Basic blepharoplasty techniques

The principles of blepharoplasty are similar to those of other plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Avoiding skin tension is essential. Care must be taken to preserve eyelid anatomy and function. Only the palpebral conjuncti va and skin are reapposed in most blepharoplastic procedures. Selection of appropriate suture material is important. Eyelid margin defects up to one f ourth of the eyelid length can typically be closed primarily, whereas large r defects require reconstruction using local tissue flaps or grafts. This a rticle reviews eyelid anatomy and function and basic blepharoplastic techni ques. Specific therapy for eyelid lacerations, eyelid mass removal, and ext ensive eyelid reconstruction using various skin flaps and grafts are discus sed.