Changes in Lower Eyelid Positions After Blepharoplasty and Levator Advancement Surgery

To investigate changes in the upper and lower eyelid positions using information from before and immediately after surgery in patients who underwent upper blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery.

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients who underwent upper blepharoplasty with a diagnosis of dermatochalasis and patients who underwent levator advancement or levator resection with a diagnosis of congenital or aponeurotic ptosis. The marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1), marginal reflex distance 2 (MRD2), palpebral fissure height (PFH), and operation time were also investigated.

In the dermatochalasis group, the preoperative mean MRD1, MRD2, and PFH were 1.94±1.27, 4.71±0.95, and 6.65±1.65 mm, respectively. Mean MRD1, MRD2, and PFH values immediately after surgery were 1.80±0.79, 4.22±0.90, and 6.02±1.34 mm, respectively. In the ptosis group, the preoperative mean MRD1, MRD2, and PFH values were 0.27±1.34, 5.73±1.13, and 5.99±1.94 mm, respectively. Postoperative mean MRD1, MRD2, and PFH were 1.76±1.13, 4.22±1.01, and 5.98±1.60 mm, respectively.

It is important to remember that MRD2 could decrease during surgery. Therefore, to prevent overcorrection after upper eyelid surgery, MRD1 (not the overall PFH) should be considered to determine the appropriate extent of surgery during the procedure.