Tissue-Sparing Lower Blepharoplasty

Tissue-sparing lower blepharoplasty is an operation based upon a relatively new theory on the pathophysiology behind bulging lower eyelid fat. The operation is reparative to the orbital septum, a weakness of which is, supposedly, the primary culprit in allowing orbital fat to protrude.

Currently, any benefits are still more conceptual than proven.

Both transcutaneous and transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty are, essentially, subtractive operations designed around removing varying amounts of skin, muscle, and particularly fat.

Tissue-sparing lower blepharoplasty is intended to restore by repairing an anatomic weakness present inside of the eyelid (an orbital septum hernia) that allows normal orbital fat to bulge forward.

Orbital septum hernia shown in cross-section

Much like with an abdominal hernia repair, the operation is thus intended to return the bulging tissue (fat rather than intestine in this case) back into its normal anatomic compartment (orbit rather than abdomen) by strengthening the overlying barrier that normally holds it back (orbital septum rather than abdominal wall).

The goal is to avoid the cascade of local anatomic changes associated with disturbing orbital fat by aggressive removal or repositioning out of the orbit and into the tear trough or onto the upper cheek.

Despite this theoretical benefit, tissue-sparing lower blepharoplasty does come with its own set of real disadvantages. Because the orbital septum and/or capsulopalpebral fascia are tightened, there is a small but definite risk of creating lower eyelid retraction. Other pros and cons can be found in the chart below comparing the three major approaches to lower blepharoplasty.

Similar operations were described in Europe more than ten years ago but have not been used widely. Interest in the procedure worldwide remains limited.

In bold contrast to upper tissue-sparing blepharoplasty, we presently consider lower tissue-sparing to be a procedure "under development" and thus employ the operation on a limited and highly selective basis. In fact,as we have gained more experience with this operation, we have slowly come to question the validity of its very premise, that an eyelid "hernia" is in play.

In the majority of our patients with lower bagginess, we still favor a minimally-disruptive approach consisting of conservative transconjunctival fat trimming, pinch blepharoplasty, and chemical peel used either individually or in various combinations as indicated.

Tissue-sparing lower blepharoplasty may be undertaken through either a skin or conjunctival approach and focus on direct repair of the orbital septum, capsulopalpebral fascia, or both. We have used all of these variations, but prefer the skin approach described below:

• An incision is made through the skin just below the lashes and extends across the length of the eyelid.

• The skin is dissected away from the underlying orbicularis muscle.

• The orbicularis muscle is opened low in the lid near the orbital bone thus mitigating any negative effect on eyelid support, innervation, or closure.

• The orbital septum hernia (fat bulging forward against or through a weakened portion of orbital septum) is identified.

View two examples of an orbital septum fat hernia Actual surgery photos

• The nearby and stronger capsulopalpebral fascia is advanced over the the herniated fat and attached to the rim of bone below the eye with sutures.

• Bulging fat is thus returned to the orbital compartment rather than being removed.

View orbital septum hernia after repair Actual surgery photos

• When due to anatomic limitations, a small area of temporal fat near the lid's outer corner may sometimes require slight trimming.

• While orbital septum hernia repair can also be accomplished through a conjunctival incision (incision hidden on the inside surface of the lid), we have found this approach to be technically more difficult, more invasive, and less forgiving. If skin removal is indicated, a separate skin incision is still required (skin pinch).

• Risks and potential complications are similar to those associated with standard lower blepharoplasty.

• Actual surgery photos:

- Skin approach tissue-sparing blepharoplasty

- Conjunctival approach tissue-sparing blepharoplasty (no longer used)

The following chart presents a comparison of the three basic approaches to lower eyelid blepharoplasty relative to one another.

As with traditional forms of lower blepharoplasty, tissue-sparing lower blepharoplasty may be performed in conjunction with related procedures:

• If support of the lower lid is clearly deficient (such as in smokers or older patients), it may be strengthened by canthal tendon reinforcement.

• Wrinkles may be softened with a chemical peel.

• While fat repositioning out of the orbit and onto the upper cheek cannot, obviously, be accomplished using tissue-sparing techniques, we no longer recommend this maneuver due to its minimal effectiveness and higher risks.

Tissue-Sparing Blepharoplasty

Overview > Upper Eyelid > Lower Eyelid

• Hollowness After Lower Blepharoplasty