Expanding Treatment Indications Beyond the Tear Trough Defect: The G-Point Lift Technique to Address the Entire Eyelid-Cheek Junction

Knowledge of the anatomy of the infraorbital region is key to understanding the full extent of clinically visible infraorbital defects and the underlying structures involved to achieve optimal aesthetic results. The authors have developed a more anatomic approach to the infraorbital region, which has led to recognition of a specific anatomic area, defined previously as the aesthetic G-point. Shifting attention away from the tear trough itself and applying a surgical approach to aesthetic medicine can lead to more natural and complete results while at the same time minimizing the risk of undesired side effects and complications.

Management of Severe Botulinum-Induced Eyelid Ptosis With Pretarsal Botulinum Toxin and Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 0.1

BACKGROUND

Eyelid ptosis following periocular onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) treatment is a known complication that can be frustrating for both patients and practitioners. Iatrogenic blepharoptosis occurs due to local spread of the BoNT-A from the periocular region into the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. Although injectors should have a thorough understanding of the relevant anatomy in order to prevent it, BoNT-A induced ptosis can occur even in the most experienced hands.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe a case series of patients treated effectively with topical oxymetazoline HCl 0.1% and pretarsal BoNT-A injections in the setting of botox-induced ptosis.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 8 patients who had undergone recent cosmetic BoNT-A treatment preceding the sudden onset of unilateral upper eyelid ptosis.

RESULTS

A diagnosis of severe ptosis (>3 mm) was made in all the cases in this series. Pretarsal BoNT-A injections alone or in association with topical administration of Upneeq eyedrops (Upneeq, Osmotica Pharmaceuticals, Marietta, GA) significantly reversed the ptosis in all treated cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first documented case series of patients treated effectively with topical oxymetazoline HCl 0.1% and pretarsal BoNT-A injections in the setting of botox-induced ptosis. This treatment combination is a safe and effective option in these cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Rehabilitation of the Dysmorphic Lower Eyelid From Hyaluronic Acid Filler: What to Do After a Good Periocular Treatment Goes Bad

BACKGROUND

Chronic, long-lasting edema accompanied by the Tyndall effect as a delayed reaction to hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection seems to occur exclusively in the eyelids.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to present a treatment algorithm for management of patients with chronic lower eyelid edema as a delayed complication of HA filler injection.

METHODS

Retrospective study including 61 patients with delayed-onset chronic periocular edema following uneventful HA filler injection in the lower eyelids or cheeks. All patients underwent hyaluronidase enzyme dissolution followed by secondary treatment. Three retreatment options were presented: (1) observation, (2) secondary treatment with HA filler, and (3) lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

RESULTS

All patients underwent filler dissolution using hyaluronidase. The mean age was 48 years and 97% of the patients were female. Single treatment was effective in 92% of patients with 8% requiring another hyaluronidase injection to completely eradicate residual edema. Six patients (10%) were satisfied after hyaluronidase only and 6 patients (10%) underwent lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Secondary treatment with HA filler was performed in 48 patients (80%). All were satisfied with final results without further edema in the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed-onset chronic lower eyelid edema is a frequent HA-related complication and cause of concern when considering periocular HA treatment. Previous treatment has been limited to either hyaluronidase only or blepharoplasty as a secondary solution after hyaluronidase, with only a minority of patients satisfied. Hyaluronidase, shortly followed by HA filler retreatment, is a safe and effective solution.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Minimal Incisions Vertical Endoscopic Lifting (MIVEL) for the Management of Lateral Canthal and Lower Eyelid Malposition

The purpose of this article is to describe the necessary steps to correct both primary and postblepharoplasty lateral canthal and lower eyelid malpositions at the time of endoscopic face lifting. Endoscopic surgery is traditionally considered only for brow and forehead lifting. However, in our practice we have successfully expanded the indications of the minimal incision vertical endoscopic lifting technique from being primarily indicated for forehead/brow elevation to also treating both primary and secondary lower eyelid and lateral canthal malpositions. This has eliminated the need for direct lateral canthal manipulation in primary cases and any need for open canthoplasty and posterior spacers in secondary cases. In our series of 63 patients with a mean age of 54 years, overall subjective satisfaction was high in 92% of patients, and there were no long-term side effects or complications.

The Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubric (OSCAR) for anterior approach ptosis surgery

PURPOSE

The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) is currently developing a series of standardized, internationally validated, teaching tools for key ophthalmic surgical procedures called the Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubrics (OSCARs). This study aims to develop an OSCAR for anterior approach ptosis surgery.

METHODS

An international panel of content experts, representing Australia, India, Iran, Italy, Turkey, UK, and the USA was established and worked to develop the rubric using a range of online collaboration tools. The team used the standardised OSCAR template as a baseline, developing explicit behavioural descriptors (the behaviour and performance expected for each step) that were reviewed and modified with successive models. Learners were scored a modified 4-point Dreyfus scale of skill acquisition (novice, beginner, advanced beginner, competent) with the removal of the expert domain.

RESULTS

The final OSCAR ptosis tool was developed in alignment with the ICO-OSCAR standard. Seventeen agreed and weighted stems were produced. Domains such as communication and postoperative complications were removed from this rubric as they are evaluated in other spheres of residency training. Specific comments with regard to the parameters and wording were incorporated to formulate the final rubric, which was internationally agreed and demonstrated face and content validity.

CONCLUSIONS

The OSCAR for anterior approach ptosis is skill and behaviour-based, has ICO agreed standards for assessment and provides learners with specific targets for improvement. Although the OSCAR ptosis tool has face and content validity, further development could better elucidate its precise role.

Simultaneous Aesthetic Eyelid Surgery and Orbital Decompression for Rehabilitation of Thyroid Eye Disease: The One-Stage Approach

BACKGROUND

Aesthetic rehabilitation of thyroid orbitopathy includes orbital decompression, correction of eyelid retraction, and aesthetic blepharoplasty, performed traditionally in separate stages.

OBJECTIVES

To report the results of orbital decompression surgery associated with aesthetic eyelid surgery in one stage for aesthetic rehabilitation of patients affected by thyroid eye disease.

METHODS

Retrospective, multicentric study including 40 consecutive patients, who underwent orbital decompression surgery associated with aesthetic eyelid surgery in two centers: Genova (group 1) + Buenos Aires (group 2). Surgical techniques are described in detail.

RESULTS

Mean patient age in the study group was 41.2, 85% of the patients were female, and minimum follow-up time was 12 months, with average follow up of 27 months. All patients underwent orbital decompression; at the same time, 26 patients (65%) underwent bilateral upper blepharoplasty and 32 patients (80%) underwent transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty. Associated upper eyelid procedures included 23 patients (58%) undergoing upper eyelid retraction repair, 9 patients (23%) undergoing associated inferior retractor recession, and 12 patients (30%) closed transcanthal lateral canthopexy. Seven patients (17%) needed strabismus surgery for the treatment of new-onset diplopia and none required further revision eyelid surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Shorr and Seiff suggested 4 stages of surgical rehabilitation: (1) orbital decompression; (2) eye muscle surgery; (3) correction of eyelid retraction; and (4) removal of excess fat and skin. This is the first study to suggest single-stage aesthetic rehabilitation consisting of combined orbital decompression and aesthetic eyelid surgery. This approach has high patient satisfaction and significant reduction in direct and indirect healthcare costs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4

The Role of Routine Biopsy of the Lacrimal Sac During Dacryocystorhinostomy Surgery

PURPOSE

To assess the role of routine histopathological evaluation of the lacrimal sac wall when performing dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of the histology findings in lacrimal sac biopsies, taken routinely, in an external-approach DCR series. This is a single surgeon (RB), single pathologist (AG) consecutive series. The histopathology reports were reviewed and collated. Each patient's medical history and risk factors for malignancy were recorded. The surgeon documented any abnormal lacrimal sac appearance at the time of surgery.

RESULTS

No patient in this series of 245, in whom 254 histology specimens were taken, recorded a significant pathological result that was not anticipated from pre-operative assessment, or from the appearance of the lacrimal sac intra-operatively.

CONCLUSION

The reported recommendation for routine histopathological evaluation of the lacrimal sac wall when performing DCR surgery is not supported by this consecutive series. The authors recommend histopathological evaluation only in the setting of pre-existing clinical suspicion of malignancy, or an abnormal intra-operative appearance of the lacrimal sac.