Purpose: The transconjunctival, subciliary, subtarsal, and subpalpebral approaches for accessing the infraorbital rim and orbital floor have both advantages and disadvantages. The most common complications include rounding of the lateral canthal angle, lower eyelid retraction with inferior scleral show, and frank ectropion.
Materials and patients: From 2000 to 2007, we treated 29 patients with lower eyelid malposition after surgery to manage the floor and infraorbital trauma (22 subciliary approaches, five transconjunctival approaches and lateral canthotomies, and two transconjunctival approaches). To correct lower eyelid malposition, we applied the tarsal strip technique in all patients.
Results: Twenty-five patients had scleral show and four patients had ectropion: three were previous treated using transconjunctival access and one using subciliary access. Twenty-six patients obtained satisfactory correction of eyelid malposition in a single-step surgical procedure, while three patients required a second surgical step to correct the remaining scleral show. Good aesthetic and functional results were achieved in all cases.
Conclusions: All approaches to the infraorbital rim or orbital floor have the potential for postoperative sequelae. The tarsal strip technique is a relatively simple technique that oral and maxillofacial surgeons can use to manage lower lid malposition, such as scleral show and ectropion.