Blepharoplasty Approach to the Orbital Rim: A Novel Approach for Select Patients Presenting for Gender Affirming Facial Plastic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gender affirming facial surgery is a valuable option for patients with gender dysphoria. Traditionally, procedures for the upper third of the face focus on hairline position and contour of bony prominences via a coronal or trichophytic incision. These traditional approaches require large incisions and extensive dissection, which is not desirable for many patients and potentially avoidable in specific situations.

METHOD: We utilized a standard blepharoplasty approach to access the superior orbital rim in patients who desired isolated lateral orbital contouring as part of their gender affirming facial surgery.

CONCLUSION: A subset of patients who require bony contouring of the orbital rim as part of their treatment for gender dysphoria will benefit from a less invasive approach to the upper face. A standard blepharoplasty incision is safe and effective to access the orbital rims in select patients, with decreased recovery and comparable results to traditional approaches.