Evidence-based medicine in aesthetic medicine and surgery: reality or fantasy?

UNLABELLED: The goal of evidence-based medicine (EBM) is for health-care professionals to incorporate existing medical evidence into clinical practice to achieve the greatest possible outcomes. The theory of EBM has been employed since the 11th century and has evolved dramatically into the modern application used by practicing physicians today. There are five levels of evidence currently used to evaluate if certain techniques, methods, and surgical procedures are the "best" to be used in practice. Despite the outlined format of EBM, plastic surgeons have difficulty applying EBM in clinical practice because of the influence of expert opinion and the subjective nature of outcomes. This article explores the function of EBM in aesthetic plastic surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Are nurse injectors the new norm?

PURPOSE: As Botox(®)/filler use has increased in recent years, a growing number of nonaesthetic health professionals have emerged to perform these procedures. Since studies have shown that patients identify training as the most important factor in considering these procedures, this study seeks to summarize the perspective of plastic surgeons regarding these paradigm shifts. METHODS: In the summer of 2013, an eight-question survey was sent to members of ISAPS, ASAPS, and ASPS (approximately 26,113 plastic surgeons globally). Two questions assessed practice location and membership affiliation and six questions assessed various healthcare practitioners' capability to administer Botox, fillers, and vaccines (control). Healthcare practitioners included plastic surgeons and dermatologists, gynecologists, dentists, nurses in plastic surgery and dermatology, or nurses in other fields. RESULTS: On three e-mail notifications, 14,184 plastic surgeons opened the survey and 882 responded: 36.6 % from North America, 29.1 % from Europe, 12.9 % from South America, 10.1 % from Asia, 4.5 % from the Middle East, 3.4 % from Australia, 1.9 % from Africa, and 1.6 % from Central America. Seventy-seven percent believed nurses were not as capable as plastic surgeons in administering Botox; 81 % felt the same for fillers. Conversely, 84 % agreed that nurses were as capable as plastic surgeons in administering vaccines. Plastic surgeons ranked nurses in other fields (48 %) as most capable in administering vaccines, then plastic surgeons (42 %), nurses of plastic surgeons (9 %), gynecologists (1 %), and dentists (<1 %). When asked about Botox/fillers, responders ranked plastic surgeons (98 %) most capable, then nurses in plastic surgery (2 %), gynecologists (<1 %), dentists (<1 %), and nurses in other fields (<1 %). When asked to rank according to patient perception, the order remained the same. CONCLUSION: Based on responses from over 880 plastic surgeons from around the world, plastic surgeons consider themselves and dermatologists the most capable injectors. However, they still believe nurses in other fields to be the most capable of administering vaccines. This dichotomy may define the role of various practitioners in an increasingly more competitive injectable environment to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. Given that the majority of growth in cosmetic injectables is being driven by providers other than plastic surgeons and dermatologists, further clarification on training requirements and practice guidelines may be necessary to ensure a consistent, reproducible experience for the patient.

An aesthetic approach to the anterior cranial fossa: the endoscopic transadnexal transorbital roof method.

BACKGROUND: This case report describes a transadnexal transorbital roof approach to the anterior cranial fossa to treat an epidural abscess in a patient who had previously undergone extensive craniofacial reconstruction secondary to fibrous dysplasia. A standard frontal craniotomy or even a supraciliary craniotomy would have been burdensome due to the positioning of the porous polyethylene implant as well as extensive scar tissue and adhesions from prior surgical procedures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the case of a 15-year-old male with an epidural abscess treated at a university hospital. RESULTS: The patient tolerated the procedure well with no postoperative complications. Surgical operative time was approximately 1.5 h with minimal blood loss and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 2. Six weeks after antibiotic therapy (intravenous ampicillin/sulbactam, 2,000 mg q.i.d. for 6 days total), an MRI showed complete resolution of the epidural abscess. At that time the patient had no visual changes, extraocular muscle dysfunction, headaches, periorbital cellulitis, or further seizures and is on no antiepileptic therapy. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive approaches to treat complex problems in certain circumstances can yield excellent results and limit morbidity encountered by more extensive procedures. In the future, more formal studies with a larger subset of patients will help determine what role these approaches will ultimately have. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Combined cranionasal surgery for spheno-orbital meningiomas invading the paranasal sinuses, pterygopalatine, and infratemporal fossa.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of combining an endonasal endoscopic skull-base approach and repair with a transcranial orbitozygomatic approach for spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs). METHODS: Three patients with recurrent SOMs underwent combined orbitozygomatic and endonasal endoscopic surgery. In 2 patients both procedures were done in 1 operation and in 1 patient the endonasal surgery was done 2.5 months after the craniotomy. Extent of resection, complications, morbidity, and mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Gross total resection was achieved in 1 patient and near total resection in the other 2 patients with tumor left in the cavernous sinus and parapharyngeal space. Two patients suffered cranial neuropathy from the transcranial surgery and the other developed a pseudomeningocele. There were no complications from the endonasal surgery. Patients having combined single setting cranionasal surgery were discharged on day 6 and 8, whereas the patient having only the endonasal component on a later date was discharged on day 2. CONCLUSIONS: A combined cranionasal approach involving transcranial orbitozygomatic and endonasal endoscopic approaches is an effective 2-stage surgery for resecting SOMs invading into the sinuses and paranasal compartments. The ability to perform a multilayer closure involving a vascularized nasoseptal flap additionally decreases the risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak.

