Simple Incisionless Temporary Stabilization: An Adjunct to Lower Blepharoplasty.

Area of Science:

• Oculoplastics
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Facial Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Lateral canthal tightening is crucial during lower eyelid blepharoplasty for patients with eyelid laxity or ectropion.
• Canthoplasty or canthopexy prevents complications like eyelid retraction and ectropion post-surgery.
• Existing techniques often involve incisions to access the lateral canthal tendon.

Observation:

• A novel incisionless technique, Simple Incisionless Temporary Stabilization (SITS), was developed to stabilize the lower eyelid after blepharoplasty.
• A retrospective case series of 15 patients undergoing SITS during lower eyelid blepharoplasty was conducted.
• Patient follow-up ranged from 3 to 6 months postoperatively.

Findings:

• The SITS procedure successfully maintained desirable functional and aesthetic eyelid position in patients undergoing lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
• Only one patient experienced temporary tearing, unrelated to the SITS procedure, which resolved within a month.
• No other significant complications were reported during the follow-up period.

Implications:

• SITS is a favorable alternative to temporary tarsorrhaphy for preventing ectropion and retraction in mild-to-moderate lower eyelid laxity.
• This technique avoids vision obstruction during healing and provides secure eyelid stabilization.
• SITS is not recommended for patients with severe lower eyelid laxity due to risks associated with postoperative swelling.