Aesthetic Correction of Mild-to-Moderate Blepharoptosis Among Asians: The Bridge Technique.

INTRODUCTION

Although several surgical methods have been introduced to treat mild-to-moderate blepharoptosis, including levator-based techniques such as Müller muscle-conjunctival resection, few complications and better functional and aesthetic outcomes remain elusive for plastic surgeons. Hence, this study aimed to provide a new technique (bridge technique) using the levator aponeurosis-Müller's muscle flap to achieve optimal blepharoptosis correction for function and aesthetics among Asians.

METHODS

From January 2019 to May 2020, this new technique was performed on 157 consecutive patients with mild-to-moderate blepharoptosis. Our technique was based on the anchor of the levator complex to the tarsus using mattress stitches and three-layer fixation, which provided a reliable motion transmitter for elevating the upper eyelid. The patients' medical records and photographs were reviewed 12 months postoperatively to assess the margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1), incidence of complications, and aesthetic outcomes.

RESULTS

The average preoperative and postoperative MRD1 measured 1.2 ± 0.31 mm and 3.7 ± 0.34 mm, respectively. A significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative distance values (p < 0.001). In the aesthetic evaluation, the grading was good, fair, and poor for 142 (90.4%) patients, 10 (6.4%) patients, and 5 (3.2%) patients, respectively. Complications included undercorrection in 12 (5.2%) cases and overcorrection in nine (3.9%) cases, and no cases of residual lagophthalmos were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Mild-to-moderate blepharoptosis among Asians can be corrected effectively using this new technique. However, the long-term outcomes of this procedure should be explored.