
18/09/2024
UPPER AND LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY AND MID-FACIAL FAT GRAFTING
This case may look similar to other cases I’ve posted, but there’s more than meets the 👁, 😉. Many, many thanks to my beautiful patient for allowing me to post her photos and tell a bit of her story.
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So, what makes this case different? Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid (OCP). OCP is an auto-immune disease that can cause severe scarring of the inner surface of the eyelid, misdirection of eyelashes, and if untreated, blindness (google it if you’re curious). OCP is tricky because it’s often dormant until we are older or have an inciting event that activates the disease. Transconjunctival surgical incisions (i.e. my usual incision choice for lower eyelid blepharoplasty) can activate OCP.
Due to some concerning pre-operative exam findings, I performed a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of OCP prior to surgery. Because of this, I used a subciliary skin incision (i.e., just below the lower eyelash line) for her lower eyelid blepharoplasty, and we were able to avoid activating her disease. In my experience, the best way to treat OCP is to avoid activating it.
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As for the rest of the case, mid-facial helped blend the transition between the lower eyelids and cheek. CO2 laser and a really conservative addressed redundant lower eyelid skin and wrinkles. Upper eyelid removed extra upper eyelid skin and increased tarsal platform show (i.e, the distance between the upper lashes and eyelid crease). My patient and I are both really happy with the results of her surgery. She was a joy to care for, and I appreciate her trust!
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Before-and-after photos were both taken with indirect lighting to maximize the appearance of shadows, wrinkles, and other contour irregularities.