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Levator aponeurosis–Müller muscle complex advancement effective for blepharoptosis correction

In young patients with mild-to-moderate blepharoptosis, correction with levator aponeurosis–Müller muscle complex advancement using three partial incisions was found to be an effective technique that did not result in incision scars.

Researchers retrospectively reviewed medical records and pre-and postoperative photographs for 74 patients who underwent simultaneous blepharoptosis correction and double-eyelid surgery between January 2007 and October 2011. All of the patients had mild (1 mm to 2 mm) or moderate (3 mm to 4 mm) bilateral blepharoptosis, as well as excellent or good levator function (> 8 mm). Additionally, all of the patients had undergone levator aponeurosis–Müller muscle complex advancement through three partial incisions.

Forty-six patients had primary blepharoptosis operation, and 28 patients underwent a secondary operation. All of the patients underwent double-eyelid fold operations. Forty-nine of the patients were observed to have mild blepharoptosis, whereas 25 were reported to have moderate blepharoptosis. Average follow-up was 12 months.

In general, the average recovery time needed to achieve a more natural shape and level of the double eyelid was between 2 weeks and 2 months, according to the researchers.

Researchers measured final results using the degree of patient satisfaction, the level and symmetry of the eyelid and the shape of the double eyelid. Sixty-two patients (83.8%) were observed to have excellent results, 11 patients (14.9%) had good results, one patient (1.35%) had fair results, and no poor results were observed.

The more minimally invasive approach uses less lidocaine and epinephrine than the full-incision standard techniques, which reduces the likelihood of decreased levator function and increased Muller muscle function intraoperatively, according to the researchers. This procedure also requires less surgical time, with less edema and ecchymosis, reducing overall recovery time.

Additionally, patients were able to return to daily life on the first postoperative day. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.