deep melojugal sulcus, buccal fat pad and sub-orbicularis oculi fat (SOOF) prolapse, deep nasolabial folds and cutaneous and muscular descent. The signs of periorbital ageing include dermatochalasis, skin hooding of the upper eyelids, lacrimal gland prolapse, adipose prolapse, and lateral canthal descent and orbital septum diastasis. All of these deformities can be addressed through upper and lower blepharoplasties with arcus marginalis release, lateral canthopexy, sub-periosteal midface rhytidectomy with temporal suspension of the malar mound and SOOF repositioning. The same technique can be utilized for the restoration of facial symmetry after Bell's palsy. In the following report the technique and the authors’ experience in the rejuvenation of the periorbital and midface region are presented. There were a total of 20 patients in this series. Sixteen were female and 4 were male. All the patients were followed-up on a monthly basis after surgery for the first 6 months. They were then seen at 1 year post-surgery. All of the patients were evaluated by the senior author. In the beginning of the study there was 1 Asian female patient with mild postoperative ectropion, which resolved and did not require operative intervention. The patients experienced prolonged postoperative oedema. The patients were satisfied with their postoperative outcomes. In all patients, the goals of periorbital and midfacial rejuvenation were achieved with the above technique. Simultaneous periorbital and midfacial rejuvenation can be achieved via upper and lower blepharoplasties, lateral canthopexies and sub-periosteal midface rhytidectomy.

Combined Arcus Marginalis Release, Preseptal Orbicularis Muscle Sling, and SOOF Plication for Midfacial Rejuvenation

Combined Arcus Marginalis Release, Preseptal Orbicularis Muscle Sling, and SOOF Plication for Midfacial Rejuvenation

Combined Arcus Marginalis Release, Preseptal Orbicularis Muscle Sling, and SOOF Plication for Midfacial Rejuvenation

Improvements have been made throughout the history of medicine, causing physicians to abandon a technique or medications clearly shown to be suboptimal. Unfortunately, this has not happened with rejuvenative surgery. Conventional lower eyelid procedures continue to include removal of orbital fat in most cases, and facelift procedures remain primarily a lateral vector pull. The unfortunate results of these traditional procedures are becoming easy to recognize. Optimal rejuvenation of the lower eyelid complex should be based on the principle that the contour changes characterizing aging involve not only prolapse of orbital fat, but also descent of the cheek tissues, resulting in accentuation of the orbital rim and tear trough groove. Although the necessity of preserving fat and repositioning the soft tissues of the midface has been widely accepted, there still is wide disagreement among authors as to the best approach and surgical technique. This report describes a surgical technique for lower lid midfacial rejuvenation that is a composite of several previously published approaches with some modifications, particularly in the way the Sub-Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System (SMAS) fat pad is plicated and the midfacial tissues suspended. The technique is simple and safe, resulting in a pleasing natural midface contour.

Fat extrusion and septal reset in patients with the tear trough triad: a critical appraisal.

Arcus marginalis release, fat extrusion, and septal reset were applied to 71 selected patients with a constellation of orbital deformities the authors term a "tear trough triad." Of the initial 71 patients, 59 had complete follow-up records. Evaluated by means of a proportional topographic scale, 95 percent of patients achieved significant improvement. Equally important, no incidence of middle lamella contracture occurred in the entire series. The authors conclude that the procedure is safe and effective in selected patients.

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

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.

The Composite Facelift

Harmonious long-term facial rejuvenation can be achieved with the technique of composite facelifting. The composite facelift elevates not only the skin but also the platysma, the malar fat, and the orbicularis muscle. The development of a zygorbicular flap, along with an arcus marginalis release, allows for a strong superior medial pull, which results in a more youthful face and eyes.

Surgical techniques for midface rejuvenation

Rejuvenation of the aging midface is a recent focus area for cosmetic surgeons. In the past, the infraorbital region was rejuvenated using fat injections or synthetic implants. Although these methods are still used successfully by many surgeons, recent surgical trends emphasize elevation of the malar and infraorbital fat pads with minimal surgical incisions. The primary surgical approaches for midface rejuvenation include “composite” rhytidectomy, tri-plane rhytidectomy, subperiosteal suborbicularis oculi fat lift, endoscopic approaches, buccal fat pad repositioning, and arcus marginalis release with orbital fat preservation.

Prevention and correction of the "face-lifted" appearance.

In spite of the increasing demand and popularity of facial rejuvenation procedures, there has been little real change of traditional techniques over the past few decades. Face lifts continue to be lateral vector techniques, whether skin lifts, superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) lifts, or deep plane malar fat maneuvers are done. Lower eyelid procedures continue to include removal of orbital fat in most cases. Laser blepharoplasties combine transconjunctival fat removal with laser skin abrasion. Forehead lifts continue to be optional in most cases, in spite of clear indications. The unfortunate results of these traditional procedures that may occur are becoming easy to recognize. The unopposed tension of lateral vector face lifts allows the cheek tissues to descend eventually over the tightened jawline, creating a "lateral sweep" or pulled appearance of the face. A crescent-shaped mound over the malar area is the inferior orbicularis oculi muscle, not repositioned with conventional procedures. Following conventional blepharoplasty, the lower eyelid contour becomes deeper, and often an hollow appearance develops. A composite face lift combined with an arcus marginalis release can correct these typical problems. The primary vector of the face is superiomedial, which will reverse the unopposed tension of lateral vector techniques and reposition the cheek tissues to their original position. The arcus marginalis release combined with repositioning of the complete orbicularis muscle in a zygorbicular midface flap can be used to correct the most severe hollow lower eyelid. Unwanted and unattractive results are not the fault of the surgeon or the patient but are caused by the surgical technique. As a primary rejuvenative procedure, a composite rhytidectomy will deliver an impressive result that will disallow the ultimate lateral sweep and hollow eyes. In patients that have the unhappy signs of surgery this procedure can effectively correct the face-lifted appearance.