Related Experiment Videos
Pretarsal fat compartment in the lower eyelid
K Hwang1, D Joong Kim, R S Chung
1Department of Plastic Surgery, College of Medicine, Inha University, Inchon, Korea. jokerhg@dragon.inha.ac.kr
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|April 13, 2001
Summary
A newly identified "pretarsal fat compartment" in the lower eyelid contributes to bulges below eyelashes. Removing this encapsulated fat during blepharoplasty is recommended for optimal aesthetic results.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Plastic Surgery
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Lower eyelid anatomy includes three infraorbital fat compartments: medial, central, and lateral.
- Lateral compartment fat removal alone does not address bulges below the eyelashes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To anatomically describe the pretarsal fat compartment.
- To demonstrate its clinical significance in lower lid blepharoplasty.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of 20 lower eyelids from 10 cadavers.
- Injection of methylene blue dye into the pretarsal fat sac.
- Histological analysis of sagittal sections.
Main Results:
- Identified and delineated an encapsulated "pretarsal fat compartment" superior to the lateral infraorbital fat.
- Histological analysis confirmed separation by orbital septal fibers.
- The compartment is pear or cone-shaped and located on the lateral half of the tarsal plate.
Conclusions:
- The pretarsal fat compartment is a distinct anatomical entity.
- Removal of pretarsal fat during blepharoplasty can resolve persistent infraorbital bulges.
- This anatomical understanding refines surgical approaches to lower eyelid rejuvenation.