Orbicularis-Tarsus-Orbital Septum Fixation Technique in Asian Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty: a Retrospective Study.

[BACKGROUND] The skin-tarsus-skin and orbicularis-levator fixation approaches are the 2 most applied techniques for double-eyelid blepharoplasty in China. However, both approaches have their own disadvantages. To achieve stable and dynamic upper eyelid creases, we take the merits of the 2 techniques. In this study, our orbicularis-tarsus-orbital septum fixation technique is introduced and evaluated.

[METHODS] By transversely opening and turning down the anterior orbital septum, we created the septum roll anchored to the tarsus and the pretarsal muscular flap. As the motion transmitter, the roll could receive the pulling power of the levator aponeurosis transmitted to the tarsus and the septum respectively. With the help of the skin-septum roll-skin sutures, the roll passed on the pulling power directly to the pretarsal skin and thus the upper eyelid crease was formed.

[RESULTS] This study identified 105 Chinese patients (210 eyes) who underwent this technique in our department between September 2020 and May 2021. The follow-up ranged from 7 to 15 months. 90, 6, and 7 patients were satisfied, somewhat satisfied, and somewhat unsatisfied with the postoperative outcome, respectively. The satisfaction rate was 91.43% (96/105). Two patients were unsatisfied with the outcome, including 1 case of bilateral crease disappearance and 1 case of sunken upper eyelid.

[CONCLUSIONS] The orbicularis-tarsus-orbital septum fixation technique is safe and effective for double-eyelid blepharoplasty. This technique helps to form stable upper eyelid creases. Meanwhile, it is easy to achieve ideal curve and symmetry. By preserving the pretarsal tissue and using the orbital septum, sunken scar formation can be avoided.