Long-term Results of Lower-Lid Suspension Blepharoplasty

Abstract

Background

Muscle suspension blepharoplasty remains a reliable method to tighten the loose skin and muscle of the lower eyelid.

Objective

To evaluate the 30-year experience of the senior author (N.J.P.) with the skin-muscle suspension technique for lower-lid blepharoplasty.

Patients and Methods

Of 4395 patients who underwent lower-lid blepharoplasty, 3988 had muscle suspension blepahroplasty performed with adequate follow-up.

Results

Results of the 30-year review showed that most patients were very satisfied with the procedure. There were 67 complications (2 hematomas, 1 poor scar, 24 cases of scleral show <1 mm, and 40 cases of chemosis). Chemosis resolved in 2 to 8 weeks, and there were no cases of ectropion, scleral show greater than 1 mm, dry eye, or vision loss. Revision surgery was needed in 41 patients, all of whom were satisfied after the secondary procedure.

Conclusion

Despite the recent drift toward orbital fat preservation for lower-lid blepharoplasty, conventional lower-lid muscle suspension offers the surgeon a reliable method to tighten the loose skin and muscle of the lower eyelid and give the patient a more attractive, youthful appearance.