Evolution of the Lower Lid Surgery IV

In some patients, the age-related changes include a deepening of the fold running along the orbital rim. This is known as the nasojugal fold or commonly called the tear trough (from the observation that tears will track along this groove). This structure creates a tired look. In addition, the shadow produced by this structure gives the appearance of dark circle.

 

Nasojugal folds or tear troughs (arrowed).

 

Anatomically, the tear trough corresponds to the attachment between the orbicularis muscle (the muscle that closes the eyes) and the underlying orbital rim and the midface.

 

Side view of tear trough and the corresponding structure.

Front view of tear trough and the corresponding structure.

 

Surgically, the tear trough is difficult to treat using the traditional method of lower blepharoplasty in which only fat is removed. Furthermore, excessive fat removal can make the tear trough more prominent.

 

Patient without prominent tear trough, traditional

lower blepharoplasty gives good aesthetic result.

 

Patient with obvious tear trough, traditional lower blepharoplasty

does not remove the lines which resemble dark circle.