Correction of Tear Trough Deformity with Minced Orbital Fat Grafts During Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty

Abstract

BackgroundThe correction of tear trough deformity poses a significant challenge in the context of facial rejuvenation. Our aim was to introduce a technique that corrects tear trough deformity during transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty using minced orbital fat grafts. Methods The medical records of patients who underwent lower blepharoplasty from January 2019 to December 2021 were reviewed. The study included patients with various grades of tear trough deformity, who underwent lower blepharoplasty using minced orbital fat grafts and followed up for at least 6 months. Modified Barton's grading for tear trough depression, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results A total of ninety-eight patients, with a mean age of 48.07 +/- 9.72 years, consisting of 93 (94.9) females were included in the study. The average duration of follow-up was 7.2 months, ranging from 6 to 13 months. Tear trough depression significantly improved after the operation (preoperative tear trough depression grade mean (SD): 3.11 (0.60); postoperative tear trough depression grade mean (SD): 0.87 (0.66); P < 0.001). 78.5 of the participants reported their outcome as excellent or good, 20.4 reported as fair, and 1.0 (only one patient) reported as no improvement. None of the participants rated their outcome as worsening. No major complication was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion Minced orbital fat grafting during transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty has good effectiveness for correcting tear trough deformity without the risk of major complications.