Lateral canthoplasty using the Mitek anchor system.

BACKGROUND: Lower-eyelid shape and position have important aesthetic and functional implications. While primary canthoplasty is generally a straightforward procedure, secondary canthoplasty can be considerably challenging. This is especially true in the setting of poor periorbital tissues and the resultant lack of a stable platform from which to suspend the canthus. We report the first use of the Mitek device in secondary lateral canthal procedures to remedy this common problem. METHODS: Twelve patients underwent a total of 19 revision lateral canthoplasties using the mini Mitek suture anchor system. All of the patients had had prior cosmetic and/or reconstructive surgery in the lateral canthal area with resultant canthal malpositioning. To correct this, suture anchors were placed into a 2-mm area of intact bone on the lateral orbital wall, and the lateral canthal tendon was resuspended into proper position. RESULTS: In this series, there were no postoperative infections or patient reports of persistent discomfort at the anchor sites. All suture anchors remained in proper position postoperatively, and patients reported satisfaction with eyelid shape and function. Most of the patients reported resolution of their preoperative symptoms. Mean follow-up time was 24.2 months. CONCLUSION: The Mitek suture anchor is an excellent tool for lateral canthoplasty in patients with significant periorbital scarring or suboptimal canthal positioning after multiple cosmetic surgery procedures. It is also a good option for patients with significant soft tissue damage owing to prior surgery, radiation, or trauma in the periorbital field. This technique can be performed quickly through small incisions and requires only a small amount of stable bone for tendon fixation. Results are excellent and the procedure has proven to be safe and effective in our series of patients.

Browpexy through the upper lid (BUL): a new technique of lifting the brow with a standard blepharoplasty incision.

BACKGROUND: Browpexy returns the brow to an anatomical, aesthetically-appealing location on the upper face. Recently, browlifting techniques have evolved from aggressive, open approaches toward less invasive, limited-incision techniques. Browpexy through the upper lid (BUL), an innovative technique based on earlier practices, anchors the underlying brow soft tissue to the bone, allowing for stabilization. Furthermore, this procedure can be performed concomitantly with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty through the same access incision. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluate the efficacy of BUL in patients with ptotic eyebrows requiring stabilization and/or elevation and in patients with prominent brow fat pads. METHODS: The charts of 21 patients who were treated with BUL by the senior author (HMS) between February 2007 and October 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The age range of the 21 patients in this study was 54 to 70 years. Twelve patients were men; nine were women. Each patient presented with complaints of tired-appearing or "weighed-down" upper eyelids. All patients were uniformly happy with their postoperative aesthetic results. There were no major immediate or long-term complications (including, but not limited to, uneven postoperative brow position, loss of suspension, frontal nerve injury, hematoma, infection, or wound dehiscence). No patients required reoperation for recurrent brow ptosis or upper lid deformity. CONCLUSIONS: BUL is ideal for patients with ptotic eyebrows who need brow stabilization and/or elevation, as well as for patients with prominent brow fat pads who require stabilization. BUL achieves excellent results through a standard upper eyelid blepharoplasty incision, and allows the surgeon to perform a concomitant upper eyelid blepharoplasty and browpexy without a traditional coronal, scalp, or forehead incision.

