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Post-blepharoplasty lower lid retraction remains a challenging problem to treat. Traditionally, procedures to correct lower lid retraction include lateral canthal suspensions, spacer grafts, midface lifting, and frost sutures. Many of these techniques are discussed in the accompanying chapter. However, with the advent of dermal hyaluronic acid fillers, as well as autologous fat transfer, my understanding of the mechanism of lid retraction has evolved as well as my approach to treatment.

Lower eyelid retraction is a common sequel to anterior transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty surgery. This chapter describes the use of endoscopic midface lifting for recruiting midface skin to help address anterior lamellar deficiencies and to address mid lamellar scarring via an endoscopic approach.

Current alternatives for xenograft use in correction of lower eyelid retraction are reviewed, together with strategies for patient evaluation, typical surgical techniques, and postoperative management.

The repair of post-blepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction continues to be a vexing clinical issue. This explains why there are many surgical approaches. In this section the author discusses a personal approach that has proven to be highly successful and reliable over a 25-year period in thousands of cases [1].

Lower eyelid retraction is a challenging complication associated with blepharoplasty. Understanding the preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for development will minimize complications and to design a customized approach for repair when it does occur. As the majority of cases of lower eyelid retraction result after aesthetic lower blepharoplasty, this chapter focuses primarily on the correction of lower eyelid retraction using autologous posterior lamellar spacer grafts. The choice of a posterior lamellar spacer graft is complex and should be tailored to each patient.

Lower eyelid retraction is a common sequel to anterior transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty surgery. This chapter describes the use of endoscopic midface lifting for recruiting midface skin to help address anterior lamellar deficiencies, and to address mid-lamellar scarring via an endoscopic approach.

Objective Lower eyelid retraction is a common and challenging complication of the anophthalmic socket. The underlying pathophysiology includes contraction of the posterior lamellae of the eyelid, shortening of the inferior fornix, and lateral canthal tendon laxity. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical efficacy of hard palate mucosa as a posterior spacer graft in the lower eyelid retraction repair in the anophthalmic socket. Methods The surgical technique involved hard palate grafting combined with recession of inferior retractors and lateral tarsal strip suspension to lengthen the posterior lamellar and strengthen the support of the lower eyelid. The records of anophthalmic patients with lower eyelid retraction who underwent this technique from January 2009 through August 2014 were reviewed. Postoperative outcomes were determined by lower eyelid elevation, presence of lagophthalmos, complications, prosthesis fitting, and patient satisfaction. Results A total of 12 patients (12 eyelids) were included. The mean age at surgery was 36 years (range, 29–52 years) and the mean follow-up period was 53 months (range, 20–71 months). The lower eyelids of the operated eyes significantly elevated by 2.9 ± 0.8 mm, and mild residual lagophthalmos was observed in 3 patients. All patients were satisfied with the surgical outcomes. Minor complications occurred in 3 cases, including mild recurrent retraction, granuloma, and mucous discharge. There were no complications detected at the donor site. Conclusion Hard palate grafting combined with recession of lower eyelid retractors achieves long-term stable outcomes in lower eyelid retraction repair in the anophthalmic socket.

Background Lower eyelid retraction can be the unfortunate result of aesthetic surgery, trauma, disease, or the aging processes. The purpose of this article is to assess whether midface lifting based on purely vertical repositioning constitutes an effective procedure for its correction. Methods A retrospective study was carried out on 199 patients (311 eyelids) operated on between January of 2004 and January of 2014. The various causes of eyelid retraction in this population included cosmetic blepharoplasty (56.8 percent), involutional ectropion (23.1 percent), tumor resection (9.5 percent), facial nerve paralysis (8.5 percent), and trauma and related surgery (2 percent). The study was restricted exclusively to cases of moderate and severe lower eyelid retraction addressed by means of midface lifting. The mean follow-up time was 16.8 months. All of the patients were subjected to midface lifting with strengthening of the lateral canthus. A spacer graft was also used in 37.7 percent of the cases. Results One hundred ninety-five patients (97.9 percent) displayed objective improvement of the eyelid retraction and a marked degree of improvement both in aesthetic terms and as regards the functional disorders reported. Only four patients (2 percent) presented complications such as needing another operation. Conclusion Midface lifting based on purely vertical repositioning makes it possible to recruit a considerable amount of "new" skin at the lower eyelid, thus ensuring a decrease in vertical distraction and correct recovery of the height of the external lamellar plane. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, IV.

