Application of Wide, Adjustable External Traction Fixation in Conjunctival Approach Orbital Fat Reposition Surgery

The correction of tear trough deformities is a significant challenge. The aim of this study is to present a new technique of using wide, adjustable external traction fixation in conjunctival approach orbital fat reposition surgery.

This is a retrospective case series study conducted on 69 patients, aged 18 to 45 years, who underwent surgery for palpebral bags and tear trough deformities (TTD) between October 2022 and March 2024. During surgery, wide, adjustable external traction fixation was used in conjunctival approach orbital fat reposition surgery. The modified Barton classification is used to evaluate the tear trough deformity preoperatively and postoperatively. Patient satisfaction and complication were evaluated.

Sixty-nine patients were enrolled in the study and completed the minimum follow-up period of 6 months. The mean follow-up period was 7.4 ± 1.2 months. There was a significant improvement in the grading of TTD before and after surgery, with an average preoperative TTD grade of 3.19 ± 0.69 and a postoperative grade of 0.84 ± 0.64 ( P < 0.001). No major complication was observed during the follow-up period.

For patients with palpebral bags and tear trough deformities without significant skin laxity, transconjunctival orbital septum fat reposition surgery with wide, adjustable external traction fixation is a safe, stable, and effective surgical option and is worthy of broader adoption.