Cautery of the orbital septum during blepharoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
Application of a grid of electrocautery to the orbital septum to treat anteriorly prolapsed eyelid fat pads during blepharoplasty has been previously described. A review of patients who underwent this technique was performed to determine if this technique led to a higher incidence of postoperative eyelid retraction.


METHODS
A retrospective case series of patients who underwent application of a grid of electrocautery to the orbital septum during blepharoplasty from 1979 to 1999 was reviewed.


RESULTS
There were 1492 patients (3018 eyelids) who underwent an application of a grid of electrocautery to the orbital septum during this period. Five hundred twenty-nine patients (1036 eyelids) underwent upper blepharoplasty, 91 patients (174 eyelids) underwent lower blepharoplasty, 149 patients (596 eyelids) underwent combined upper and lower blepharoplasty, and 723 patients (1212 eyelids) underwent a combined upper blepharoplasty and ptosis repair. All patients were followed for at least 3 months. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 20 years. No patient had postoperative eyelid retraction.


CONCLUSIONS
The application of a grid of electrocautery to the orbital septum during blepharoplasty to treat anteriorly prolapsed eyelid fat pads is effective, safe, and does not lead to late postoperative eyelid retraction.
Choo
Phillip H
PH
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
Rathbun
J Earl
JE
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000601:surgery*; D019882:Blepharoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D006801:Humans; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome