Evolution of lower lid support following lower lid/midface rejuvenation: the pretarsal orbicularis lateral canthopexy.

An 18-month experience with an endoscopically assisted "closed" technique of modified transblepharoplasty lower lid and midface rejuvenation is presented. In the modified approach, preseptal dissection in the body of the lower lid is eliminated to decrease the incidence of septal scarring and lower lid retraction. The technique also leaves intact the connection between the orbicularis and septum, resulting in tightening of the septum and better support of lid with redraping of the muscle. By providing more secure support of the lower lid and lateral canthus, the need for direct canthal manipulation has been reduced significantly. This experience confirms, however, that an occasional patient with significant exophthalmus occasionally might need additional lower lid support (spacer graft or more direct lateral tendon fixation) to obtain ideal lower lid position. Conversely, an occasional older patient with relative enophthalmus and horizontal lower lid laxity will be best served by canthoplasty with correction of excess laxity. So far, the quality of aesthetic results compared with the "open" approach has not been compromised, and morbidity seems to have been decreased.