Long-term 3-Dimensional Volume Assessment After Fat Repositioning Lower Blepharoplasty

Abstract

Importance

First reported 3-dimensional quantitative study of the lower periorbital area after lower blepharoplasty using the fat repositioning technique.

Objective

To determine the volumetric effects lower blepharoplasty with fat repositioning provides to the tear trough and deep fat compartments of the upper cheek.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective electronic medical chart review (16-month study with a minimum of 10-month postoperative evaluation) was performed on 12 initial patients recruited to a private practice; 2 patients were lost to long-term follow-up. Patients were recruited between May 2014 and November 2014. To fulfill recruitment criteria, patients must have undergone a lower blepharoplasty performed using the fat repositioning technique with a minimum of 10 months follow-up. Patients who had undergone additional procedures or had a history of filler to the tear trough or cheek area before or during the study period were excluded.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Volume (mL) measurement of a defined anatomical area in postoperative patients.

Results

Overall, 10 patients (mean [range] age, 56 [37-66] years) who had undergone a lower blepharoplasty performed using the fat repositioning technique had volume gain in the areas evaluated. The mean (range) follow-up time was 12 (10-16) months. The average volume gain was 0.64 mL (left side, 0.61 mL; right side, 0.67 mL). There was no statistical difference when the 2 sides were compared (P = .49).

Conclusions and Relevance

The fat repositioning technique in lower blepharoplasty improves pseudofat herniation while simultaneously adding volume to the lower periorbital and cheek areas. The results are reproducible with long-term aesthetic improvement in the tear trough and upper cheek areas.

Level of Evidence

4.