Lateral Tarsoconjunctival Flap Suspension Treatment of Post Blepharoplasty Lower Eyelid Retraction

To describe and evaluate the use of a lateral tarsoconjunctival suspension flap (TCSF) for the management of post blepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction.

Two-center, retrospective chart review of patients who received a lateral TCSF between 2010 and 2018 for correction of post blepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction. The postoperative follow-up was a minimum of 3 months. Pre- and postoperative lower eyelid position (margin reflex distance 2 on standard photographs), degree of ocular surface disease, symptoms, complications, and need for further intervention were recorded. Pre- and postoperative photographs were scored using an objective grading system for cosmetic surgical results (MDACS).

Forty-eight eyelids from 30 patients met inclusion criteria for this study. Twenty (67%) of the patients were female. Age ranged from 55 to 89 (mean, 73.2). After the TCSF, ocular surface exposure improved in all cases. Lower eyelid retraction (average margin reflex distance 2 pre- vs. postintervention) improved in 98% of cases. Objective scoring of appearance improved; the mean MDACS score was 8 pre- and 3 post-TCSFs (p < 0.0001). One patient required midface lift and lateral canthoplasty 7 months later for undercorrected eyelid retraction. Another case required partial resection due to visibility of the flap in the interpalpebral zone. Postoperative pyogenic granulomas were noted in 8% (4/48) of eyelids.

The lateral TCSF was safe and effective in improving both functional and esthetic parameters in this series of post blepharoplasty eyelid retraction patients.