[Lower lid blepharoplasty]

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Ophthalmology

Context:

• Baggy lower eyelids stem from herniated orbital fat, excess skin, or orbicularis muscle laxity.
• Aging can lead to degeneration of the lateral canthal tendon, causing lower lid laxity.
• Preoperative assessment is crucial for identifying excessive skin, herniated fat, retraction, and laxity.

Purpose:

• To outline surgical approaches for lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
• To emphasize the importance of preoperative evaluation in lower lid blepharoplasty.
• To discuss complementary procedures like lateral canthoplasty and malar elevation.

Summary:

• Two primary surgical techniques exist: the skin-muscle flap and the transconjunctival approach.
• The transconjunctival approach is suitable for younger patients with herniated fat and minimal excess skin.
• Lateral canthoplasty is frequently employed to correct horizontal laxity and prevent complications such as ectropion or scleral show.
• Subciliary incision with subperiosteal malar soft tissue elevation may be performed in select cases.

Impact:

• Optimizing surgical technique selection based on patient-specific anatomy improves aesthetic results.
• Comprehensive preoperative evaluation minimizes the risk of complications and enhances patient satisfaction.
• Combined procedures can address multiple aging concerns of the lower eyelid and midface simultaneously.