Journey of frontalis muscle advancement in severe blepharoptosis: Review of the techniques, modifications, and outcomes

Abstract

We aimed to review the degree of standardization of frontalis muscle (FM)–orbicularis muscle advancement techniques in the management of severe congenital blepharoptosis and also study the evidence which supports the procedure correcting blepharoptosis. The undisputed rationale of all types of brow suspension in the management of severe blepharoptosis is based on the concept that slings are the conventional way to simultaneously suspend a ptotic eyelid and transmit the contractile action of the FM to the tarsal plate. Traditionally, frontalis suspension using sling has been used to treat patients with severe congenital blepharoptosis with poor levator function; however, postoperative lagophthalmos, forehead scarring, and recurrence remain major concerns. Since the early 80s, a significant number of consecutive articles have suggested that the eyelid can be effectively suspended by directly suturing FM to the tarsal plate. This review article intends to evaluate the level of standardization of FM advancement techniques in the management of severe blepharoptosis. 'In addition, to determine if the procedure should be performed in a standard manner, and is there enough evidence available to recommend FM advancement as a useful surgical technique.

Keywords

• congenital ptosis
• frontalis muscle flap
• lagophthalmos
• orbicularis oculi