LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY

BACKGROUND. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a frequently performed procedure to reverse partially gravitational aging effects on eyelid tissues. Careful planning, proper execution, and appropriate management of potential postoperative complications will generally result in a happy and satisfied patient. However, in any surgical procedure that is primarily aesthetic in nature, the surgeon needs to be constantly aware of factors that may compromise the functional integrity of the eyelid. A patient with altered visual function or ocular discomfort is no longer primarily concerned about the final aesthetic appearance of even the most perfectly executed, technically correct blepharoplasty procedure. OBJECTIVE. To describe the preoperative evaluation, surgical technique, and postoperative complications of lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Specific attention will be given to lower eyelid retraction and ectropion following blepharoplasty. CONCLUSION. Successful lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery can be a source of both patient and physician satisfaction. As long as patient expectations are consistent with realistic surgical goals, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is an important aspect of overall facial aesthetic surgery.