A method for visualizing high-density porous polyethylene (medpor, porex) with computed tomographic scanning.

BACKGROUND: Medpor (Porex Surgical, Inc, Newnan, GA) is composed of porous polyethylene and is commonly used in craniofacial reconstruction. When complications such as seroma or abscess formation arise, diagnostic modalities are limited because Medpor is radiolucent on conventional radiologic studies. This poses a problem in situations where imaging is necessary to distinguish the implant from surrounding tissues. OBJECTIVE: To present a clinically useful method for imaging Medpor with conventional computed tomographic (CT) scanning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients (12 total implants) who have undergone reconstructive surgery with Medpor were included in the study. A retrospective review of CT scans done between 1 and 16 months postoperatively was performed using 3 distinct CT window settings. Measurements of implant dimensions and Hounsfield units were recorded and qualitatively assessed. RESULTS: Of the 3 distinct window settings studied, namely, "bone" (W1100/L450), "soft tissue"; (W500/L50), and "implant" (W800/L200), the implant window proved the most ideal, allowing the investigators to visualize and evaluate Medpor in all cases. Qualitative analysis revealed that Medpor implants were able to be distinguished from surrounding tissue in both the implant and soft tissue windows, with a density falling between that of fat and fluid. In 1 case, Medpor could not be visualized in the soft tissue window, although it could be visualized in the implant window. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a mean (SD) density of -38.7 (7.4) Hounsfield units. CONCLUSIONS: Medpor may be optimally visualized on conventional CT scans using the implant window settings W800/L200, which can aid in imaging Medpor and diagnosing implant-related complications.

Nasal spreader grafts: a comparison of medpor to autologous tissue reconstruction.

Reconstruction of the damaged nasal vault is challenging. Limited available autologous tissue has lead surgeons to pursue alloplastic alternatives. A retrospective review comparing 18 patients who underwent secondary rhinoplasty with internal nasal valve reconstruction with spreader graft (SG) implants using either autologous tissue or high-density porous polyethylene (Medpor) was performed. All underwent bilateral SG reconstruction of the internal nasal valve with Medpor (10 cases) or autologous cartilage (8 cases). Mean follow-up was 26 months for the autologous group and 29 months for the Medpor group. Functional performance and aesthetic results were identical. Complications were few: 1 case of unilateral infection in the Medpor group treated with partial excision, and 1 case of erythema at the auricular donor site for the autologous tissue group. For patients who have exhausted autologous tissue options or are unwilling to tolerate potential donor-site morbidity, the Medpor SG is an appropriate option that allows for excellent aesthetic and functional results that remains stable over time.

Lateral transzygomatic approach to sphenoid wing meningiomas.

BACKGROUND: Sphenoid wing meningiomas are slow-growing, well-circumscribed, and histologically benign lesions. The recurrence rate is low if removed completely at the time of surgery. Adequate surgical exposure with minimal morbidity is a challenge for those treating these lateral skull base lesions. OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience with the lateral tranzygomatic approach for resection of sphenoid wing meningioms in which the entire zygoma is mobilized and remains vascularized by masseter muscle attachments. METHODS: A retrospective review of the records of 19 patients who underwent sphenoid wing meningioma resection via a lateral transzygomatic approach between 1997 and 2007 was performed. A confirmatory cadaver dissection was performed to illustrate the anatomic nature of the technique. To achieve maximal exposure and minimal brain retraction, a lateral transzygomatic approach with osteotomies of the entire zygoma, which remains pedicled on the masseter muscle, was used. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with sphenoid wing meningioma underwent resection via a lateral transzygomatic approach. Complete resection of the meningioma was achieved in 17 cases. Morbidity consisted of temporary frontal nerve weakness (57.9%), mild to moderate temporalis atrophy (36.8%), and diplopia (15.8%). There were no cases of wound infection, bone malunion, or resorption. A mean follow-up period of 33.1 months (range, 2-71 months) revealed no recurrences after surgery as demonstrated by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSION: The lateral transzygomatic approach to the sphenoid wing can be performed safely with minimal morbidity and facilitates complete resection of the tumor. Complete removal at an early stage is the best prognostic factor in treating sphenoid wing meningioma. This approach belongs in the armamentarium of surgeons who are involved in the resection of skull base neoplasms.

