MINIMALLY INVASIVE LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY

Background: Transconjunctival tower eyelid blepharoplasty can signific antly reduce the incidence of postoperative eyelid retraction and ectr opion encountered with the traditional transcutaneous approach. These complications rarely are encountered because no scarring is induced at the level of the orbital septum and post-orbicularis facia. Methods: A modification of the transconjunctival blepharoplasty procedure is de scribed in which two small buttonhole incisions are used for fat remov al. This procedure was performed in 148 eyelids. Results: All patients had a subjective improvement of eyelid puffiness after the procedure. Lower eyelid retraction or ectropion did not develop in any of the pa tients. Two patients were concerned with residual eyelid puffiness and redundant eyelid skin. Conclusion: The primary advantages of the mini mally invasive transconjunctival blepharoplasty are the ease in perfor ming the procedure and the reduction of disruption of the conjunctival surface.