2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
7 Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery
Part II: Periocular Soft Tissues
Chapter 12: Periocular Malpositions and Involutional Changes
Blepharoplasty
Lower Eyelid
Lower blepharoplasty is most commonly performed for cosmetic indications. However, some patients undergo this procedure because of functional concerns such as difficulty reading, which can occur when prolapsed orbital fat and skin cover the bifocal spectacle segment. For cosmetic lower eyelid surgery, satisfactory results often require additional skin rejuvenation with skin removal, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing. In the preoperative discussion, the surgeon should clearly describe reasonable expectations for, as well as the risks of, the procedure. Patients should understand that aggressive resection of lower eyelid skin and fat may lead to eyelid retraction, ectropion, or a sunken, aged periorbital appearance.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 10 - Glaucoma. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.