Juvenile temporal arteritis.

Juvenile temporal arteritis (JTA) is a nongranulomatous inflammation of the temporal artery with fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina and no concurrent systemic manifestations. It is a rare clinicopathologic entity with fewer than 20 reported cases, most of which represent localized disease with no recurrence or systemic symptoms at follow-up of up to 2 years. Histopathologic features can include lymphoeosinophilic infiltrate and endothelial proliferation. As the histology may resemble angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia or Kimura disease, whether JTA is a discrete localized disease or a manifestation of these systemic conditions has been debated. We present a case of a 36-year-old Jamaican woman with a painful forehead nodule that showed histologic features of JTA, including intimal hyperplasia, lymphoeosinophilic inflammation of the vessel wall, and disruption of the internal elastic lamina; distinctive signet ringlike cytomorphologic alterations of the endothelial cells were noted as well. The lesion also showed extensive subcutaneous lymphoeosinophilic infiltrates and neovascularization with extension into the underlying muscle consistent with angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia or Kimura disease. As the connection between JTA and angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia and Kimura disease is currently debated and most reported cases of JTA have had only brief follow-up, the long-term sequelae of JTA are not known and careful patient monitoring may be necessary.

Correction of upper eyelid retraction using deep temporal fascia spacer grafts.

BACKGROUND: Upper eyelid retraction may occur as a manifestation of infiltrative disease, previous surgery, or trauma. It is associated with dry eye syndrome and corneal compromise. The authors evaluate a lid-lengthening procedure performed through a lid crease incision that uses modified levator recession coupled with autologous deep temporal fascia upper lid spacer grafting. METHODS: Records of 15 patients (22 lids) treated by a single surgeon were reviewed retrospectively. Dry eye symptoms, scleral show, lagophthalmos, and keratopathy were evaluated. Each patient underwent slit lamp examination and a Schirmer's test. RESULTS: Degrees of preoperative scleral show and lagophthalmos were 1.6 +/- 0.7 mm and 1.9 +/- 0.7 mm, respectively. Every patient experienced complete resolution of dry eye symptoms, scleral show (p < 0.001), and lagophthalmos (p < 0.001) following repair. Symmetry was achieved in 73 percent of patients. Overcorrection occurred in four lids (18 percent) and required lid-shortening operations in three. There were no instances of undercorrection or recurrence. No major complications were noted. Graft resorption, extrusion, and infection did not occur. Lid margin contour was consistently excellent. Mean follow-up was 30 months. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' technique is efficacious, durable, and safe. Autogenous deep temporal fascia is easy to harvest and manipulate. Complications associated with other repairs including recurrence and contour irregularities are avoided. Asymmetry, in this series, resulted solely from overcorrection, and the authors' reoperation rate (13.6 percent) compares favorably with that of other methods of repair. Overall patient satisfaction remains excellent. Deep temporal fascia interposition is a powerful technique for the repair of upper lid retraction.

Limited incision nonendoscopic brow lift.

BACKGROUND: The authors compared the nonendoscopic brow lift technique to the popular endoscopic procedure to determine whether it offers a less complex and less expensive but equally effective alternative. METHODS: A retrospective comparison of the senior author's experience with the endoscopic brow lift (100 patients; years 1999 to 2004) and the nonendoscopic brow lift (93 patients; years 2002 to 2005) was conducted. Using a three-incision approach for both procedures (one midline and two temporal), endoscopic visualization was used to assist in the last 2 cm of subperiosteal dissection over the superior orbital rim only in the endoscopic technique. In the nonendoscopic technique, this final dissection was performed without the endoscope, and the expected path of the supraorbital and supratrochlear neurovascular bundles through preoperative marking of their meridians was respected. Effective brow elevation, operative times, size of incisions, complications, and overall patient satisfaction were compared between groups. RESULTS: The authors found no significant difference in average brow elevation between the two brow lift groups (4 mm). However, the nonendoscopic brow lift was completed, on average, 20 minutes faster than the endoscopic brow lift (30 minutes versus 50 minutes) and required a smaller incision than the endoscopic brow lift (2 cm versus 2.5 cm). No nonendoscopic patient experienced permanent complications, but one endoscopic patient developed permanent paresthesias of the forehead secondary to supraorbital/supratrochlear nerve injury. Overall patient satisfaction was equivalent in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The limited incision nonendoscopic brow lift is a safe and effective alternative to the endoscopic technique. With thorough anatomical knowledge of this region, it offers equivalent brow elevation, shorter operative times, smaller incisions, similarly low complications rates, and patient satisfaction and eliminates the need for costly and cumbersome endoscopic equipment.

