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Using multidetector row computed tomography to evaluate baggy eyelid.
Itsuko Okuda1, Masahiro Irimoto, Yasuo Nakajima
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, International University of Health and Welfare, Mita Hospital, 1-4-3, Mita Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8329, Japan. okudai-tora@umin.ac.jp
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
|October 27, 2011
Summary
Baggy eyelids result from aging, with thinner orbicularis oculi muscles and increased orbital fat prolapse. This study confirms age, muscle thickness, and fat prolapse are key factors in lower eyelid aging.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Aging Research
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Baggy eyelids are a common sign of aging, characterized by intraorbital fat herniation in the lower eyelids.
- These changes affect the midface aesthetic and are associated with the aging process.
- Understanding the underlying anatomical changes is crucial for addressing this cosmetic concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between orbicularis oculi muscle thickness, orbital fat prolapse length, and age in patients with baggy eyelids.
- To identify the primary contributing factors to the development of baggy eyelids.
- To utilize multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) for objective measurements.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 34 patients aged 20-79 years was studied.
- Patients were categorized into three age groups: 20-29, 30-54, and 55-79 years.
- Orbicularis oculi muscle thickness and orbital fat prolapse length were quantified using CT imaging.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in orbicularis oculi muscle thickness was observed in older age groups.
- Orbital fat prolapse was significantly more pronounced in the oldest patient group.
- Strong negative correlations were found between muscle thickness and fat prolapse (r=-0.78) and between muscle thickness and age (r=-0.77).
- A strong positive correlation existed between fat prolapse length and age (r=0.78).
Conclusions:
- Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) effectively visualizes age-related lower eyelid changes.
- Orbicularis oculi muscle thickness, orbital fat prolapse, and age are significant determinants of baggy eyelids.
- Reduced orbicularis oculi muscle thickness is a direct precursor to orbital fat prolapse, contributing to baggy eyelids.
