6 months post op, experiencing lower lid retraction and hollowness. Interested in ePTFE orbital rim implant. Advice? (photo)

Question

Hi there I have lower lid retraction following a lower bleph in the eyelid approach and a skin pinch. I am 6 months post op. My eyes feel terribly pulled down from the inside and outside. Ive read and heard lots about orbital rim implants to help the projection and to bring tissue up onto the implant by top doctors. are these implants customizable in volume? What is the least volume one would get with an orbial rim Implant when executing a retraction repair? Thank you

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The ePTFE implant is not placed to provide volume. In some cases it can be made to function that way. Primarily though, it’s purpose is to create a place to sew to. The problem with other methods that attempt to advance cheek soft tissue into the lower eyelid to address the deficiency is a lack of support. Without a proper place to sew the cheek to, the surgery will fail. The ePTFE rim implant is fixed to the bony orbital rim with microscrews. This creates a place to permanently suture the vertically lifted cheek. Very little volume in the implant is actually needed for this purpose. It is very likely this type of low volume implant will work for you but there is no substitute for a personal assessment.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

The main part of correcting lower eyelid retraction is the release and elevation of the lower eyelids and upper cheek area with possible internal spacer graft. Orbital rim implant is something additional that some patients need.

6 months post op, experiencing lower lid retraction and hollowness. Interested in ePTFE orbital rim implant. Advice? (photo)

Answers (2)