Management of Postblepharoplasty Lower Eyelid Retraction

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2019 Nov;27(4):425-434. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2019.07.014. Epub 2019 Aug 30.

Abstract

Postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction is challenging and multifactorial and may occur after transcutaneous lower eyelid surgery. Surgical correction is difficult and unpredictable. Patient psyche is often negatively affected. This combination of events can limit patient satisfaction, so significant preoperative counseling to educate patients and modulate expectations is critical. The combination of midface lifting, implantation of a posterior lamellar spacer graft, and canthal suspension (standard surgery) has led to variable degrees of functional and aesthetic improvement. This article reviews the typical presentation, outlines the steps of standard surgery, and touches on other modalities of treatment that may improve patient satisfaction.

Keywords: Blepharoplasty; Eyelid laxity; Eyelid scar; Eyelid volume; Lower eyelid ectropion; Lower eyelid malposition; Lower eyelid retraction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blepharoplasty / adverse effects*
  • Blepharoplasty / methods
  • Esthetics
  • Eyelid Diseases / etiology*
  • Eyelid Diseases / psychology
  • Eyelid Diseases / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / psychology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Reoperation