Purpose To investigate the causes of lower eyelid retraction and evaluate the outcomes of various surgical procedures. Methods We conducted a retrospective medical record review of patients who underwent lower eyelid retraction surgery performed by a single surgeon at Kim's Eye Hospital between 2006 and 2013. We investigated the causes of lower eyelid retraction, clinical history, characteristics, treatment, and surgical outcomes. Preoperative and postoperative margin reflex distance 2 and inferior scleral show were measured for each eyelid. Success was defined as a positive eyelid elevation and a decrease in inferior scleral show. Results A total of 19 lower eyelids were treated in 14 patients with lower eyelid retraction. For cosmetic reasons, surgical correction for congenital lower eyelid retraction was performed on seven eyelids (36.8%). Ten eyelids (52.6%) exhibited secondary lower eyelid retraction after surgery. One eyelid (5.3%) was affected by facial palsy and one eyelid (5.3%) exhibited exophthalmos of an unknown origin. We adopted a selective approach based on lower eyelid retraction severity. Spacer grafting via a subconjunctival approach was the most commonly performed surgical technique (13 eyelids, 68.4%). The lateral tarsal strip procedure was used to horizontally tighten three eyelids (15.8%). At the time of the procedure, one of these eyelids (5.3%) also received an adjuvant suborbicularis oculi fat lift. Autogenous dermis fat grafting was performed on two lower eyelids (10.5%), whose retraction was caused by fat and soft tissue loss. Cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory in all cases. Conclusions To achieve satisfactory surgical outcomes, surgeons should adopt an approach based on the severity of lower eyelid retraction. Mild lower eyelid retraction can be corrected without grafts. When retraction is severe and exceeds 2 mm, spacer grafts that push the lower eyelid margin upwards and support it from below are required.

PURPOSE To investigate the surgical outcome of grafting acellular human dermis compared with concurrent lower eyelid retractor recession during swinging eyelid orbital decompression for correction of lower eyelid retraction in patients with Graves' orbitopathy. METHODS Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective nonrandomized study of 54 Graves' orbitopathy patients (95 eyes) from 2008 to 2012. Patients who received decompression were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 with conjunctival lengthening using 0.3-mm thickness AlloDerm (36 eyes), Group 2 with inferior retractor recession (33 eyes), and Group 3 with decompression only (26 eyes). Outcome measures included lower eyelid height, inferior sclera show, cosmetic appearance, and complications. RESULTS Baseline clinical characteristics and the degree of improvement of exophthalmos were not different between groups. Preoperative MRD2 was higher in group 1 (8.0 mm) than in groups 2 (6.9 mm, p < 0.001) and 3 (6.6 mm, p < 0.001). Mean improvement of MRD2 as well as postoperative improvement of inferior scleral show at postoperative 4 to 6 months were significantly higher in group 1 (2.7 mm) than in groups 2 (1.8 mm, p < 0.001) and 3 (1.2 mm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Simultaneous correction of lower eyelid retraction using thin AlloDerm during swinging eyelid orbital decompression maximizes improvement of lower eyelid retraction compared with concurrent inferior retractor recession.

A 54-year-old woman underwent uncomplicated bilateral lower eyelid surgery for eyelid retraction using porcine decellularized membrane graft (TarSys). Left lower eyelid pain began several months after surgery and persisted until the graft was removed 15 months after implantation. The opposite eyelid graft caused no symptoms. Histologically, the lesion consisted of acellular collagen surrounded by florid granulomatous inflammation. Although the inflammatory reaction suggested a cell-mediated immune response, this pathway of injury is difficult to reconcile given the asymptomatic opposite eyelid. The literature reflects limited experience with porcine decellularized membranes of the eyelid. Complications and long-term tolerance remain to be determined.

Background Restoration of paralytic lower eyelid retraction is challenging in the surgical management of facial paralysis. In this study, quantitative measurements were compared between the suspension sling and lower eyelid-supporting midcheek lift techniques. Methods From 2014 to 2016, 36 operations were performed on 28 patients with a mean age of 45.6 years (range, 7 to 80 years), a mean denervation time of 13.5 years (range, 0.2 to 44 years), and a mean follow-up period of 636 days (range, 261 to 1143 days). The surgical techniques included autologous tendon sling (n = 9), Mitek suspension (n = 12), and midcheek lift (n = 15). The distance from the pupil center to the lower eyelid margin was measured, and the ratio of the distance on the paralyzed side to that on the normal side was analyzed. Results The change in the ratio between the paralyzed side and the normal side was 0.098 (from 1.264 to 1.166; p = 0.353) in the autologous tendon sling group, 0.104 (from 1.231 to 1.127; p = 0.243) in the Mitek suspension group (p = 0.05), and 0.179 (from 1.234 to 1.055; p = 0.038) in the midcheek lift group. Two patients in the Mitek suspension group developed foreign body infection. Conclusions The midcheek lift group showed the greatest change in the ratio between the distance from the pupil center to the eyelid margin on the paralyzed side and that on the normal side. Eyelid-supporting midcheek lift is superior to suspension sling for restoration of paralytic eyelid retraction. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, III.

