Evolution of Lower Eyelid Surgery I

Lower eyelid surgery is one of the most common surgery performed to rejuvenate the face. The first photographs of lower eyelid surgery were published in 1907 by Charles Conrad Miller, a plastic surgeon in Chicago. In this published article, the excess skin was excised from the lower eyelid between the cheeks and eyelids (very similar to the pictures shown here taken in early 20th century). Although the lower eyelids were tighten, there were obvious scarring and the lower eyelids were retracted causing exposure and tearings. Later on, Miller modified his technique so that the incision was made below the eyelashes (subciliary) very to the modern technique. However, the problem of eyelid retraction remain.

 

Early technique of lower lid blepharoplasty. a. Excess skin below the lower lids;

b. Removal of excess skin between the eyelid and cheek;

 c. Lower eyelid retraction after the excision;

d. Tightening of the lower eyelids but the lower eyelids were retracted.