Correction of recurrent blepharoptosis using an orbicularis oculi muscle flap and a frontalis musculofascial flap

Abstract

Thirteen patients underwent reoperation for recurrent blepharoptosis using the orbicularis oculi muscle flap or the frontalis musculofascial flap. The orbicularis oculi muscle flap and the frontalis musculofascial flap are a modification of direct transplantation of the frontalis muscle to the tarsal plate. This is based on an anatomic study showing that the frontalis muscle and its fascia are connected with the orbicularis oculi muscle at the eyebrow region. The patients' previous blepharoptosis operations were frontalis muscle suspension with autogenous or alloplastic material. Their follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 10 years. The average interval between the patient's first frontalis suspension to their reoperation was 8.09 years. The selection of the muscle flaps was based on the extent of levator function of the patient. When the eyelid excursion was moderate (>4 mm), the orbicularis oculi muscle flap was used. For patients with minimal or weak eyelid excursion (<3 mm), the frontalis musculofascial flap was used. Eleven patients (91.6%) gained levator excursion of more than 7 mm and reduced the height difference of both palpebral fissures by less than 2 mm after the reoperation. After an average follow-up of 20 months, 11 patients (14 eyelids) recorded satisfactory results. This is based on the criteria of Souther, and Jordan and Anderson. The overall results were more than satisfactory. Even though 2 patients reported poor results, there was no complete failure in this series. The authors' technique offers several advantages over conventional frontalis muscle suspension: it is a simple technique that has a good operative field, there is no donor morbidity and less complications, and asymmetrical supratarsal folding, eyelid notching, lagophthalmus, and abnormal eyebrow position that can occur after a frontalis muscle suspension can be avoided. In summary, the orbicularis oculi muscle flap or the frontalis musculofascial flap are considered for patients with recurrent blepharoptosis after frontalis muscle suspension.