A Flexible Suspension Technique of Blepharoplasty: Clinical Application and Comparison with Traditional Technique

Abstract

Background: Double-eyelid blepharoplasty is one of the most popular aesthetic surgeries in China. But the traditional method produces a hidebound double eyelid due to its rigid suturing between the skin and the tarsus. The authors of this article concluded a novel technique of "flexible suspension technique" compared with traditional blepharoplasty which is considered as a "rigid fixation technique."

Methods: This is a retrospective study of two groups of 100 Chinese Han females, on whom double-eyelid blepharoplasty was performed, 50 cases by "flexible suspension technique" and the other 50 by "rigid fixation technique." The basic procedure of "flexible suspension technique" is suturing the orbicularis oculi muscle to the septal extension. Thus, the surgical connection between skin and tarsus is flexible. The surgical results were evaluated and compared using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and Visual Analogue Scale/Score.

Results: The "very much improved" rate in the "flexible suspension technique" group was higher than that in the "rigid fixation technique" group (p < 0.05). Postoperative appearances of the "flexible suspension technique" group were also better than the "rigid fixation technique" group with less edema (p < 0.05) and slighter incision scars (p < 0.05). However, the incidences of asymmetry and fold loss were higher in the "flexible suspension technique" group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The flexible suspension technique blepharoplasty can obtain a more natural appearance and has less adverse effects and shorter recovery time.

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Keywords: Blepharoplasty; Dynamic; Levator aponeurosis; Orbicularis oculi muscle; Orbital septum.