Upper lip reconstruction with the alar crescent flap: A new approach.

PURPOSE: The alar crescent advancement flap technique has been widely used for repair of large central defects of the upper lip and base of the nose because of its 1-stage procedural simplicity and good results. Several more complicated and multiple staged procedures that respect either structure or function, often compromising one to achieve the other, have become popular and have recently taken its place. However, these procedures are more complex and in many cases require a staged approach. In this study, we present a series of 33 patients who underwent reconstruction of large upper lip defects utilizing alar crescent flaps between 1992 and 2002. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 20 patients underwent reconstruction of large upper lip defects using alar crescent flaps between 1992 and 2002. Malignant etiologies were responsible for the defect in all patients. Reconstruction was performed as a 1-staged procedure in 19 cases. In 1 patient with a total upper lip defect, bilateral alar crescent flaps were used in conjunction with a cross lip flap that was later divided in a second stage procedure. RESULTS: All patients tolerated the procedure well with no major complications. Minor complications not requiring surgical intervention occurred in 5 patients. During the 12- to 60-month follow-up, all patients were found to be satisfied with the functional result. However, 7 patients underwent minor surgical procedures for esthetic improvement. There was no recurrence of disease in the 20 patients who underwent resection of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: In these 20 cases, we have shown the utility of the alar crescent flap for varying length partial and full-thickness reconstruction of upper lip defects. This simple and straightforward technique provided good functional and esthetic results. The disadvantage of this procedure is the loss of philtral anatomic detail. Its primary advantage is that it is a single-stage procedure with a relatively low morbidity and patient inconvenience. As a single-stage technique it satisfies concerns over cost containment over more complex and staged procedures while still providing a good functional and cosmetic result. Furthermore, for those same reasons, this procedure is a good first choice in the elderly.

Correction of involutional entropion with suborbicularis septal and lateral canthal tightening.

BACKGROUND: Involutional entropion, or infolding of the margin of the eyelid, is a common eyelid malposition affecting the elderly that can lead to significant morbidity when not corrected. It is notable for both functional and cosmetic sequelae. Numerous surgical techniques have been described to correct this defect; however, because of its multifactorial pathophysiology, no single procedure has been entirely satisfactory. In this study, the authors present a simple and effective surgical procedure that addresses the salient pathophysiology and successfully corrects this defect with minimal morbidity or chance of recurrence. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-three patients (409 eyelids) with involutional entropion who underwent surgical repair from 1995 to 2004 were analyzed. All patients were symptomatic, ranging in age from 61 to 96 years (115 men and 138 women). All patients underwent lateral canthal lysis, suborbicularis and supraorbicularis undermining, canthoplasty, and lateral muscle suspension with septal tightening. RESULTS: All 409 eyelids with symptomatic involutional entropion were successfully corrected. All patients were satisfied with both the functional and cosmetic outcome and experienced a short recovery time. Objective examination revealed a marked improvement in static and dynamic lower eyelid position and alleviation of the herniated lateral orbital fat. There were no complications or entropion recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Involutional entropion is frequently encountered in the elderly. Ideal treatment addresses horizontal lid laxity, improves vertical support, prevents preseptal orbicularis override, and reinserts the lower lid retractors. With the direct, easily executed and effective surgical procedure presented here, both functional and aesthetic improvements can be obtained. This procedure should be included among the techniques used by every surgeon who treats functional and cosmetic problems in the periocular region.

Nitric oxide modulation of low-density mononuclear cell transendothelial migration.

