Anatomic considerations in transconjunctival blepharoplasty

To better identify the anatomy of the lower eyelid in relation to the transconjunctival approach to blepharoplasty, 20 fresh cadaver lower eyelids were dissected. Cross-sectional cuts of fresh cadaver specimens also were made and examined by whole-organ photomicrographs of the entire lower eyelid and its associated soft-tissue structures. These were correlated with magnetic resonance imaging studies in the living patient. Measurements were made of the relationship of the lid margin, tarsal plate, infraocular fat (including the three traditional fat compartments), inferior oblique muscle, and eyelid (on stretch). Our findings suggest that a transconjunctival incision closer to the fornix, directed toward the infraorbital rim, allows the surgeon a direct and safe approach to the fat compartments. No distinct anatomic compartmentalization of the periorbital fat as traditionally described was found. There was a consistent extension of the lateral pad, lateral to the lateral canthus of the eye. There are also accumulations of fat outside the orbital septum in the cheek and beneath the orbicularis muscle that contribute to the fullness of the lower eyelid and which cannot be addressed by the transconjunctival approach.