Small-incision, mini-dissection, orbicularis-preservation, and orbicularis-levator aponeurosis fixation technique: A modified partial-incision double-eyelid blepharoplasty.

[BACKGROUND] The partial-incision double-eyelid surgery remains a popular esthetic procedure in Asia, most of the previous partial-incision double-eyelid operations involved resection of the pretarsal orbicular muscle, resulting in a depressed and firm eyelid crease. In order to create a more natural, dynamic, and durable double-eyelid crease with less visible scar and shorter postoperative recovery time, we describe a modified small-incision, mini-dissection, orbicularis-preservation, and orbicularis-levator aponeurosis fixation technique for Chinese patients.

[METHODS] A total of 132 patients who underwent bilateral modified partial-incision double-eyelid surgery were retrospectively reviewed. In this technique, three 2 mm incisions were designed, the orbicularis oculi muscle was preserved and conservatively dissected to expose the levator aponeurosis, and buried suture was used to fix the orbicularis oculi muscle to levator aponeurosis. The skin and orbicularis oculi muscle were then sutured together with the levator aponeurosis.

[RESULTS] With a follow-up period of more than 6 months, most of the double eyelids were natural and dynamic, and the crease was stable. The majority of the swelling faded in 2 weeks and completely faded in the first month for most patients. The scars of the small incision became invisible after 3 months of recovery. One patient (0.8%) complained of bilateral fold disappearance. Asymmetries occurred in 4.5% (6 of 132) patients. 97.7% (129 of 132) patients were satisfied with the postoperative appearance. No severe complications were reported during the follow-up period.

[CONCLUSION] The modified small-incision, mini-dissection, orbicularis-preservation, and orbicularis-levator aponeurosis fixation double-eyelid blepharoplasty technique can create a more natural, dynamic, and durable double-eyelid crease with fast recovery and no visible scar or serious complications.