It has been reported that the injection of the hyaluronic acid (HA) into the lower lid area could improve lower eyelid retraction. However, the published studies offered few insights into the mechanism of this treatment. When the underlying mechanism is not clear, many surgeons will not trust the method enough to apply it in their clinical practice. The purpose of this article was to propose a possible explanation for the underlying mechanism of the treatment and further verify the method by a series of cases. The authors performed a mechanical analysis on the physical impact of HA on the lower eyelid. In the clinical cases, we injected the fillers under the orbicularis muscle to correct lower lid retraction. The results were evaluated by the standardized marginal reflex distance 2 (MRD2) immediately and 9 months later. From October 2013 to October 2015, the injections were carried out in 27 cases (14 post-blepharoplasty and 13 involuntary). In 26 cases (96.3%), the retraction was completely corrected and did not recur through the last follow-up. The average improvement of the standardized MRD2 was 0.84 mm immediately after the injection and 1.19 mm 9 months later. Complications were not reported. Lower eyelid retraction could be treated by the injection of HA under the orbicularis muscle. The filler in this situation acted as a lifter because the filler changed the balance of force of the lower lid, forcing it to shift upward to gain the new balance. The ‘lifter’ mechanism could be applicable to other facial injections that generate elevating effects. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Lower blepharoplasty has evolved significantly over the last several decades from a volume-depleting procedure to a volume-preserving procedure. In the days past, the surgeon would remove significant amounts of fat with aggressive skin-muscle resection utilizing the skin-muscle flap approach. This led to a hollowed, surgical look that soon began to fall out of favor not to mention an unacceptably high incidence of lower eyelid retraction [1]. In the last two decades, lower eyelid blepharoplasty has progressed to a volume conservation procedure with more conservative resection of fat or repositioning of fat using a transconjunctival approach with skin maintenance using a separate method such as laser resurfacing, skin pinch, lateral orbicularis muscle or lateral canthal tightening, or excising skin laterally [2–4]. This maximally preserves orbital septum and infraciliary orbicularis muscle minimizing the risk of lower eyelid retraction and ectropion.

1. Lateral canthal suspension is an integral adjunct to lower blepharoplasty surgery. 2. These procedures include a canthoplasty where the lateral canthal tendon and/or temporal tarsus is modified and secured to the lateral orbital rim; or a canthopexy where the canthal tendon, and/or orbicularis muscle, is plicated to the lateral orbital rim. 3. Indications for canthal suspension include preexistent lower eyelid laxity, and prevention of lower eyelid malposition. 4. In aesthetic surgery less disruption of canthal architecture/integrity is best. 5. A thorough understanding of canthal and lower eyelid anatomy is essential to avoid surgical complications. 6. A careful preoperative evaluation of the eyelid position, tone, laxity, and globe/midface configuration (orbitofacial vector) are critical to attain appropriate outcomes. 7. Familiarization with both open (involves canthal incision) and closed (no canthal incision) canthal suspension techniques provides options for the aesthetic lower eyelid surgeon. 8. The risk of postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction, ectropion, and rounding of the canthal angle can be reduced with lateral canthal suspension. 9. The expectations and goals of lateral canthal suspension should be discussed with each patient before surgery. Patients unhappy with this form of surgery are often difficult to manage.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and longevity of a human-derived, noncadaveric, acellular dermal implant (BellaDerm) as a posterior spacer graft in the correction of lower eyelid retraction, taking into consideration issues associated with the use of acellular dermis such as contraction and potential regression of repairs. METHODS A prospective, nonrandomized clinical study involving the use of BellaDerm as a posterior spacer graft to correct symptomatic lower eyelid retraction secondary to involutional, cicatricial, and paralytic etiologies. Pre- and postoperative margin reflex distance 2 and inferior scleral show (ISS) were measured for each eyelid, and success was defined as a positive eyelid elevation and decrease in ISS. Long-term stability beyond 12 months was evaluated. Resolution of symptoms and postoperative complications were also documented. RESULTS Fifteen eyelids of 11 patients were included. All eyes showed an improvement in eyelid elevation and decrease in ISS, both of which were statistically significant. The mean improvement in margin reflex distance 2 for all eyelids was 2.2 mm (p

Future advances in the treatment of lower eyelid retraction will likely focus on new synthetic graft materials that are inert and stable with minimal potential for reabsorption. Other advances may focus on biomodulating agents that reduce the risk of retraction at the time of cosmetic eyelid surgery or reverse existing exuberant scarring. Nonsurgical options are viable for modest cases, and these conservative measures may continue to improve, but, for severe retraction, surgery still offers the best promise of correction.

