Application of retaining the vessels around the orbicularis oculi muscle in blepharoplasty

Dan Li; Han Yan; Hengshu Zhang; E Yang; Xinhao Liu

doi:10.1111/jocd.16400

Application of retaining the vessels around the orbicularis oculi muscle in blepharoplasty

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 May 20. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16400. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Dan Li¹, Han Yan¹, Hengshu Zhang¹, E Yang¹, Xinhao Liu¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.

PMID: 38769823
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16400

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of retaining the vessels around the orbicularis oculi muscle on reducing local swelling after blepharoplasty.

Methods: A total of 309 patients undergoing blepharoplasty (total incision) were observed and randomly assigned to three groups; (A) conventional operation; (B) preservation of deep vessels; (C) preservation of anterior vessels of orbicularis oculi muscle. The groups were compared based on intraoperative blood loss, operation time, swelling, satisfaction, and complications.

Results: Among the 309 patients, 39 were lost to follow-up. c Additionally, A had the shortest operation time, followed by C with slightly longer duration. On the 7th day, 15th day, and 1 month after surgery, both B and C demonstrated significantly lower levels of swelling compared to A. Moreover, patient satisfaction was higher in B and C than in A.

Conclusion: Retaining either superficial or deep veins of the orbicularis oculi muscle can effectively reduce short-term postoperative swelling. However, when retaining the superficial central group of this muscle during surgery, it is crucial to strictly control the amount of surrounding tissue around vessels.

Keywords: blepharoplasty; patient satisfaction; postoperative swelling; vessel retention.