Improvement of Nasojugal Groove and Wrinkles Following a Skin-Muscle Flap Elevation Through a Subciliary Approach to the Orbital Rim.

The aim of this study is to see whether the nasojugal groove and wrinkles can be improved following a skin-muscle flap elevation through a subciliary approach to the orbital rim.Fifty-seven patients having fractures of the orbital floor, wall, or orbital rim were included. A subciliary incision was made 3 to 5 mm below the cilia. A skin-muscle flap was elevated and a 5-mm width of the periosteum of the anterior surface of the maxilla was exposed. Thereafter, the origin of the orbicularis oculi muscle was released from the underlying bony origin. An incision was made at the arcus marginalis. After reconstruction, the detached arcus marginalis was sutured to the periosteum of the infraorbital rim and the subciliary incision was closed. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were analyzed with the validated assessment scales for midface.In the 57 sides operated on, the postoperative, mean assessment score was significantly lower (0.56 ± 0.66) on the operated side than on the contralateral side (0.84 ± 1.00) (P = 0.002). In the 37 sides excluding the patients in whom the initial score was 0, and the postoperative, mean assessment score was significantly lower (0.84 ± 0.65) on the operated side than on the contralateral side (1.19 ± 1.05) (P = 0.010).The skin-muscle flap elevated through the subciliary approach to reach the orbital rim improved the nasojugal groove despite the fat removal or repositioning was not performed. The reason for this improvement the authors think is orbicularis oculi muscle had been separated from its origin.