I want to thank the editor for asking me to address the topic of the surgical management of lower eyelid retraction. I will focus my discussion only on post-blepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction (PBLER), as this is a topic of great interest to me, and because the other causes described in Dr Taban's report are less of a focus to aesthetic eyelid surgeons, although the same principals of treatment certainly apply. I will divide my discussion into four parts: (1) a respectful appreciation of Dr Taban's insight; (2) what the literature currently suggests; (3) what the readership wants to know; and (4) a few words on future efforts. First and foremost, thank you Dr Taban for sharing your work with the Aesthetic Surgery Journal .1 I believe those that see this problem often understand what a difficult and humbling eyelid malposition this is to understand and manage. Clearly Dr Taban has a good feel for it, and any simplification shared will certainly make the process more palatable for others. Let me summarize what I feel Dr Taban is suggesting. PBLER has been surgically addressed with midface lifting to recruit skin, open canthal suspension to suspend and support the lower eyelid, and a posterior lamellar spacer graft to vertically lengthen the lower eyelid and recess the lower lid retractors.2 This combined procedure has been the standard for over 30 years. Its component parts make sense, and each may play a vital role in surgical success. However, is each step needed in every case? Can an algorithm be developed which omits unnecessary procedures which, in and of themselves, carry various degrees of potential morbidity? These questions demand a critical reevaluation of this …

To the Editor:Topical retinoids are chemically derived from vitamin A and regulate numerous transcription factors including retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) located within the nucleus of various cells. Some of the dermatologic uses for topical retinoid includes acne, fine w

Purpose To compare outcomes of lower eyelid retraction repair with 3 types of spacer grafts: autologous auricular cartilage, bovine acellular dermal matrix (Surgimend, Integra, Plainsboro, NJ), porcine acellular dermal matrix (Enduragen, Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI). Methods A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted in patients undergoing lower eyelid retraction repair with spacer graft. Subjects received autologous auricular cartilage, bovine acellular dermal matrix, or porcine acellular dermal matrix between June 2015 and July 2016. Patient demographics, margin to reflex distance 2, conjunctival injection, eyelid swelling, tearing, discomfort, itching, and complications were recorded preoperatively and at postoperative week 1, month 1, month 3, and month 6. Results Of the 49 randomized lower eyelids (39 patients), 42 eyelids (32 patients) completed the study. The preoperative margin to reflex distance 2, conjunctival injection, eyelid swelling, tearing, discomfort, and itching showed no statistical difference. Postoperative week 1 swelling was statistically significantly higher in auricular cartilage, followed by bovine acellular dermal matrix, then porcine acellular dermal matrix (p = 0.04). The mean postoperative month 6 margin to reflex distance 2 trended toward a better outcome from auricular cartilage over bovine acellular dermal matrix (p = 0.029), but after p was adjusted for multiple pairwise comparisons, this was no longer statistically significant (p = 0.088). All other postoperative 6-month measurements showed no statistical difference. Conclusions Among patients randomized to 3 types of spacer grafts for lower eyelid retraction repair, outcomes were not statistically significant different when the 3 groups were compared.

Background Lower eyelid retraction is a difficult problem to treat, but it is a prevalent condition and a common complication of blepharoplasty. The use of spacer grafts to increase eyelid height and improve symptoms has been described for a long time, but the optimal choice of spacer graft material is unknown. Objectives The authors reviewed the currently available evidence to determine the best available spacer graft material in terms of efficacy and complications. Methods A systematic review of all available literature published between 1985 and the present was performed using the Pubmed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane library databases. Inclusion criteria were that the studies contain original content assessing the treatment of lower eyelid retraction in humans using a spacer graft and provide quantitative outcomes data. Results One hundred and twelve articles were reviewed following an initial screen using titles, and 19 articles were chosen for inclusion in this systematic review. Analysis of these articles revealed no spacer graft material that is clearly superior to others. Conclusions Due to a lack of high quality evidence, this review did not reveal one spacer graft material that is clearly superior to others. However, a narrative summary of the available evidence reveals unique sets of advantages and disadvantages associated with the various materials currently available. Further research in the form of well-designed studies will be necessary to further clarify advantages of certain spacer graft materials over others. Level of evidence 5.

