Comprehensive Review of Asian Cosmetic Upper Eyelid Oculoplastic Surgery: Asian Blepharoplasty and the Like

BACKGROUND: Asian Aesthetic Oculoplastic Surgery is a fast-growing field, both within the United States and abroad. With growing interest, there have also been multiple terminologies used for the same concepts. This has created redundant and confusing language - prone to errors in patient-physician communication. In addition, there has been an upsurge of various techniques or variations to existing techniques that has created unnecessary confusion among plastic surgeons. The objective of this article is to provide organization and simplification to the terminology and to the techniques used in what some broadly refer to as "Asian Blepharoplasty" or perhaps more correctly termed Asian Aesthetic Oculoplastic Surgery. METHODS: Unified terminology, aesthetic goal and detailed operative technique of commonly conducted Asian blepharoplasty were suggested by experienced oculoplastic surgeons. RESULTS: The main procedures of Asian Aesthetic Oculoplastic Surgery including supratarsal crease surgery and medial epicanthoplasty were presented with figure and video in this paper. We also have provided author's preferred selection of the major techniques with evaluation of its advantages and disadvantages. CONCLUSIONS: The most important element in patient satisfaction is clear communication of surgical expectations. Then, proper selection of the most suitable pre-operative design, type of surgery performed, and specific crease configuration based on the individual's anatomic and physiological characteristics can be achieved.

Efficacy of Lateral Canthoplasty Combined with Transconjuctival Lower Blepharoplasty in Young Asian Patients

BACKGROUND: The lower eyelid bag associated with an old and tired appearance is not a rare aesthetic problem in young Asian people who have short palpebral fissures and an up-slanting appearance. Many patients want to make their eyes larger, brighter and more youthful at the same time. The purpose of the current study was to determine the feasibility of lateral canthoplasty combined with transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty in minimizing complications and maximizing aesthetic results. METHODS: From June 2011 to May 2014, 59 patients underwent inferior orbital fat removal and orbital septal resets through transconjunctival approaches and lateral canthoplasty. Simple inferolateral canthotomy incisions were used to provide a sufficient operative field for manipulation of the orbital septum, to lengthen the horizontal palpebral fissures and to lower the lateral canthal angle. Patients were evaluated to identify the presence of postoperative complications and to assess the need for additional operations. RESULTS: Most of the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results during the 2-12-month postoperative follow-up period. There were no recurrences of lower eyelid bulging, postoperative asymmetry, or wound-related complications. Three cases of entropion and two cases of roundness of the lateral canthal angle occurred following the primary operation. However, there were no further complications after secondary operations to correct the tarsal-periosteal fixation position. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral canthoplasty combined with transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty using simple lateral canthotomy is a safe and effective method for maximizing aesthetic results in young Asian patients.