• Zuo Jun Zhao, You Lu, Wei Zhong Liang, and Jun Ling Wu.
• Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, China Mei Tan General Hospital, Beijing, China.
• Ann Plast Surg. 2013 Jul 1; 71 (1): 13-5.

BackgroundLower eyelid malposition is the most common complication after lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Although the traditional techniques were effective for correcting lower eyelid malposition, they had potential disadvantages, including additional trauma, additional scar, and long recovery period.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of a minimally invasive surgical technique using Aptos thread for postblepharoplasty lower eyelid malposition.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients undergoing lower eyelid malposition surgery via a minimal invasive, Aptos thread technique from June 2005 to June 2010. Symptoms, including epiphora, ocular irritation, conjunctivitis, and measurement of lower eyelid scleral show (measured from the inferior limbus of cornea) were recorded. Presurgery and postreconstruction photographs were reviewed for functional and cosmetic outcome.ResultsA total of 15 patients (24 eyelids) underwent successful lower eyelid malposition surgery using this minimally invasive technique. On clinical examination, all cases of lower eyelid retraction stemmed from overzealous excision of skin and orbicularis. After a follow-up interval of 12 to 25 months (mean, 15 months), inferior corneal exposure and ocular symptoms were corrected thoroughly. The decrease in lower eyelid retraction was 2.7 ± 0.9 mm. The functional and cosmetic result was satisfactory in all cases.ConclusionsAptos thread technique is a safe, effective, and the least invasive method of managing mild and moderate postblepharoplasty lower eyelid malposition secondary to shortening anterior lamella.

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