Background: Postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction (PBLER) has been linked to anterior lamellar shortage, unaddressed eyelid laxity, and middle lamellar scarring. The authors believe there are other, less-appreciated physical findings (orbicularis weakness, negative-vector eyelid, and inferior eyelid/orbit volume deficit) that also influence the development and potentially the management of this complex type of eyelid malposition. Objectives: To better understand PBLER, potentially prevent its development, and improve treatment options, the authors determined the incidence of various physical findings present on initial examination of patients referred for PBLER revision. Methods: The medical charts of patients referred for PBLER revision over a 21-month period were reviewed. The presence of anterior lamellar shortage, lower eyelid laxity, and a middle lamellar (internal eyelid) scar was documented. Orbicularis weakness, negative-vector eyelid topography, and volume deficiency of the lower eyelid/inferior orbit also were noted. The incidence of each finding was calculated. Results: Forty-six patients (35 women, 11 men) were included. All patients had undergone primary transcutaneous surgery, which led to the eyelid retraction. Orbicularis weakness, anterior lamellar shortage, inferior eyelid/orbital volume deficit, negative-vector eyelid topography, and eyelid laxity were common. A middle lamellar scar of significance was found in only 17% of eyelids. Conclusions: The data suggest that the aforementioned underappreciated findings are common in patients with PBLER. Evaluating these factors when planning primary blepharoplasty may reduce the incidence of PBLER. Awareness of these findings when planning revisional procedures may improve surgical outcomes. Level of Evidence: 4 ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif

Purpose To present a modification of the Hughes tarsoconjunctival flap to correct a case of refractory lower eyelid retraction. Methods The authors report a 49-year-old man with cicatricial right lower eyelid retraction that failed multiple surgical interventions, including ear cartilage grafts to the posterior lamella, tarsal strip, alloplastic implant, and Sub-Orbicularis Oculi Fat (SOOF) lift. A modified Hughes tarsoconjunctival flap was used for repair of a nonmarginal defect of the lower eyelid. A marginal defect was purposely created with a full-thickness blepharotomy that compensated for the amount of lower eyelid retraction. The posterior lamellar defect was filled with the tarsoconjunctival-Muller's flap and the anterior lamella defect covered with a full-thickness retroauricular skin graft. Mueller's muscle was included in the flap to increase the vascular supply to the reconstructed eyelid. Likewise, the authors waited 9 weeks to divide the flap because of concerns that the vascular supply of the surrounding eyelid might be compromised from multiple previous surgeries. Results A single case of cicatricial right lower eyelid retraction status after multiple failed surgical interventions successfully completed a full-thickness blepharotomy with a modified Hughes tarsoconjunctival flap. Two months after the procedure, the patient had good cosmesis and function with resolution of his signs and symptoms of exposure keratopathy. Conclusions The Hughes tarsoconjunctival flap combined with a full-thickness blepharotomy may be a useful technique in selected patients for repair of nonmarginal defects of the lower eyelid when other standard techniques have failed.

Summary: Autologous fat grafting for blepharoplasty-induced lower eyelid retraction offers potential for a long-term solution while avoiding the morbidity associated with posterior lamellar spacer grafts. By combining traditional methods of lifting the retracted lower eyelid with autologous fat grafting, both functional and aesthetic concerns can be successfully addressed in these patients.

Fabric monofilament polyethylene mesh is an implant primarily used in the repair of abdominal and chest walls. However, there have been isolated reports of using this implant in facial reconstruction. The authors describe a patient who underwent prior orbital floor fracture repair with polyethylene mesh and subsequently developed a recurrent orbital abscess 12 years later. Despite incorporation of the fabric monofilament polyethylene mesh within healed bone, an orbitocutaneous fistula developed after a secondary injury, causing hyperglobus and cicatricial lower eyelid retraction.

