Blepharoplasty and Eyelid Reconstruction

Abstract

A mastery of facial and eyelid anatomy is paramount to perform oculoplastic surgery safely and successfully. An understanding of periocular structures, vasculature, and innervation highlights the delicate relationship between form and function, which establishes the foundation for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. This knowledge, coupled with an appreciation for the patient’s goals – both functional and aesthetic – and expectations for the outcome of surgery allows one to complete an effective, multidimensional pre-operative assessment encompassing patient selection, history, physical examination, and ancillary testing. Ultimately, the synthesis of these principles guides the selection and execution of appropriate and efficacious surgical technique for blepharoplasty and eyelid reconstruction. This review contains 15 figures and 28 references Keywords: Eyelid anatomy, Eyelid crease, Eyelid margin, Canthal tendons, Lacrimal system, Blepharoplasty, Tenzel flap, Hughes flap, Cutler-Beard procedure, Canthotomy and cantholysis