The blood-endothelial cell interface is a region of significant importance in many physiologic and pathologic processes. Blood-borne macromolecules and cells gain access to the subendothelial space and extravascular tissues by traversing the endothelium. Yet the various factors responsible for modulation of this process remain only partially elucidated. Several agents were found to be involved in this process, including nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is known that under stress conditions (e.g., inflammation), NO can modulate the permeability of endothelial-cell monolayers to low-density mononuclear cells (LDMNCs). However, it is not known if NO can modulate such effects in the absence of inflammatory stimulation. In the present study, we utilized a Transwell chamber model to examine endothelial-cell monolayer permeability to LDMNCs in the absence of inflammatory stimuli. We noted that NO donor and L-arginine increased transendothelial-cell migration, whereas nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition decreased migration. These effects were not significantly abrogated by VEGF antibody, suggesting that they were not VEGF-dependent.

The role of lacrimal intubation in the management of facial trauma and tumor resection.

BACKGROUND: Lacrimal drainage dysfunction is a common and problematic consequence of any pathologic process that interferes with the physiology or continuity of the lacrimal drainage apparatus. The literature widely documents several reliable, safe, and consistently well-tolerated techniques of nasolacrimal intubation for the repair of lacrimal system dysfunction; however, the role and the timing of such intubation in primary surgery involving the regional anatomy of the lacrimal system remain controversial. The authors evaluated the role of lacrimal intubation as a therapeutic and prophylactic procedure in complex primary surgery for trauma, tumor, and chronic infection of the lacrimal drainage system. METHODS: Sixty-one cases of either unilateral or bilateral silicone intubation of the lacrimal drainage system in 54 patients were analyzed retrospectively with respect to diagnosis, indication for intubation (therapeutic or prophylactic), and clinical outcome. Final long-term patency of the system after tube removal was assessed by the absence of epiphora and positive Jones primary dye test. RESULTS: Lacrimal intubation as part of the primary repair of facial trauma, tumor resection, and relief of lacrimal system obstruction resulted in a patent, functional lacrimal drainage system in all 61 cases, with no associated morbidity. The risks of diagnostic manipulation at the time of surgery were avoided. CONCLUSIONS: This series demonstrates that prophylactic intubation of the lacrimal system in any trauma or tumor resection near or around the region in addition to those that directly involve these systems should be considered, as the risks of silicone intubation in such cases are relatively negligible compared with the morbidity and nuisance associated with postoperative epiphora and/or recurrent dacryocystitis. Concomitant nasolacrimal intubation in conjunction with the repair of complex midfacial fractures or tumor extirpation is a safe and effective means of ensuring the establishment of a patent, functional drainage system in the absence of direct lacrimal system involvement.

Combined hard palate spacer graft, midface suspension, and lateral canthoplasty for lower eyelid retraction: a tripartite approach.

BACKGROUND: Eyelid retraction is an unfortunate consequence of cosmetic surgery, trauma, and disease states. It is frequently symptomatic and may be associated with dry eye syndrome and corneal compromise. The pathophysiology of lower eyelid retraction usually involves some degree of lateral canthal tendon laxity, middle lamella scarring, and malar descent. The authors describe for the first time a series of patients whose lid retraction was treated with a tripartite procedure that addresses all three pathophysiologic components simultaneously and rehabilitates the patients cosmetically and functionally. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 17 patients (24 eyelids) operated on between 1999 and 2003 by one senior surgeon. The age of the patients ranged from 26 to 77 years (mean, 50.3 years), and all presented with significant scleral show (average, 2.0 mm) and symptomatic corneal exposure from a variety of causes. Preoperatively, all patients were noted to have a combination of lower eyelid laxity, middle lamellar contracture, and malar descent. Preoperative and postoperative examinations included Shirmer's test, a measurement of scleral show, and a slit-lamp examination. Mean follow-up time was 13 months. All patients underwent a triad of hard palate spacer grafting, lateral canthal suspension, and midface elevation. RESULTS: All 17 patients (representing 24 retracted eyelids) had complete resolution of scleral show (2.5-mm average correction) and were uniformly satisfied with their cosmetic and functional outcome at last follow-up. Preoperative dry eye symptoms resolved in all patients in the series. There were no major complications and only two minor complications (corneal irritation from graft sutures in one patient and an oronasal palatal fistula in another), both of which resolved in the early follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of hard palate spacer grafting, lateral canthoplasty, and midface suspension is an effective, aesthetic, and functional treatment for moderate to severe lower eyelid retraction resulting from multiple causes. This tripartite procedure is associated with predictable results, a low morbidity rate, and high patient satisfaction.