Comparative Analysis of Upper Blepharoplasty Techniques: Skin-Muscle versus Only-Skin Approach – A Single-Masked, Randomized Split-Face Prospective Study
Author: Larysa Krajewska-Węglewicz
Base Hospital / Institution: National Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Warsaw
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 24-141
Purpose
The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedures with or without orbicularis oculi muscle excision over a 12-month period using surface electromyography
Methods
A prospective study involving 26 patients diagnosed with dermatochalasis was conducted. A randomized, single-blinded, split-face design was employed. Skin-only upper blepharoplasty was performed on one side of the face for each patient, while on the opposite side, a strip of orbicularis oculi was also excised. Functional outcomes were evaluated using surface electromyography, and esthetic outcomes were independently assessed by the operating surgeon, blinded patients, and three blinded ophthalmic surgeons.
Results
Analysis of the data revealed that the root mean square values of maximal contraction of the orbicularis oculi were significantly lower two weeks post-blepharoplasty compared to preoperative values in both groups (p<0.001), with recovery to preoperative levels observed after six months. Minimal lagophthalmos occurred in 2 cases (7.69%) in the skin-muscle group, while no instances of lagophthalmos were observed in the skin-only group. Comparable esthetic outcomes were observed on both operated sides.
Conclusion
This study provides an objective and quantitative analysis of upper blepharoplasty outcomes with or without OOM excision using surface electromyography. Our findings indicate full recovery of OOM following the stripping procedure, with no significant difference in long-term cosmetic results between the groups. Based on these results, preservation of OOM during upper blepharoplasty is recommended unless there is a clear rationale for muscle excision.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Małgorzata | Dorobek | National Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Warsaw |
