Traditional Lower Blepharoplasty: Is Additional Support Necessary? A 30-Year Review

Area of Science:

• Oculoplastics
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Facial Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Lower eyelid rejuvenation techniques have evolved, with increased focus on lower eyelid support.
• The traditional blepharoplasty approach may underemphasize the importance of lower eyelid support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the complication rate of the traditional primary lower blepharoplasty approach over 30 years.
• To assess outcomes without concomitant lower lid-tightening procedures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 2007 patients undergoing traditional lower blepharoplasty.
• Exclusion criteria were applied to the initial cohort of 3014 patients.
• Complications, including chemosis and symptomatic lower eyelid malposition, were recorded.

Main Results:

• Chemosis occurred in 1.2% (24/2007) of patients.
• Symptomatic lower eyelid malposition occurred in 0.4% (8/2007) of patients.
• The overall complication rate was low.

Conclusions:

• Meticulously performed traditional lower blepharoplasty is a safe and effective procedure.
• Routine addition of lower lid tightening is not necessary for patients with adequate preoperative lower eyelid tone.
• Combined internal and external approaches are also deemed unnecessary in select cases.