Purpose To evaluate the histological appearances of the epithelial cells and the clinical effect of the hard palate mucous membrane (HPM) graft for the treatment of lower eyelid retraction (LER). Methods This was a follow-up study involving 15 patients, with a total of 16 eyes operated. Five patients had LER as a result of Graves' ophthalmopathy and/or inferior rectus recession, six patients because of wearing an eye prosthesis, two patients because of previous tumour excision, one patient because of proptosis due to sphenoid wing meningioma and one patient because of previous lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Three imprint biopsies were taken from each patient, one from the tarsal conjunctiva in the healthy eye, one from the graft in the operated eye and one from unoperated hard palate. The inferior scleral show was measured on pre- and postoperative photographs and related to the horizontal corneal diameter. Results Median follow-up time was 21.2 [range 4.5–87.9] months. Imprints from the graft and the hard palate showed equally large epithelial cells; imprints from conjunctiva showed small epithelial cells. The mean (±SD) scleral show was 0.12 ± 0.09 cornea diameter before surgery and 0.0003 ± 0.08 cornea diameter at invited follow-up (p

Purpose Graves lower eyelid retraction (GLLR) is a common and controversial sign of Graves orbitopathy. The authors reviewed the mechanisms and surgical techniques currently used to correct this Graves orbitopathy-related eyelid malposition. Methods A literature search was performed on the MEDLINE database using the keywords "lower eyelid retraction," "Graves orbitopathy," "thyroid ophthalmopathy," "thyroid eye disease," "spacers," and "eyelid surgery." Only articles in English were included. The level of evidence of publications regarding surgical correction of GLLR was evaluated and graded from I to IV, using a rating system adapted from a validated scientific evidence classification method. Results The mechanisms responsible for GLLR are not fully understood and no subtypes of GLLR have been distinguished. The surgical literature of GLLR encompasses mainly descriptions of surgical techniques without objective measurements of the results, and uncontrolled studies. Only 1 randomized controlled trial was identified. To lengthen the lower retractors, a large variety of different materials have been used as spacers. Conclusions The scientific literature on GLLR is vast, however controlled and randomized studies comparing different surgical techniques are lacking. At the present moment it is not clear if bioengineered materials are superior to conventional autogeneous tissue as lower eyelid spacers. The effects of GLLR on lower eyelid movements and contour have not been studied.

To review one surgeon's (J.H.O.) experience with repeat retractor release and posterior lamellar grafting in patients with residual lower eyelid retraction. To quantify the amount of eyelid elevation expected from each procedure.Retrospective chart review of patients with repeat posterior lamellar grafting between 1992 and 2010. Patients were grouped into thyroid associated orbitopathy (TAO) and other causes. Hard palate mucosa or free tarsoconjunctiva grafts were used. Preoperative and postoperative inferior scleral show, lagophthalmos, superficial punctate keratopathy, and patient symptoms were recorded. Outcome measures were changes in scleral show and lagophthalmos with each procedure. Combined results were examined.Results in patients with TAO were analysed separately and compared with other etiologies.In this series, a single procedure is expected to reduce scleral show by a mean of 1.63 mm (76%) and lagophthalmos by a mean of 0.48 mm (55%). A second procedure can further reduce residual scleral show by a mean of 0.71 mm (80%) and residual lagophthalmos by a mean of 0.43 mm (76%). Patients with TAO were more likely to have larger measurements of preoperative scleral show (1.40 mm versus 0.46 mm, p0.001). Patients with other etiologies were more likely to have larger measurements of preoperative lagophthalmos (1.25 mm versus 0.47 mm, p = 0.004).This is the first study to evaluate outcomes of recalcitrant lower lid retraction requiring repeat posterior lamellar grafting. Mean reductions in scleral show and lagophthalmos can be used as a guide in the preoperative evaluation and counseling of patients with lower lid retraction.

Purpose: To report the outcomes of acquired lower eyelid epiblepharon after various surgeries in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of 53 TAO patients with acquired lower eyelid epiblepharon between October 1999 and June 2011 was performed. Data were collected on demographics, type of lower eyelid epiblepharon, the detailed surgical history such as orbital decompression, retraction repair, or epiblepharon repair and surgical outcomes including follow-up period, recurrence of epiblepharon, and postoperative complications. Results: Among the 53 TAO patients with acquired lower eyelid epiblepharon, 25 eyes of 17 patients underwent surgical management; 6 eyes of orbital decompression, 1 eye of orbital decompression followed by retraction repair, 2 eyes of orbital decompression followed by epiblepharon repair, 6 eyes of lower eyelid retraction repair, and 10 eyes of epiblepharon repair. Twenty two lower eyelid epiblepharons (88%) were resolved after final surgical treatment without complication during mean 16.2 months (SD, ±29.9 months) of follow up period; three of 6 epiblepharons that remained after orbital decompression underwent subsequent surgical management of retraction repair or epiblepharon repair, and epiblepharons were well-corrected. Mean amount of lower eyelid retraction was decreased from 1.68 mm (SD, ±1.17 mm) to 0.29 mm (SD, ±0.44 mm) after surgery, regardless of the type of surgery (n = 25, p < 0.000, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Conclusions: Acquired lower eyelid epiblepharon of TAO should be managed sequentially according to the general serial order of surgical managements in TAO; orbital decompression, correction of lower eyelid retraction and epiblepharon repair. Acquired lower eyelid epiblepharon was well resolved after surgical management in consecutive order, especially after repair of the lower eyelid retraction with a graft, or lower eyelid epiblepharon repair. Decreased lower eyelid retraction with a resolution of epiblepharon after surgery implied that lower eyelid retraction was associated with lower eyelid epiblepharon.

