Combined Blepharoplasty and Brow Fat Pad Transfer for the Correction of Dermatochalasis and Sunken Upper Eyelids.

Background: Women commonly experience upper eyelid dermatochalasis and upper eyelid depression with advancing age. Blepharoplasty is a suitable method for treating dermatochalasis, but not sunken eyelid. This study proposed a novel technique for eyelid rejuvenation by simultaneously correcting dermatochalasis and sunken upper eyelids in middle-aged women.

Methods: Forty patients underwent subbrow blepharoplasty combined with brow fat pad transfer. Ellipse-shaped skin and subcutaneous tissue underneath the eyebrow were measured, demarcated, and excised. The orbicularis oculi muscle beneath the subcutaneous tissue was exposed and dissected in the upper-third area. The brow fat pad was turned downward using the lower edge as the pedicle and was fixed in the layer of retro-orbicularis oculi fat to fill the depressed area in the upper eyelid. The lower muscle flap was fixed to the supraorbital rim periosteum and upper musculocutaneous flaps, thereby forming a cross flap for interlocking fixation. The surgical outcomes were evaluated using a three-dimensional imaging device and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale.

Results: The depth and volume of upper eyelid depression decreased significantly 3 months after the surgery and stabilized within 6 months. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores significantly improved after the surgery, and the postoperative outcomes were acceptable.

Conclusions: The novel technique is simple and effective for simultaneously correcting dermatochalasis and sunken upper eyelids in middle-aged women. The surgical outcomes are predictable and acceptable to most patients.

Clinical Question/level Of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV.