The bare area of the upper conjunctiva: a closer look at the anatomy of transconjunctival upper blepharoplasty.

Abstract

Transconjunctival upper blepharoplasty is a novel technique for which the overall experience has been limited. The authors have used this technique in 42 patients for eyelid rejuvenation, with predictable results and low morbidity. The authors previously described the "bare" area in the medial upper conjunctiva, which was initially noted during their clinical series. This area serves as an anatomic window to access the medial upper eyelid fat pad with a high degree of safety. To clarify the anatomy of this approach, an anatomic study of the upper medial eyelid was performed on the orbits of 10 cadavers (20 orbits). The bare area was further elucidated during these dissections and its microscopic components described in detail. Its spatial relationship to the medial orbital wall and trochlea was also examined during this study. The authors hope that these findings will aid surgeons planning to use this technique.