This report aims to describe a paranasal flap technique for reconstruction of lower eyelid retraction and ectropion.After the contracture of the lower eyelid skin or conjunctiva had been thoroughly released, the ipsilateral upper pedicle paranasal flap was designed according to the size of the lower eyelid skin wound. After dissection of the flap, the subcutaneous tissue of the flap was trimmed according to the depth of the wound, the flap was rotated to cover the defect, and an anchor was fixed to the distal aspect of the outer canthus. The secondary defect of the donor area was sutured directly.In this study, 67 patients with lower eyelid defects resulting from correction of eyelid retraction and ectropion were reconstructed using paranasal flaps between April 2004 and October 2009. The sizes of the paranasal flaps ranged from 0.6×2.2 to 1.5×3.5 cm. At the follow-up assessment, the patients could close their eyes easily and completely without lagophthalmos, and neither the upper lips or the nasal ala showed any anatomic deformities. The features of the paranasal flaps, such as skin color, texture, and contour of the repaired tissue, were a good match with the surrounding skin. The suture lines of the donor areas were sheltered well.Paranasal flaps were used for effective reconstruction of lower eyelid retraction or ectropion, with achievement of good eyelid function and a good color, contour, and texture match with the surrounding skin. Overall, the functional and cosmetic results were satisfactory.This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors at www.springer.com/00266.

PURPOSE To report the outcomes of a technique for correcting lower-eyelid retraction with composite recession of the inferior retractor and orbital septum complex, release of the lateral horn of the lower-eyelid retractors, and the orbito-malar ligament (OML) followed by skin, orbicularis, and conjunctival advancement. METHODS We performed a retrospective, noncomparative review of consecutive procedures performed on patients with lower-eyelid retraction undergoing composite septo-retractor recession for lower-eyelid retraction over a 4-year period, performed or supervised by a single surgeon (RM). Outcomes are based on postoperative standard photographs, including central pupil to lower-eyelid distance, inferior scleral show, and subjective improvement in lower-eyelid lateral flare. RESULTS We reviewed 26 eyes of 16 patients (12 men, 4 women; mean age, 61.0 ± 14.3 years). Causes of lower-eyelid retraction included involutional (n = 6), thyroid orbitopathy (n = 4), previous lower-eyelid surgery (n = 3), mechanical secondary to proptosis (n = 1), Crouzon syndrome (n = 1), and longstanding facial nerve palsy (n = 1). Mean lower-eyelid elevation achieved was 1.4 mm ± 1.3 mm (range, 0.2 to 6.6 mm; p = 0.001). Scleral show improved by 1.0 ± 0.7 mm (range, 0.0 to 2.9; p =

Surgical correction of an anophthalmic enophthalmos secondary to inappropriate repair of the eye socket involves several difficult aesthetic issues associated with long-term use of a poorly fitting prosthetic eye. In this paper, we present two cases of anophthalmic enophthalmos. During the treatment of the first patient, unsatisfactory cosmetic problems including lower eyelid retraction, hypoglobus, and severe upper eyelid ptosis were revealed. Accordingly, a three-staged procedure was performed on the second patient, including autologous augmentation of the eye socket, correction of lower eyelid retraction with a cartilage graft, and a frontalis sling procedure to correct upper eyelid ptosis.

An analysis of the clinical findings in patients referred to a single surgeon with the problem of lower lid retraction following blepharoplasty is welcomed information. The reported series includes 46 patients over almost a 2-year recent period and should be of keen interest to surgeons who perform lower lid blepharoplasty.1 The series reported includes almost 2 patients per month, which is a good sampling of patients with this problem. Commonly recognized problems were present in the series: skin shortage (79%), unaddressed lower lid laxity (62%), and middle lamellae scarring (17%), as well as some not so commonly recognized. A preexisting negative vector (in many cases unrecognized global globe prominence) (65%) is a known pitfall when performing lower lid blepharoplasty. Not so common factors recognized by the author were inferior orbit/lower lid volume deficits (70%) and orbicularis weakness (87%). As indicated in the article, as from my own personal experience, many of these occur in combination, which makes surgical efforts at repair a difficult situation. The author includes descriptions of his methods of quantitation or certification of each problem, which is a worthwhile checklist for any surgeon facing restoration of these patients. They include the following

Purpose Postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction is often due to scarring of the middle lamellae and/or vertical shortening of the anterior lamellae. Traditional reconstructive techniques involve a transconjunctival incision combined with a spacer graft. Other techniques involve a subperiosteal midface dissection or limited preperiosteal dissection. Elevation of the midface reduces the gravitational effect of the cheek on the eyelid and recruits skin for the anterior lamella. This study evaluates a technique for correction of lower eyelid retraction using a preperiosteal midface lift via a lateral canthal incision in a series of patients. Methods Twenty-eight patients (56 eyes) with postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction were evaluated. Preoperative evaluations for inferior scleral show, corneal staining, and epiphora were documented. The patients underwent bilateral preperiosteal midface lift and canthoplasty via a lateral canthal incision. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 18 months. Results Average preoperative inferior scleral show was 1.96 mm (range, 1-3 mm). Seventy-eight percent of patients had epiphora, and 54% had corneal staining. Average postoperative lower eyelid position was +0.07 mm (range, 0 to +1 mm) above the inferior limbus. Average change in lower eyelid position relative to the inferior limbus was 2.04 mm. In all eyes, the final lower eyelid position was either at the inferior limbus or above it. All eyes had resolution of epiphora and corneal staining. Two patients required revision of lateral canthus on one side to improve symmetry. Conclusion Mobilizing the midface in the preperiosteal plane through a lateral canthal incision provides excellent elevation and support of the eyelid. The small incision allows easy access to adhesions along the inferior orbital rim and to the preperiosteal plane beneath the entire midface. Preperiosteal midface lift combined with canthoplasty provides significant improvement of postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction.

Purpose The transconjunctival, subciliary, subtarsal, and subpalpebral approaches for accessing the infraorbital rim and orbital floor have both advantages and disadvantages. The most common complications include rounding of the lateral canthal angle, lower eyelid retraction with inferior scleral show, and frank ectropion. Materials and patients From 2000 to 2007, we treated 29 patients with lower eyelid malposition after surgery to manage the floor and infraorbital trauma (22 subciliary approaches, five transconjunctival approaches and lateral canthotomies, and two transconjunctival approaches). To correct lower eyelid malposition, we applied the tarsal strip technique in all patients. Results Twenty-five patients had scleral show and four patients had ectropion: three were previous treated using transconjunctival access and one using subciliary access. Twenty-six patients obtained satisfactory correction of eyelid malposition in a single-step surgical procedure, while three patients required a second surgical step to correct the remaining scleral show. Good aesthetic and functional results were achieved in all cases. Conclusions All approaches to the infraorbital rim or orbital floor have the potential for postoperative sequelae. The tarsal strip technique is a relatively simple technique that oral and maxillofacial surgeons can use to manage lower lid malposition, such as scleral show and ectropion.

A retrospective analysis was carried out on the records of 317 patients operated on by the senior author (S.A.W.) for orbital fractures between 1975 and 2007. Two hundred forty of the patients had been previously operated on elsewhere and required further correction (posttraumatic, postsurgical orbital deformity). A smaller group of patients (n = 77) were operated on primarily. The two groups were not, of course, similar, because the posttraumatic, postsurgical orbital deformity group had been operated on by a variety of surgeons with varying levels of experience and ability, and the group of patients operated on primarily had a larger percentage of fractures in the pediatric age group, because of the practice being partially based in a children's hospital, and a larger percentage of severe, compound orbital injuries, because of statewide referrals. Nevertheless, a number of causes for reoperation seen in the posttraumatic, postsurgical orbital deformity group were not seen in the primarily operated group. These included lower eyelid retraction attributable to use of the subciliary incision, displacement and extrusion of alloplastic materials, and fixation of fractures in a nonreduced position. These differences validate, in the authors' opinion, the application of the basic principles of craniofacial reconstruction set forth by Paul Tessier, listed in the text, to both the primary and secondary treatment of posttraumatic orbital deformities.