Release of orbicularis retaining ligament: an improved method of orbicularis oculi muscle supension blepharo-plasty

Abstract

Objective To study a improved technique by releasing the orbicularis retaining ligament in orbicularis oculi muscle supension blepharoplasty. Release of the orbicularis retaining ligament could cut off the contact between orbitomalar skin and periosteum at inferior orbital rim, and carry the point of tightening orbitomalar skin in orbicularis oculi muscle supension blepharoplasty. Methods There were 409 patients with apparent orbitmalar fold. The methods of releasing orbicularis retaining ligament and orbital septum fixation were added to improve the orbicularis oculi muscle supension blepharoplasty. Results 409 cases were treated using this method over the past 3 years. All results were satisfactory. No complications were observed. Conclusion This improved method of orbicularis oculi muscle supension blepharoplasty is useful for orbitomalar skin rolling, especially for orbitmalar fold. The release allows effective redraping and upward mobilization of the orbicularis of the lower lid and the premalar soft tissues. This method is a simple, safe and effective procedure for the correction of tear trough deformity and well-demarcated lid/cheek junction in lower eyelid belpharoplasty. It is one of the best choices for lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Key words: Baggy eyelids; Orbitmalar fold; Orbicularis retaining ligament