Effects of Orbicularis Oculi Flap Suspension on Transcutaneous Lower Blepharoplasty.

[OBJECTIVE] The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical effects of orbicularis oculi muscle suspension in conjunction with transcutaneous blepharoplasty in patients 60 years of age or older.

[METHODS] A retrospective study was conducted on patients aged 60 or older who underwent orbicularis oculi flap suspension in conjunction with transcutaneous blepharoplasty to treat lower lid festoons, lower lid fat prolapse, and lid laxity at Korea University Guro Hospital. The outcomes were surgical success rate, recurrence rate, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction.

[RESULTS] In total, 39 patients (18 males and 21 females) were included, with an average age of 67.5 years (60-86 y) and a follow-up period of 145.7 days (95-195 d). In all patients, eyelid laxity was effectively corrected, and there was no recurrence of eyelid laxity after surgery. Three patients suffered postoperative complications, transient skin edema in 2 patients, and transient ectropion in 1 patient. Subjective satisfaction score following surgery was high, with an average score of 2.56 out of 3 points.

[CONCLUSIONS] Orbicularis oculi flap suspension with transcutaneous blepharoplasty can shorten operation time due to surgical ease. It also has the advantage of not involving conjunctival-related complications such as conjunctival edema since it does not pass through the conjunctiva. Finally, it can successfully treat lid laxity and could be used in lower blepharoplasty procedures.