Botulinum Toxin to Improve Lower Blepharoplasty Scar: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background Lower blepharoplasty is a common cosmetic operation that relies on minimal postoperative scarring, but Asian patients are at higher risk than Caucasians for hypertrophic and/or widened scars. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX) injections are widely employed to alleviate dynamic facial rhytids and also can improve scar quality by reducing scar tension. The authors assessed whether simultaneous transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty and BTX injections could improve subciliary scar quality. Objectives The objective of this study was to assess whether simultaneous transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty and BTX injections could improve subciliary scar quality. Methods This is a prospective, randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Between May 2015 and May 2018, 40 adults who underwent bilateral transcutaneous lower blepharoplasties were randomized to receive BTX (n = 20) or vehicle (normal saline; n = 20) injections into the lateral orbicularis oculi muscle immediately after wound closure. Vancouver Scar Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, and photographic scar width measurements at 3 reference points were recorded at the final clinical follow-up. Results Thirty-seven patients completed the trial. Vancouver Scar Scale and Visual Analogue Scale scores in the experimental and vehicle control groups were similar, but scar widths in the experimental group at all measured points were significantly narrower than in the vehicle control group (P < 0.001, P = 0.027, and P < 0.001 at each measured point, respectively). Conclusions Transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty scars in Asians can be significantly narrowed by simultaneous BTX injections without additional complications. Level of Evidence 4

Comparison of Fat Repositioning Versus Onlay Segmental Fat Grafting in Lower Blepharoplasty

Background Lower blepharoplasty is one of the most challenging procedures in aesthetic surgery. In particular, blending the lid-cheek junction and correction of the tear trough are prone to failure and unsatisfactory outcomes. Objectives The aim of this study was to combine lower eyelid blepharoplasty with a novel technique of autologous fat grafting, commonly called segmental fat grafting, and to analyze the safety and efficacy of this approach. Methods A retrospective analysis of 339 lower blepharoplasties was performed to compare the novel technique of segmental fat grafting to traditional fat transposition during lower blepharoplasty. Outcomes were assessed objectively by several measurements as well as via online survey of 148 invited experts in plastic surgery. Statistical analysis included t test for unpaired and paired samples as well as 1-way analysis of variance for matched data. Results There were no differences in baseline characteristics and comorbidities between study groups. After a mean follow-up of 12.9 months (range, 5-120 months), the group that underwent segmental fat grafting had a significant reduction in tear trough width compared compared with the group receiving lower blepharoplasty with fat transposition. Based on an expert (blinded) online survey, segmental fat grafting was superior or equal in 47% and 35% of cases, respectively. Complications (4%) and revision surgeries (9%) did not differ significantly between study groups. Conclusions The novel technique of transplantation of a segmental fat graft during lower blepharoplasty is a safe and effective way to overcome tear trough deformity and blend the lid-cheek junction. Level of Evidence: 4